- About KMAI Promotion Examinations
A student's readiness to test for promotion is based on the following:
- competence at the techniques for their rank
- attendance of a minimum number of classes (this number is higher as the student's rank progresses)
- attitude and behavior
At the KMAI, a promotion examination, or "test", is typically held about every 6 weeks on a Saturday morning. About 1-2 weeks before each test, a list of the eligible students will be posted at the Gup entrance (back door) of the dojang. If a student is unable to attend the testing for which he/she is eligible, he/she will automatically be eligible to test at the next group testing 6 weeks later, or he/she may arrange for a private testing, for an additional fee of $10.
Before the testing date, an eligible student must:
- Fill out & submit a Testing Application (available at the office).
- Pay the Testing Fee in cash (fees for each rank are posted at both entryways).
- Take a quiz on the questions for the rank that they are testing for. Older children and adults will have written quizzes. Younger children are quized orally.
- Hand in 2 copies of your essay. (Children that are too small to write may draw a picture with their name and rank on it.)
Essay Topics include, but are not limited to:
- comparing TaeKwon-Do to other martial arts/sports/physical activities
- explanations of hand/foot, weapon, or sparring techniques
- history of TaeKwon-Do or other martial arts
- anatomy
- book report on a book relating to the martial arts
- your strengths and weaknesses, etc...
Essay length for a given rank is found on the ITA Promotion Requirements page.
Essay format is as follows:
In top right-hand of each page: Example:
Name
Date
Present Rank
Mary Smith
01/01/98
4th Gup
At the end of the essay: Example:
Birthdate: 00/00/00
Signature
Printed Name
Birthdate: 02/28/77
Mary Smith
Application forms, fees, quizzes, and essays are due by the Friday evening before testing day.
On the day of the test, students are encouraged to attend the Saturday morning class. It is a good review and warm-up before the test, and is usually run like a mock testing.
Students that are testing must wear a complete ITA uniform with patches.
Tests usually last about 1 1/2 hours. They may be longer if a very large group is testing that day.
Test are closed to viewing. Family and friends are not allowed in the dojang until the test is over.
Test scores are posted during the week following the test.
Rank promotions are presented at a ceremony that is usually held after the next Saturday morning class. During the summer, promotions may be given during weekday classes. These will be listed in the monthly bulletin.
