Monday, 1 February 2010
NEWSLETTER; February/March 2010
Monday, 1st February 2010
Hi Everyone; Well, with everyone now back at training and focusing on our first round of exams for 2010 I thought this would be a good time to reflect on the importance of the grading and explain the integral role it plays in your future learning process.
GRADINGS
In Shim Jang Taekwondo, in order to earn a higher belt rank you must take a test, just like at school these tests are designed to monitor your progress and make adjustments if necessary. Therefore, just like in any school or learning environment you need to do some preparation before you apply for the next level. It is, however, important to remember that your performance during the previous 3 months is also taken into account when considering your elevation to the next kup level within the art.
Your Instructor is a professional and is in constant communication with Master Hicks, your instructor will make recommendations and suggestions which are always taken into account when marking your exam papers. This is all designed to give the student maximum opportunity and fair, unbiased result.
In Shim Jang Taekwondo coloured belt members are eligible to test for rank every 3 months, White Belt members usually grade sooner and Black Belt candidates are required to wait much longer. 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.
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 relive stress on the individual, groups of students of the same level are tested together. 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.
GIVE YOUR INSTRUCTOR SOME CONSIDERATION
A Senior Instructor leads the students through the test. Often, the test resembles a shortened, fast-pace 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 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.
WHAT IS THE EXAMINER LOOKING FOR ?
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 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 pass. A good attitude is essential to reach the pinnacle (Black belt) in 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.
PREPARING FOR YOUR GRADING
A rank promotion test is less intimidating if you know what to expect, your Branch instructor will usually take you through a grading test rehearsal prior to the exam. You may also 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) so 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, there is no point just "treading water" if you want to grow and move forward you must focus on your future and prepare for what you know is ahead. Attend the grading, ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE and reap the rewards of your efforts!
When you look back on it you will realise that it is actually a lot of fun to be judged by the Master !
NOTE; I recently sat down with Master Hicks and discussed our ranking system, In the next newsletter (due out in late March) I will explain our ranking system to everyone in great detail so DON'T MISS THAT ONE !
Enjoy the grading………….
To find your grading date go to the EVENTS page on our official website
Yours in Shim Jang Taekwondo…
Steve Buck
4th Degree Black Belt
Assistant Secretary General
World Shim Jang Taekwondo Academy
|
