Taekwondo Grading Oral Component

I've had more than a few questions pertaining to the oral section of the upcoming white belt test this weekend. The oral section for beginners is a good way to get beginners understanding bast knowledge of their art, definitions, etc. 9th, 8th, 7th kyu or gup would focus on definitions and terminology. The oral component of the test represents about 10-15% of the entire grade. Students should expect around 3 questions.

The oral component of the test for beginners may ask to state your knowledge of something factual about Traditional Taekwondo. Some of the questions white belts can expect are:

Taekwondo Oral Grading Questions for White Belts

• What does Taekwondo mean?
• What is the meaning of Chon-ji, Dan-gun, Do-san (dependant on the requisite form)?
• What is a down block called in Taekwondo?
• What was the name of the founder of Taekwondo?
• How many techniques feature in Chon-ji?

Taekwondo Oral Grading Questions for Beginners

For yellow - orange belts, the oral component may ask more historically challenging questions. Intermediate belts may be asked about important dates in taekwondo, definitions of the meaning of other martial arts and other variants of TKD. Intermediate students will also be asked about the comparison of technique sequences between forms and within forms.

• Where does Taekwondo originate?
• What year was Taekwondo officially formed?
• What was the name of the Grandmaster who brought Taekwondo to the United States in the mid 1950s?
• What are the differences between Taekwondo and Karate?
• What are the similarities between Taekwondo and Karate?
• In the 10th technique of Do-san why do you punch downwards before the upward block?

Taekwondo Oral Grading Questions for Intermediates

Green belts and above are required to answer challenges pertaining to their knowledge of techniques:

• What is the difference between the first and second side kick in Won-hyo?
• Explain an application for the scoop block in Won-hyo.
• Why are we performing the side kick at mid-level?
• HOw do we generate power over the short range used in the knife hand strike?
• How do we generate power over the short range use in traditional roundhouse kicks.
• Explain the difference between a short range versus long range roundhouse kick.

Taekwondo Oral Grading Questions for Senior Students

Senior belts may be asked on strategic implications of techniques, distancing, philosophical terms, roles, advantages/disadvantages of kyu-dan grading structure, personalities in the martial arts, etc.:

• Explain the benefits of learning handlocks in our school in regard to multiple opponent fighting.
• Explain the opposing philosophy of Yuk-guk and Toi-gye?
• Self defence articles typically ask the defender to 'run away'. Where would you run away to? Discuss.
• Of what use is Chon-ji for a beginner that has no experience dealing with attackers?
• How do you land a punch at long range?

Taekwondo Oral Grading Questions for Black Belts

Black Belt Candidates and above may be asked on all the above questions, including knowledge necessary to prepare them to communicate technical knowledge:
What are plyometric exercises.

• Name 5 drills appropriate for a beginner in learning a low block.
• How do you troubleshoot a side kick?
• Describe a traditional exercise to increase striking power.
• Descrive a modern exercise to increase striking power.
• Discuss the options for an inflexible adult when starting the martial arts.
• How do you overcome the fight/flight syndrome?

Good luck!

Online Learning Resources for Senior Students

1. Toigye by Master Colin Wee
2. Opening Sequence Application from Choongmu
3. Choongmu The Opening Solo Practice
4. Shoulder Roll and Upset Punch from Kwanggae
5. Double Pressing Block Application Against a Jab Cross from Kwanggae
6. Making Connection at Home using the Chinese Ring Training Aid

External Online Learning Resources for Senior Students

1. Hwarang Hyung by Master Eric San Jose
2. Choong-Moo Application 1 by Stuart Anslow
3. Black Belt Class with Drills and Combos (a 30min workout) by Manuel E. Adrogue

To set yourself up for Online Collaborative Learning see Resources
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