Belt testing is a part of Hapkido you can’t avoid if you want to progress in the art and one day earn that much coveted Black Belt.

Some people test well, that is, they can study and go into a testing situation confident and relaxed and do their best.  Other people freeze up no matter how much they have prepared beforehand.

Preparation is the key.  And if you know what to expect, testing can be a very exciting part of your Hapkido training.

For this reason all students are encouraged to attend other student’s belt tests to find out what is expected from those testing and what they will need to do when their day arrives.

There are huge benefits to gradings and putting students through a specific and intensive testing situation.  Belt tests reveal how you react under pressure.  If you stuff up and forget all the techniques you are supposed to know, then how do you expect to perform in a real life-threatening situation?

Gradings are a good indication of your mind, your heart, and your body.

That’s why our school has regular belt testing for students.  With gradings scheduled for once a month, students who are ready to test can do so without any undue delays.

However, don’t take the test unless you know your stuff.  Many students, especially the kids, want to take the test as soon as they have done the required time for their belt.  But just because you have been an orange belt for 4 months, this does not mean you are ready to take the test. You have to know the required techniques, and more than that, you have to be able to perform your techniques in front of the grading panel.

If you think you are ready for testing make sure you speak to your instructor.  Your instructor will be able to determine when you are ready to test.  Even if you don’t feel ready at the time, trust your instructor’s instincts.

Check out the Events section for our scheduled monthly belt tests for the year. We encourage all students to plan out the year ahead, work out what months they are planning to test, what rank they are aiming to be at the end of the year, at the end of next year, in 3 years time etc.

Some grading tips:

• Make sure you pay attention during the grading and listen to all instructions carefully.  Too many students fail or get severe warnings in their gradings all because they were not listening to simple instructions about where to stand, when to kiyap etc
  
   
• Most instructors take the position that Hapkido and testing are confidence-building experiences.  What this means is that you will not be expected to test until such time as you are ready.  It also means that the instructors don’t want to see you fail and they hate not passing a student onto a higher rank.
  
   
• One of the key elements is how hard you try. If you are screaming your heart out and shouting "Yes Sir" at every opportunity, the grading panel will no doubt be impressed with your attitude.  Loud and spirited kiyaping also goes a long way.  Remember, this is not only a physical test but also a test of your spirit.  If you go through the test with this spirit-filled attitude, we can almost guarantee that you will not fail, no matter how badly you might feel you did.