Topic Areas Checklist:

What are the primary reasons for us to need Tests for rank grades?
1. To assist the students in progressing through the various content requirements of the art in bite sized stages, at their own pace.
2. To motivate the students via tangible achievements (rank grades and belt colors).
3. To inculcate positive values within each student (focus; overcoming; discipline; perseverance; confidence; etc.)
4. As a measure of the system's effectiveness to impart values, standards, skills and knowledge.

What is the requirement template to follow for each rank?
1. Each art follows the respective set syllabus content.
2. Each candidate follows the guide in terms of time in grade; age; training commitment; skills and knowledge ability.

What are the main requirements for the actual testing formats?
1. Primary objectives are to achieve transparency, accuracy, consistency, efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Senior candidates (Black belts) can be tested via world body testing template if there is one (KukKiWon).
3. Junior candidates should be tested via the standard testing template.

Primary Testing components checklist for Candidates:
1. There are 5 main areas overall: Techniques; Poomse (TKD only); Kyorugi (Sparring); Self Defense; Kyukpa (Breaking) and Weapons (HKD only).
2. Techniques can be sub-divided into 6 areas: Stances; Strikes; Kicks; Accuracy; Gracefulness; Overall Skill.

Full Testing component checklist for Candidates:
1. Physical Endurance component (Optional).
2. Historical knowledge section (Optional).
3. Basic technical knowledge for Geup level candidates.
4. Advanced technical knowledge for Dan level candidates.
5. Patterns (TaeKwonDo candidates only).
6. Technical Skills (as per rank requirements) execution.
7. HoShinSool or Applied Self Defence (as per rank requirements; includes multiple opponents).
8. Kyurugi or Free Sparring (as per rank requirements; includes multiple opponents)
. 9. Kyukpa or Breaking (as per rank requirements).
10. Weapons (HapKiDo or Weapons Program candidates only)
11. Thesis paper (as per High Dan rank requirements) presentation and discussion.

Where should we conduct the events?
1. Preferably indoors, in a controlled environment with good lighting.
2. Temperature comforts should be available (fans, air-conditioners, heaters, etc.).
3. Capable of handling not only candidates but their following (family and friends).
4. Parking, seating and toilets are important issues for most events.
5. If possible, mats should be provided.

What are the Examiners minimum requirements in terms of Rank and Qualification?
1. 6 Dan minimum of the respective art.
2. Certified as a Master Instructor of the respective art.
3. Signed off on the Examiners' Familiarization Program (EFP).
4. Signed off on the Examiners' Qualifying Seminar (EQS).
5. Qualified as an Examiner of the respective art.

What are the testing rank limits for each Examiner?
1. One Dan below their current rank e.g. 6 Dan can grade to 5 Dan; 7 Dan to 6 Dan, etc. 2. 8 and 9 Dan rank gradings are normally conducted at the Korean HQ.
3. In areas where a special exception has been made, a qualified and certified 5 Dan special Examiner can grade all Geup grades but NOT Dan grades.

How many candidates can an examiner test at each time?
1. Number of candidates seen by each Examiner can be 1 minimum to 6 maximum, with 4 as an optimum.

Should candidates' individual results be made known to them after the test?
1. Yes.

2. Both rank Group and Individual results should be released to the respective Instructor base for later downloading to the candidates.

3. This will increase overall understanding and help improve future performance standards.

Why do we advocate a standard "Fail" percentage for all test candidates?
1. This is a guide suggestion, for the examiner's application.
2. To improve the overall quality control of standards.

What is the dress code for Examiners?
1. Official dobok (with all appropriate badges) washed, cleaned and pressed.
2. Alternative is a dark colour suit, with a white long sleeved shirt and tie with polished dark leather shoes.

What is the dress code for candidates?
1. Official dobok (with all appropriate badges) washed, cleaned and pressed.

Are there any Conduct Guides for the event?
1. Applicable to ALL involved.
2. Punctuality is critical.
3. Absolutely NO non-prescription drugs are to be tolerated.
4. NO alcohol allowed.
5. NO chewing or bubble gum allowed.
6. NO smoking (included chewing tobacco) allowed.
7. NO eating allowed.
8. Drinking allowed, but from non-glass containers.
9. NO glass containers of any kind allowed near or on the grading floor area.
10. NO profanities allowed.
11. NO loud, provocative or aggressive behavior allowed.
12. NO videotaping except with the express permission from BOTH the organizer AND the Examiner.
13. Only candidates and officials are allowed within the grading floor areas.
14. There should be a designated first aid officer present with the appropriate kit.
15. Instructions from designated Officers or Controllers should be clear and adhered to immediately.

When are Assessments (as opposed to formal Gradings or Tests) allowed?
1. Gradings are to be used when there are a minimum number of feasible candidates available.
2. Minimum number thresholds or levels can vary, but normally start at 20 candidates. 3. When there isn't an acceptable minimum number available, the Examiner can use his/her discretion to conduct a less formal Assessment.
4. Another condition for an Assessment is when there is a special event, and the examiner can make on ongoing Assessment during said event.
5. Assessments can be made on the spot (known candidates), over a short marked time period (1 to 4 hours) or over an extended time period (up to 1 year) depending on circumstances.

Can other rank certificates be accepted to establish a base rank for the individual candidate before the grading?
1. If they are from our parent governing Korean Martial Art bodies, YES!
2. If they are from other world class bodies that we recognize out of goodwill, YES.
3. If they are from Master Instructors certified from the above bodies that have positive goodwill, YES.
4. All others are NO; please check with the HQ for confirmation if unsure.

Procedural checklist for Examiners:
1. Suitable date, time and venue for the event.
2. Minimal number of candidates confirmed.
3. Booking, checking and announcement of the venue.
4. Fulfilment of the Pre-event syllabus requirements (e.g. endurance testing).
5. Appointment of Event Coordinator or Officer in Charge (OIC).
6. Appointment of Sub section officers.
7. Confirmation of any and all event equipment needed (e.g. mats, tiles, planks, safety gear back-ups, first aid kit, toiletries, etc.).
8. Confirmation of any specialist personnel needed (paramedics, etc.) or their quickest location (i.e. medical clinic or hospital).
9. Confirmation of a cleanup crew for before and after and basic tools needed (mops, bin bags, etc.).
10. Confirmation of any VIPs attending and if so, basic requirements for them (e.g. ushers, light refreshments, etc.).
11. Is any Local Council or Authority permission required (e.g. Police)?
12. Is there any generic event signage that can be temporarily erected (good PR) on site on the day?
13. If grading sheets are off line (hard copy) are these prepared and distributed prior? 14. If grading sheets are standardized on line, are there backup systems ready (have we also checked power availability)?