Grading Theory

West Sussex Tae Kwon Do Grading Information and Theory

10th Kup White Belt

PRACTICAL
Name and grade
(SS) Single Punch x10
Front raising exercise – facing the angle x5 each side
Press ups x10
4 Directional Punching – Numbers 1 and 2

LINE WORK
(WS) Middle Block
(WS) Single Punch (obverse)
(WS) Low Block/ Reverse Punch
(WS) Middle Block and Reverse Punch

THEORY
Meaning of White Belt
White belt signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no knowledge of Tae Kwon Do

Tenets of Tae Kwon Do – (See your Student Licence for interpretations of the Tenets)
Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self Control
Indomitable Spirit
What is Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is an ancient form of unarmed combat, perfected in its present form in Korea by General Choi Hong Hi
“Tae” – To jump kick or smash with the foot
“Kwon” – To punch or destroy with the hand
“Do” – Means the art or way
English/Korean terminology
Instructor – Sabum
Student – Jeja
Suit – Dobok
Belt – Ti
Training Hall- Dojang
Stance – Sogi
Attention – Charyot
Parallell Ready Stance – Narani Junbi Sogi
Sitting Stance – Annun Sogi
Walking Stance – Gunnun Sogi
General Terms
Forefist Punch – Ap Joomuk Jirugi
Foot Fist Art – Tae Kwon Do
Inner Forearm – An Palmok
Outer Forearm – Bakat Palmok
Front Rising Kick – Apcha Olligi
Four Directional Punching – Saju Jirugi
Block – Makgi
Low Outer Forearm Block – Najunde Bakat Palmok Makgi
Middle Inner Forearm Block – Kaunde An Palmok Makgi
Bow – Kyong Ye
Sections of the Body
High – Nopunde
Middle – Kaunde
Low – Najunde

9th Kup Yellow Tag

PRACTICAL
Name and grade
(SS) Single Punch x10
Press ups x20
4 Directional Punching – Numbers 1 and 2
Chon-Ji

LINE WORK
(LS) Middle Block
(WS) Front Kick
(WS) Low Block/Rising Block
(LS) Knifehand Strike SHOUT

THEORY
Meaning of Yellow Belt
Yellow signfies Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae Kwon Do foundation is being laid.
Interpretation of pattern
Chon-Ji
Chon-Ji (19) – Literally means Heaven and Earth. In the orient it is interpreted as the creation of the world and the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern performed by the beginner. The pattern consists of two similar parts, one to represent heaven, the other earth
English/Korean terminology
Stances
L Stance – Niunja Sogi
Parts of Body
Ball of Foot – Ap Kumchi
Footsword – Balkal
Head – Mori
Backfist – Dung Joomuk
Knifehand – Sonkal
General Terms
Double Punch – Ibo Jirugi
Obverse Punch – Baro Jirugi
Reverse Punch – Bandae Jirugi
Forearm – Palmok
Outward – Bakaero
Inward – Anaero
Rising Block – Chookyo Makgi
Forearm Guarding Block – Palmok Daebi Makgi
Knifehand Strike – Sonkal Taerigi
Front Kick – Ap Chagi
Side Kick – Yop Chagi
Turning Kick – Dollyo Chagi
Three Step Sparring – Sambo Matsoki
Left – Wen
Right – Orun
Pattern – Tul
Press Up – Momtong Bachia
One – Hanna
Two – Doo
Three – Set
Four – Net
Five – Dasaul
Six – Yasaul
Seven – Ilgop
Eight – Yodoll
Nine – Ahop
Ten – Yoll

8th Kup Yellow Belt

PRACTICAL
Name and grade
(SS) Double Punch x10
Three Step Sparring – Numbers 1-4
Chon-Ji
Dan-Gun

LINE WORK
(LS) Middle Section Outer Forearm Block
(LS) Forearm Guarding Block
(LS) Twin Forearm Block
(WS) Front Kick/Double Punch
(LS) Knifehand Guarding Block
(LS) Turning Kick – Ball of Foot
(LS) Inward Block/Downward Backfist Strike
(WS) Backfist Side Strike SHOUT

THEORY
Interpretation of pattern
Dan-Gun
Dan-Gun (21) – Named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 BC.
English/Korean terminology
Parts of Body
Palmheel – Sonbadak
Knifehand – Sonkal
Backfist – Dung Joomuk
General Terms
High Section Forefist Punch – Nopunde Ap Joomuk Jirugi
Middle Section Outward Knifehand Strike – Kaunde Bakaero Sonkal Taerigi
Knifehand Guarding Block – Sonkal Daebi Makgi
Twin Forearm Block – Sang Palmok Makgi
Inward Outer Forearm Block – Anaero Bakat Palmok Makgi
Downward Backfist Strike – Naeryo Dung Joomuk Taerigi
Semi Free Sparring – Ban Jayoo Matsoki

7th Kup Green Tag

PRACTICAL
Name and grade
Three Step Sparring – Numbers 5-7
Chon-Ji
Dan-Gun
Do-San

LINE WORK
(LS) Inward Palmheel Block
(WS) Wedging Block
(LS) Middle Section Knifehand Block
(WS) Straight Fingertip Thrust
Front Kick
Side Kick
Turning Kick
Reverse Side Kick

THEORY
Meaning of Green Belt
Green Belt signifies the plants growth as the Tae Kwon Do skills begin to develop.
Interpretation of pattern
Do-San
Do-San (24) – Is the pseudonym of the patriot An Ch’ang Ho (1876-1938), who devoted his entire life to furthering the Education of Korea and its Independent movement
English/Korean terminology
Parts of Body
Foot Sword – Balkal
Ball of Foot – Ap Kumchi
Heel – Dwit Kumchi
Reverse Knifehand – Sonkal Dung
Fingertips – Sonkut
Stances
Verticle Stance – Soojik Sogi
General Terms
Straight – Son
Thrust – Tulgi
Wedging Block – Hechyo Makgi
Inward Palmheel Block – Anaero Sonbadak Makgi
Wrist Release – Jappyosol Tae
Straight Fingertip Thrust – Son Sonkut Tulgi
High Backfist Side Strike – Nopunde Dung Joomuk Taerigi
Waist Block – Hori Makgi
Downward Block – Naeryo Makgi
Back Kick – Dwit Chagi
Shout – Kihap
Begin – Si Jak
Free Sparring – Jayoo Matsoki

6th Kup Green Belt

PRACTICAL
Full safety equipment on
Name and Grade
Free Sparring
Semi Free Sparring – Basic
3 Step Sparring – Numbers 8-10
Dan-Gun
Do-San
Whon-Yo

LINE WORK
B – (WS) Low X Block / Twin Vertical Punch
F – (WS) Circular Block
B – (LS) Upward Palmheel Block
F – (FIXED) Side Punch
B – (TURN) Front / Turning Kick
F – (TURN) Side / Back Kick
B – (TURN) Side / Turning Kick
F – (TURN) Turning / Back Kick

THEORY
Interpretation of Pattern (Tul)
Whon-Yo (28) – was the noted Monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686AD.
Note: The 38° Latitude is the dividing line between North and South Korea.
English / Korean Terminology
Stances
Closed Ready Stance “A” – Moa Junbi Sogi A
Bending Ready Stance – Goburyo Sogi
Fixed Stance – Gojung Sogi
Low Stance – Nachuo Sogi
Parts of the Body
Back Heel – Dwit Chook
Knee – Moorup
General Terms
2 Step Sparring – Ibo Matsoki
Circular Block – Dollymio Makgi
Waist Block – Hori Makgi
“X” Block – Kyocha Makgi
Upward Palmheel Block – Ollyo Sonbadak Makgi
Side Punch – Yop Jirugi
Twin Fist Vertical Punch – Sang Joomuk Sewo Jirugi
Twin Upset Punch – Sang Joomuk Dwijibo Jirugi
High Inward Knifehand Strike – Nopunde anaero Sonkal Taerigi
High Flat Fingertip Thrust – Nopunde Opun Sonkut Tulgi
Knee Kick – Moorup Chagi
Return to Ready Stance – Barrol
Break (in Sparring) – Hechyo

LINE WORK
B – (LS) Twin Knifehand Block
F – (WS) Hooking Block Obverse / Reverse / Obverse Punch
B – (LS) Inward Block / (WS) Reverse Knifehand Strike
F – (LS) Twin Forearm Block / Inward Knifehand Strike / (FIXED) Side Punch
B – (LS) Inward Waist Block (Double Step) Knifehand Guarding Block
F – (LS) Side Kick / Downward Backfist Strike
B – (TURN) Turning / Back Kick
F – (TURN) Axe Kick/ Reverse Punch SHOUT

THEORY
Meaning of Blue Belt
Blue Belt signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon Do Progresses.
Interpretation of Pattern (Tul)
Yul-Gok (38) – Is the pseudonym of the great sixteenth Century Philosopher and Scholar – Yi I (1536-1584AD), nicknamed the Confucius of Korea. The 38 movements of the pattern refer to his Birthplace on the 38° Latitude, and the diagram of the Pattern represent Scholar.
Note: The 38° Latitude is the dividing line between North and South Korea.
English / Korean Terminology
Stances
‘X’ Stance – Kyocha Sogi
Parts of the Body
Elbow – Palkup
General Terms
Jumping – Twigi
1 Step Sparring – Ilbo Matsoki
Palmheel Waist Block – Sonbadak Hori Makgi
Hooking Block – Golcho Makgi
Twin Knifehand Block – Sang sonkal Makgi
Double Forearm Block – Doo Palmok Makgi
Inner Forearm Inward Waist Block – An Palmok Anaero Hori Makgi
Twin Straight Forearm Block – Sang Sun Palmok Makgi
Checking Block – Momchau Makgi
Front Elbow Strike – Ap Palkup Taerigi
Axe (Downward) Kick – Naeryo Chagi
Hooking Kick – Golcha Chagi
Reverse Turning Kick – Bandae Dollyo Chagi
Palmheel Strike – Sonbadak Taerigi
Arc Hand Strike – Bandalson Taerigi
Reverse Knifehand Strike – Sonkal Dung Taerigi
Sidefist Side Strike – Yop Joomuk Yop Taerigi

4th Kup Blue Belt

PRACTICAL
Name and Grade
Semi Free Sparring – Advanced
Free Sparring
Move out and take gear off
2 Step Sparring – Numbera 5-8
Examiner’s Choice Pattern
Student’s Choice Pattern
Choong-Gun

LINE WORK
B – U-Shaped Block (Fixed Stance)
F – Reverse Knifehand Block / Low Front Snap Kick / Upward Palmheel Block (Rear Foot Stance)
B – Knifehand Guarding Block (LS) / Upward Elbow Strike (WS)
F – Twin Upset Punch (WS)
B – Forearm Guarding Block (LS) / Pressing Block (Low Stance)
F – Side Kick/ Turning Kick / Reverse Punch / Forearm Guarding Block
B – High Double Forearm Block (WS)
F – Turning Kick / Reverse Turning Kick / Forearm Guarding Block
Pad Work – Basic

THEORY
Interpretation of Pattern (Tul)
Choong Gun (32) – is named after the patriot An Joong-Gun who Assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese Governor General of Korea, known as the man who played the leading role in the Korea/ Japan merger. The 32 movements of this Pattern are to represent Mr An’s age when he was Executed in Lui-Shung prison (1910).
English / Korean Terminology
Stances
Closed Ready Stance ‘B’ – Moa Junbi Sogi
Rear Foot Stance – Dwit Bal Sogi
Parts of the Body
Arc Hand – Bandal Son
General Terms
Rising ‘X’ Block – Kyocha Joomuk Chookyo Makgi
Pressing Block – Noollo Makgi
U-Shaped Block – Digutja Makgi
Scooping Block – Duro Makgi
Reverse Knifehand Block – Sonkal Dung Makgi
Low Front Snap Kick – Najunde Apcha Busigi
Side Piercing Kick – Yop Chajirugi
Upper Elbow Strike – Wi Palkup Taerigi
Twin Upset Punch – Sang Joomuk Dwijibo Jirugi
Turning Punch – Dollyo Jirugi
Wrist Release – Jappyosol Tae
Grab – Japki

3^rd Kup

Name and grade.
Free Sparring.
Semi Free Sparring – Advanced.
Move out and take safety equipment.
2 Step Sparring.
1 Step Sparring.
Student’s choice pattern.
Examiner’s choice pattern.
Toi Gye.
Line work.

Theory

Red belt signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.

Interpretation of pattern

Toi Gye (37) is the penname for the noted scholar YI HWANG 16^th Century A.D, an authority on Neo-confucianism. The 37 moves refer to his birthplace on the 37 degree latitude and the diagram of the pattern represents the scholar.

English/Korean Terminology

Flying Twimyo

Low upset fingertip thrust Najunde dwijibo sonkut tulgi

High flat open fingertip thrust Nopunde opun sonkut tulgi

Pressing X fist block Noollo kyocha joomuk makgi

W shaped block Bakat Palmok san makgi

Double forearm pushing block Doo plamok miro makgi

Reverse hooking kick Bandae golcha chagi

Vertical kick Sewo chagi

2^nd Kup

Name and grade.
Free sparring.
Move out and take off safety equipment.
3 step sparring.
2 step sparring.
1 step sparring.
Student’s choice pattern.
Examiner’s choice patterns.
Hwa Rang (29).
Line work.

Interpretation of pattern

Hwa Rang (29)is named after the Hwa Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in about 600 A.D. This group eventually became the driving force behind the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea. The 29 moves refer to the 29^th Infantry Division, where Tae Kwon Do developed into maturity.

Hwa Rang literally means Flowering Youth. Closed ready stance C means speed. The 29^th Infantry Division was General Choi Hong Hi’s own division. General Choi died in June 2002.

English/Korean Terminology

Instep Baldung

Reverse footsword Baldal dung

Upward punch Ollyo jirugi

Knifehand downward strike Sonkal naeryo taerigi

Side elbow strike Yop palkup taerigi

Palmheel pushing block Sonbadak miro makgi

Twist kick Bituro chagi