Patterns
Kicks
Hand Techniques
- Horizontal strike with the back fist
- Upset fingertip thrust
- Downward strike with the arc hand
- Downward press with the palm
- Vertical spear fingertip thrust
- Pressing block with the palm
- Upper elbow thrust
- Inward vertical strike with the knife hand
- Side back strike with the back fist
- Horizontal strike with the arc hand
Stances
- Fixed stance
- Warrior ready stance (Type B)
Step Sparring
- Three sets of attacks paired with three blocks and one kill shot per set
- No-contact free sparring against multiple opponents
Tournament Competition
Participation in at least 4 tournaments required.
Training Requirements (Minimum)
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 months of active training at the 3rd Dan level before testing for 4th Dan black belt. Active training is participating in an average of seven formal classes per month.
- Students must be a Level 1 Referee and work as a referee at a minimum of two tournaments.
Community Service
Consistent with the student oath and tenants of TaeKwon-Do, students must complete a minimum total of 20 hours of community service as a 3rd Dan Blackbelt to be eligible to test for 4th Dan Blackbelt.
TTA Membership
Students must be a member of the TTA.
Seminars
- Attend a minimum of three (3) certified T.T.A seminars per year.
- Students must be actively involved in teaching TaeKwon-Do as a chief instructor or as an assistant instructor.
Ho Sin Sul
None required.
Breaking
Students should select breaks for testing that allow them to demonstrate their abilities. Students should challenge themselves. A power foot break should be included. Power hand breaks are allowed but not required. Boards may be substituted with tiles for power hands if desired. Technique breaks that demonstrate the student's abilities should be included.
In addition, students must plan a series of at least five (5) breaks performed in sequence (single board or more depending upon the break). Examples would include front punch, side strike with the backfist, inward strike with the reverse knife hand, twisting kick, stepping hook kick, and reverse hook among others. Other breaks such as a mid-air 360° back piercing kick, mid-air 180° back piercing kick or other mid-air or flying techniques should be considered. It is encouraged that a suspended or non-supported hand and/or foot break be included. At least one series should include two (2) simultaneous breaks of different targets. Get your instructor's approval when planning your breaks.
Required Knowledge
Eight Characteristics of the Ideal Instructor
- Never tire of learning
- Never tire of teaching
- Set good examples by his own conduct
- Use good teaching methods
- Must have a sense of responsibility
- Must be fair at all times
- Must live a clean moral life
- Must train constantly to perfect technique
Twelve Parts of Instructor Responsibility
- Punctuality
- Personal hygiene
- Good manners and dignity
- Preparation of lessons
- Using correct techniques
- Wearing clean dobok and belt
- Keep fingernails and toenails cut short
- Never losing your temper
- Making corrections immediately
- Answering questions satisfactorily
- Having a regular medical checkup
- Updating your knowledge constantly
