HDMA BELT PROMOTIONS

Belt Promotions (also known as Gradings) are special sessions where students are assessed for their eligibility to move to the next rank. This system is a way to symbolise your hard work so far and the specific outcomes you are focusing on at this time. The main phases of training are the BLACK BELT JOURNEY and the BEYOND BLACK BELT JOURNEY.

Belt Promotion is an IMPORTANT part of your journey, not only providing you with the next rank but also experience in confidence and performing under pressure, both life skills that are very important to develop!

BELT PROMOTION WEEKS

All Belt Promotions are held in the same designated weeks. We hold Belt Promotion Weeks three times per year (Autumn, Winter and Spring). During Belt Promotion Week there are no regular classes and we operate a specific Belt Promotion Timetable for those weeks only.

Belt Promotion Weeks are announced at the beginning of the year, and confirmed 8 weeks prior to the date. All information is communicated via email to members so you can adequately plan and prepare.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Students who are eligible for Belt Promotion will receive a Recommendation Slip. This is an envelope that will be handed to the student once they have completed all requirements. This can be completed and returned to the front desk by the due date. Please note that only students who qualify will be recommended to attend, and students may advance at different rates.

Requirements include Syllabus outcomes, Training Time, Attendance and Club Culture. Syllabus outcomes are usually indicated by stripes on your belt.

For more information on requirements specific to your program, check your Syllabus.

TKD Kids

TKD Kids follow a specific TKD Kids Belt System. Students begin with a White Belt and work their way towards Junior Black Belt. When a TKD Kid moves to the Junior Program with their belt, they are an ADVANCED WHITE BELT and will continue through the Junior Belt System.

GUP Belts

These belts apply to our Junior, Teen and Adult Taekwondo, as well as Hapkido and Weaponry. Each belt has several technical requirements that are symbolised by a stripe on the belt. Cho-Dan-Bo students complete two Belt Promotions (a Trial and Full Grading) prior to Black Belt levels.

BLACK Belts

Earning your Black Belt is a great achievement. Most people begin Martial Arts with the goal of reaching their Black Belt, and it is one of the most identifiable aspects of Martial Arts training. Black Belt is not the end. While it is a huge milestone, earning your Black Belt shows that you are now an ADVANCED BEGINNER, with all the tools necessary to start honing your skills and building your ability towards Mastery.

Black Belt Ranks

Once you reach Black Belt, you are known as either a 1st Dan or 1st Poom. Poom is the Junior Rank for students under the age of 15yrs, Dan is the Senior Rank for students 15yrs and over. This is your first step towards your journey BEYOND BLACK BELT.

At Hills District Martial Arts we also include Bo Dan ranks. Full Black Belt ranks can sometimes have a number of years between them as a minimum requirement. Our Bo Dan System helps keep our students sharp between their next Dan/Poom by providing a provisional grading. Bo Dan ranks can be tested for after a MINIMUM of half your total required time has passed for your full rank. Students must be the appropriate Bo Dan prior to testing for their full Dan/Poom level.

Poom or Dan ranks are signified with a gold stripe on the belt. Bo Dan ranks are signified with a white stripe.

For further information, see Black Belt Gradings.