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| BLACK BELT FINAL PREPARATION TIME |
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| Dear Parents of TKD Probationary Black Belt students: Congratulations to you and your child. Your child has recently tested successfully for 3rd Black Stripe on Red Belt and attained the wonderful preliminary goal of becoming a Probationary Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Black belt evaluation typically follows six to nine months later, followed by black belt testing. |
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| Being a probationary black belt means several things: the student has reached one of the final steps in preparation for black belt testing; the student has demonstrated reasonable knowledge and ability in the basics of Tae Kwon Do; the student has demonstrated a certain perseverance and diligence in the journey toward black belt; the student has exhibited the ability to exercise reasonable self-control and has shown positive personal characteristics in age-appropriate ways; the student has shown good conduct in accordance with the Martial Arts Creed; the student has demonstrated faithfulness and commitment to the martial arts as a positive way of life; the student has exhibited a desire to improve and achieve meaningful goals in life. |
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| CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU. Black belt testing typically occurs six to nine months after probationary black belt testing. Now the student must "PROVE himself/herself" by TOTALLY following all the rules of the dojang including, but not limited to, proper attitude, behavior, etiquette, and the perfection of all martial arts skills relevant to black belt status. In addition to in-class training and actively seeking outside help from the instructor, the serious student will ACTIVELY and SERIOUSLY practice with other students before and after training classes to sharpen skills. Following this initial preparation, students must pass the BLACK BELT CANDIDATE rank test (new belt - red with black center stripe - is awarded) for which there is no fee. This test,if failed, may be repeated in one week providing perfect attendance during the week prior to new test, and may be repeated three times under the same requirements. Black belt candidates have at least one formal evaluation with the Grandmaster before testing for black belt. All evaluations (and the black belt test) occur at one of the general bi-monthly testings. This is NOT the black belt test. The prepared student may request the CANDIDATE TEST five (5) months following a successful 3rd black stripe test (probationary black belt), and the first formal evaluation at the very next general testing. Probationary black belts and Candidates are expected to ALWAYS exercise proper etiquette (bowing, etc.) to flag, Masters, black belts, etc. at all times without being reminded. If the student's ATTITUDE, BEHAVIOR, ATTENDANCE, PERFORMANCE, or CHARACTER are thought to be lacking in some way, the formal evaluation or test will be delayed (or repeated) until the student proves readiness.
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| Serious black belt candidates will make this preparation time period a priority. Readiness is defined as an observable serious attitude during all phases of training, proper dojang etiquette at all times, reasonable martial arts ability, good character, hard effort at every class and uninterrupted attendance. If any of these are lacking, an invitation to evaluate or test will not be forthcoming. The invitation and time for black belt testing will be extended in |
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| the same amount of any missed training time, including any holiday and summer absences. NO EXCEPTIONS. Most students demonstrate readiness and succeed with only one formal Candidate test and Evaluation prior to black belt testing. |
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| Once the student performs adequately and demonstrates all proper personal characteristics, the student will BE FORMALLY INVITED by the Master instructor to begin planning in earnest (training hard with the Master instructor) for black belt testing. The student may want to arrange for and participate in additional private instruction for black belt testing with the Master instructor. Students and parents of students agree to these guidelines by virtue of their registration and are expected to support these guidelines and not ask for special exceptions. Invitations to test will NOT be compromised in any way, including family holiday, vacation plans, summer schedules, etc. The student's readiness to test as observed and judged by the instructor(s) will be the sole determinant whether an invitation to test to ANY rank will be given. Testing is NOT a right; testing is a PRIVILEGE. Also, testing fees are not related in any way to a student's testing success. |
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| After a successful black belt test, the student will be awarded a certificate from J. Park World Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido Center and also a Kukkiwon certificate from the World Tae Kwon Do Federation Headquarters in Seoul, S. Korea where the student's name will be registered as a certified black belt. The black belt student will receive the "J. Park" certificate soon after the testing. The kukkiwon certificate from Korea may take some time to receive. Of course, this is the beginning, not the end of training. Serious students are invited to continue their conditioning, training, and learning by striving for higher martial arts ranks and/or teaching others. Timing between black belt degrees is the same as the degree sought (e.g., two years between 1st and 2nd Dan; five years between 4th Dan and 5th Dan, etc.). There is always more to learn; the more we learn, the more we discover how little we know and have yet to learn! |
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| This is a great time for you and your child. Encouragement from parents to practice often at home and to pay attention diligently during training classes also will help the child attain a very significant goal and milestone in your child's life. |
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| Thank you for the great privilege for allowing me to be part of your child's growth and development into a fine young person of character, integrity and honor. |
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| Sincerely, |
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| Master Dennis W. Barbeau, Instructor |
| Certified 5th Degree black belt - J. Park Tae Kwon Do |
| J. Park World Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido Center, Tampa, FL World Tae Kwon Do Federation Certified; Seoul, S. Korea |
| Certified 2nd Degree black belt - Hapkido |
| Hapkido International |
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