The World Shim Jang Taekwondo Academy requires a formal rank promotion test to be conducted by a suitably qualified and officially appointed examiner, this is to legitimise and officially document the successful candidates new rank within the organisation and to ensure that the overall standard within each region is consistent compared to that of the rest of the academy.
Usually (to relieve stress on the individual) groups of students of the same level are tested together (the higher the rank, the smaller the group). The examiner observes them and determines whether they are proficient in the techniques taught at their levels. The examiner is very experienced and considers each person individually; He can easily distinguish between good or bad technique and is an expert at “sniffing out” bad attitudes.
 
In Shim Jang Taekwondo, in order to earn a higher belt rank each student must take a test, these belt rankings allow the student to focus on short term goals and assist greatly in the students learning process, just like at school these tests are designed to monitor each members progress and make adjustments if necessary. Therefore, just like in any school or learning environment the student needs to focus on their short term goals (next belt level) but not lose track of their long term ambitions (maybe Black belt), it is an important part of the learning process to be continually challenged, students without focus or ambition become stagnate and their learning stalls.
As competent instructors we consider it extremely important to advise coloured belt members to focus on applying for each exam, to continue their growth within the art they are encouraged to prepare well and apply for their next belt level regularly (continual learning and progression is important when developing the required skills needed to be proficient in any art or profession). The student’s performance during the previous 3 months is always taken into account when considering their elevation to the next kup level within the art so it is very important for all students to train both regularly and diligently.
Our Instructors are professionals and are in constant communication with Master Hicks, each instructor will make recommendations and suggestions to the examiner which can be taken into account when marking the student’s exam papers. This is all designed to give the student maximum opportunity and fair, unbiased result.
Coloured Belt students grade every 3 months (4 times each year) White Belt or (New Members) often grade sooner and encouraged to attend the a grading as soon as possible after joining (this gives the new member a fantastic opportunity to both meet Master Hicks and to see the other more senior members in action, this initial experience is very beneficial in preparing the new member for the future)
Black Belt candidates are required to wait much longer between exams and the higher a degree the black belt is testing for, the longer they must wait between tests. This is to prepare them for the greater responsibilities and higher expectations that are required of them at the more Senior Black Belt levels.
A Senior Instructor leads the students through the test. Often, the test resembles a shortened, more methodical version of a regular training session. This gives the examiner not just an overall view of the student’s progression but also demonstrates what and how the Branch instructor is teaching and how successful they are at doing it. Gradings are an important tool enabling the examiner to constantly monitor the Instructors performance and attitude which is necessary when they themselves are being considered for higher rank promotion.
For an Instructor the pressure is always ON at the grading !
Instructors and Black Belts are constantly scrutinised in order to maintain a strong and consistent standard throughout the organisation, this enables you the student to receive the best possible tuition with maximum opportunity.
All participants should be sweaty and tired after a promotion test. In Shim Jang Taekwondo sweating is voluntary but usually those that sweat are the most successful. The examiner appreciates energy and enthusiasm (spirit) and it will definitely help your marks.
Skill isn't the only criterion, Shimjang Taekwondo was founded on the principles of courtesy, respect and good conduct and as such the examiner also takes into consideration the effort, age and any physical disability that the applicant may have. Overall, the effort, the courtesy that you show toward others and your attitude must be of a high standard to enable you to succeed within the Shimjang TKD organisation.
As coloured belt members you will no doubt sometimes struggle to demonstrate absolute proficiency with a certain technique, (this doesn’t mean that you will fail) as long as you have shown perseverance, a winning spirit, and in general, appeared to be a credit to the school your results can still be satisfactory. However, someone who may do all the techniques easily but is rude and unco-operative may not necessarily pass. A good attitude is essential to reach the pinnacle (Black belt) within this art.
In Shim Jang Taekwondo a student may, on occasion be passed "with reservation" , this means that the student is awarded the higher rank but must work on certain aspects of his/her training before presenting themselves for any subsequent test. In general, a student isn't given two "with reservation" promotions in a row and will not be permitted to grade again unless they have satisfied the examiners reservations.
A rank promotion test is less intimidating if you know what to expect, your Branch instructor is an expert at preparing members for promotion, they will usually take you through a grading test rehearsal prior to the exam (this will give you time to brush up on technique and ask your instructor for advice).
Feel free to ask the instructor what you'll be expected to do for your test, your Branch instructor is a professional and is eager to see you succeed (remember they are being tested too) Our Branch instructors are very proud men and women with a great passion for teaching the art and they do genuinely want to see their members succeed, they will assist you at every opportunity.
For the most part, you need to know how to do the techniques that you've been taught prior to the test and you should be able to demonstrate your pattern with proficiency.
What's expected of you at your test will be made quite clear by your Branch Instructor prior to the exam, Just remember to do your best because that is all that is ever expected, your examiner is an experienced professional and knows when you are making an effort.
Also, your focus and concentration are judged at a promotion test, to assist with this it is recommended that you get plenty of sleep and have something healthy to eat prior to the exam.
In short, prepare for what you know is coming, and ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE ! When you look back on it you will realise that it is actually a lot of fun to be judged by the Master !
 top
|
WHAT IS THE EXAMINER LOOKING FOR ?
