Dragon Tang Soo Do

Gup Grading - Saturday 2 May 2009

It’s that time again, to face the panel for a grading, and you know they are going to test you to the limit, so get yourself prepared. Empty your mind, clear your thoughts, then focus on the task ahead. You know what we want, so give to us! It’s your time to shine, so show us what you can do...

The White belts were generally very good, as were the Orange belts, however they had to be reminded to show a willingness to work hard, and to inject a bit of spirit to match. Remember to Ki hap loudly, and shout the roof off! (It keeps the examiners awake!) There were a few good techniques shown by the students. We can’t expect you to be good at everything, but don’t stop trying!! The most important thing is spirit and determination; otherwise without it the battle is lost before it has begun.

Check your stances- especially the “Horse- riding stance”. Feet face forward, and a nice box shape, push the knees out, and your back straight. (No one wants to sit on a triangular horse, do they?)

The Green belts seemed to work exceptionally hard, you could tell by their sweaty Do Bohk’s, and look of relief when it was over! They certainly earned a rest afterwards. It was certainly a harder grading for the higher belts. Don’t think you won’t get tested on the syllabus you’ve already learned so far, because you certainly will! It’s not good enough just to hope you’ll remember it on the day. So Green belts take note, it might be you next time! Those going for Brown belts, remember you will have a written test. LOOK IN YOUR MANUAL EVERYONE!

For All Grades, start going back to basics, and I mean the very basics... The criteria for a grading is a good understanding of the necessary techniques needed to be tested, and turning up in traditional Do Bohk with recognised badges and belt. I shouldn’t need to mention this, but it’s time to remind everyone to start looking at the manuals.

Look up the dress code under the introduction part of the manual.
All practitioners must be properly dressed for a grading.
Do Bohks properly trimmed up where appropriate (Master Thorne was particularly insistent that someone should not grade without showing their correct grade).
Your belt is part of your uniform - Don’t forget it on the day!
Students check your badges are sewn on your Do Bohk – In the past some students did not have their association badge on their Do Bohk. Check the manual, it shows exactly where they should be.

Students should practise basic techniques constantly to maintain a high level of quality. It helps you to perform under pressure, and keep those nerves at bay. Set and maintain high standards for yourselves. This means being mentally and physically ready for a grading.

We know you can achieve…learn to focus your mind, body and spirit. Once you have all three elements working together, you will do your best in terms of energy and commitment. Show all out effort and serious approach. At this stage you need to show conviction in your techniques, don’t just place them there. Out in the street, you need to be confident your techniques will work.

Don’t think the panel will not see you make a mistake, but also remember they will also see you doing many things well. Don’t focus purely on your mistakes, put them into perspective, give yourself a few moments to compose yourself, then put them to the back of your mind and refocus on the next technique.

Read the feedback on your grading form when you receive your certificate. It contains observations from the examiners with areas to concentrate on. You can see where you did well, and the areas you need to improve on.

We have a reputation as an organisation of quality martial artists, and our standards are high, so constantly practise techniques you’ve already learned. Start improving your core strength to hold positions and techniques better, and use more internal power. Energy, and attention to detail is expected for holders of higher belts. We will constantly push you, to get your full potential! You don’t get your new belt / grade handed to you on a plate. You have to feel you’ve worked for it! Keep monitoring your stances, and get lower! If you can’t feel a slight ache in your muscles in a grading you’re not low enough!

Think about what your belt represents, what it means to you to achieve it. It should mean hard work, in the form of blood, sweat and a few tears. No one said it would be easy! Keep aiming to achieve.

Tang Soo!

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