Dan Requirements 1.5 2022

Dan is pronounced dahn.

Terminology & Knowledge:  Page 1 & Page 2.

Testing for your black belt is the equivalent of graduating high school. Is your training over? Do you know all that there is to know? The answer to both of these questions is No. All training before black belt is preparation for more serious study afterward. Perfection of technique can take a very long time, especially in today’s fast-paced society. This constant training will help to slow life down and give you a consistent form of exercise and self-perfection. It will be challenging, more challenging than any training or study thus far. The peaks will be higher and harder to climb and the valleys larger and longer. Always remember that true mastery over technique and or oneself can take a lifetime.

The average time it takes to receive a black belt is about four years. After first dan black belt there is a minimum of two years of training for second dan. Then there is a minimum of three years for third dan and so on. These minimums will apply to most students who come to class one to three times a week. Your master can shorten these minimums if he or she feels a student is ready.

The requirements for testing may seem like a mystery to some of you, as much research must be done to understand what you will demonstrate at testing. Don’t let this scare you as your instructors and masters will be there to help guide you. Some of the requirements/expectations will be given to you as before during your time as a gup (color) belt. Be patient and consistent in your studies and your hard work will pay off!

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” ~Bruce Lee

1st Dan Black Belt

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level. (English and Korean)
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8 (children’s requirements may be different from this).
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  Koryo
  4. Creative Poomsae:  Basic form in any shape. Minimum of twenty four steps.
  5. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  6. HoSinSul: creative with a minimum of 4 techniques done on both sides.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Creative. (One upper body technique and one lower body technique.)
  9. Power Breaking: One brick. Palm strike/hammer fist or stomp.
  10. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+.
  11. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.
  12. Essay: “My Journey to Black Belt” Handed in as a prerequisite.

1st Dan 1st Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  KeumGang
  4. Creative Poomsae: Straight line form using any techniques. Minimum of six steps.
  5. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  6. HoSinSul: 1 – 5.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Chickens wrist or twist kick.
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

1st Dan 2nd Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  KeumGang
  4. Creative Poomsae: Straight line form using any techniques. Minimum of twelve steps.
  5. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  6. HoSinSul: 6 – 10.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Double chickens wrist or split front kick.
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

1st Dan 3rd Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  KeumGang
  4. Creative Poomsae: Straight line form using any techniques. Minimum of eighteen steps.
  5. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  6. HoSinSul: 11 – 15.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Reverse punch into thrusting elbow strike or double roundhouse kick.
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

2nd Dan Black Belt

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  KeumGang
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Straight line form using any techniques. Minimum of twenty four steps.
  6. HoSinSul: Creative vs knife. Minimum of four techniques.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Creative. (One upper body technique and one lower body technique.)
  9. Power Breaking: Two bricks. Palm strike/hammer fist or stomp.
  10. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  11. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.
  12. Essay: (choose)  “What does it mean to be a black belt.” / “The importance of goal setting.” /  “Loyalty.” Handed in as a prerequisite.

2nd Dan 1st Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  TaeBaek
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Upper body only in a square shape. Minimum of six steps. (Square only needs to be completed by 3rd Dan testing.)
  6. HoSinSul: 16 – 20.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Double elbows (same time) or 360 outside-in crescent kick.
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

2nd Dan 2nd Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  TaeBaek
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Upper body only in a square shape. Minimum of twelve steps.
  6. HoSinSul: 21 – 25.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Elbow, turning elbow combination or jumping turning inside-out crescent kick.
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

2nd Dan 3rd Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  TaeBaek
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Upper body only in a square shape. Minimum of eighteen steps.
  6. HoSinSul: 26 – 30.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Front snap kick, 360 back kick combo or jab, speed turning back fist combo.
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

3rd Dan Black Belt

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  TaeBaek
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Upper body only in a square shape. Minimum of twenty four steps.
  6. HoSinSul: Creative in a skit format.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Creative. (One upper body technique and one lower body technique.)
  9. Power breaking: Three bricks. Palm strike/hammer fist or stomp.
  10. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  11. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.
  12. Essay: (choose)  “Why is hierarchy important?” /  “The importance of failing or losing.” / “What makes a good leader?”  Handed in as a prerequisite.

3rd Dan 1st Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang, TaeBaek.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  Pyong-won.
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Lower body only in a triangle shape. Minimum of six steps. (Blocks are allowed).
  6. HoSinSul: 31 – 35.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Any upper or lower body technique to two free standing boards (speed).
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

3rd Dan 2nd Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1– 8, Koryo, Keumgang, TaeBaek.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  Pyong-won.
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomase: Lower body only in a triangle shape. Minimum of twelve steps.
  6. HoSinSul: 36 – 40.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Creative. Three regular stations. (3 boards only).
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+.
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

3rd Dan 3rd Refresher

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang, TaeBaek.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  Pyong-won.
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Lower body only in a triangle shape. Minimum of eighteen steps.
  6. HoSinSul: Creative. Two techniques vs being pinned to the wall and two vs being pinned down on the floor.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Creative. Three speed stations. (3 boards only).
  9. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  10. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.

4th Dan Black Belt

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomse: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang, TaeBaek.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  Pyong-won.
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Lower body only in a triangle shape. Minimum of twenty four steps.
  6. HoSinSul: Creative skit style using at least one sitting, one laying down and one pinned to wall techniques. Total of six techniques.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: Creative. Four stations (must include one speed break with free standing brick).
  9. Power Breaking: Four bricks. Palm strike/hammer fist or stomp.
  10. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  11. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.
  12. Essay: “Honor, respect, discipline, confidence, judgement.” Handed in as a prerequisite.

5th Dan Black Belt

  1. Basics: All stances, punches, strikes and kicks to your level.
  2. Poomsae: Kicho, TaeGeuk 1 – 8, Koryo, Keumgang, TaeBaek, Pyong-won.
  3. Ranking Poomsae:  Sip-jin.
  4. Optional Poomsae: PalGwe poomse & Original Koryo.
  5. Creative Poomsae: Any shape, minimum of 24 steps, demonstrating all self-defense techniques within.
  6. HoSinSul: all color belt testing self-defense techniques in addition to self-defense techniques created for your creative poomsae.
  7. Sparring: multiple rounds of 1v1. (Round type and rules may vary).
  8. Breaking Techniques: determined by head master.
  9. Power Breaking: determined by head master.
  10. Calisthenics: In one minute: Push up = 30+, Sit up = 30+, Squats = 30+. 
  11. Terminology & Knowledge: See Dan Terminology & Knowledge Sheet.
  12. Essay: determined by head master.