Preparing for Your First Black Belt Test: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Importance of Preparation

The truth of testing, in my experience, is that it’s about endurance. Every testing I’ve conducted, participated in, or seen has been, in no small part, a test of the applicant's ability to go through a strenuous physical challenge for several hours. The applicants are typically put through extensive cardio (for me, that meant doing over 100 sit-ups, running a mile, and completing 100 push-ups) followed by an analysis of technique, an analysis of Poomse, and a test on their knowledge of taekwondo philosophy (yes, really).

General Exercise and Endurance

In all the black belt tests I’ve been in, one thing is universal: it’s a physically challenging event. It always lasts multiple hours and is always high intensity. What schools ask of their examinees varies, but the point is the same. It is, at least partially, a test of the examinee's endurance. Tests often include heavy cardio, flexibility, and strength challenges.

The best way to prepare for this is to attend class regularly. A good examiner won’t ask you to test if they don’t think you can pass. That said, you should prepare for the challenge. Just because they believe you will pass doesn’t guarantee your ability to do so.

Examination of Philosophy

This requirement varies between schools. One of them required applicants to memorize and recite a paper on a philosophical topic. Another required students to write a paper and submit it before testing. Another didn’t require this at all. So, it is highly variable.

This requirement is a lot like doing forms or training in technique. Practice, practice, practice! Recite it while brushing your teeth, put it on the refrigerator, and think about it before class starts. Basically, take any opportunity to do it—safely, of course.

Application Essay

The schools vary significantly in who requires this, but I’ve found that it’s not uncommon for schools to request essays from students. Yes, essays. Schools vary in size, but the largest one I saw required a 10-page paper on the values of a taekwondo athlete, while the smallest required a one-page paper on what a black belt meant to the applicant.

If your school requests a paper, here’s some advice: start thinking about it immediately, and begin writing at least two months ahead of time. Or, even better, just sit down and write! It’s best to get it out of the way. Considering that application essays are usually submitted before testing day, it’ll feel nice to have one part of the requirements for your black belt completed.

Poomse

This aspect is universal among the schools whose curriculums I’ve seen. For black belts, it’s expected that they know all the Taeguk forms. With my students, I expect to see comprehensive memorization of the form, confidence, and good technique. Some of my colleagues are more stringent, expecting competition-level forms. What an examiner looks for in forms depends on the school, but the best way to impress is universal: practice, practice, practice!

Board Breaks

Board breaks are a common part of taekwondo testing. By this point in your training, you’ve probably broken at least a few boards. Each school has a different system, and the board break portion of the test varies greatly. Some tests require multiple breaks, some require one power break, and some require a speed break. It just depends on the school. Some even go so far as to not tell their students what their breaks will be until the day of the test! If you’re nervous about this part, you should ask your instructor. Since instructors usually test applicants, they are the most likely to know what they’ll ask of you and how to prepare for it.

Sparring

In all my time teaching, I find that students are often the most excited for this part. And rightly so! Sparring is exhilarating! Different schools place more or less value on it, depending on their community and instructor. For those schools that emphasize sparring, they often focus on your ability to perform well in the ring. Some want you to win, while others are more interested in your sportsmanship or your ability on the mat.

Just like board breaking, sparring requirements vary widely. There are many ways to train for this part. Some schools use targets, others do shadow sparring, and some conduct practice rounds. Some even utilize new technology! As regular readers know, I am quite excited about this.

Mental Preparation

Now that you know a little bit more about black belt testing and what to expect, let’s talk about mental preparation. Nervous? Excited? If you are, it is entirely understandable. I’ve always found it calming to think about it less as a test and more as a demonstration of my skill. The teachers aren’t judging your skills as much as they are interested in seeing your progress and your ability under pressure. Essentially, they want to see if you have learned what they taught you.

Final Thoughts

So, prepare well and remember to stay focused. Good luck, you got this!

Disclaimer: This post is only for entertainment purposes. What is written here isn’t necessarily true for every Taekwondo school. It is based on my experience as an instructor and examiner. The information is a general overview of common parts of taekwondo testing and is in no way related to any one particular school or organization.

Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is in no way meant to spoil a black belt test. The black belt test is very important and taken seriously at many schools. This is just a general overview of what testings often involve and is in no way connected to any one school or organization. Any similarities to any school or organization are entirely coincidental. All martial arts techniques and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor to prevent injuries and ensure proper technique. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a martial arts instructor who can provide you with an in-depth explanation, help correct your mistakes, answer your questions, and detail how the technique should be utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly under the guidance of a professional instructor.