TTA Testing Requirements Notes

Shared TTA reference pages: Testing Notes (this page) · Step Sparring · Ho Sin Sul · Back to Belt Requirements

These are the TTA Testing Requirements Notes that the individual belt pages refer to as the “Notes tab”. They apply to every rank unless a belt page says otherwise.

On this page: Age Brackets · Kicking Terms · Kick Progression by Belt · Step Sparring Notes · Ho Sin Sul Terms · General Breaking Notes · Community Service · Notes for the Testing Leader · Class Etiquette

Age Brackets

• Peewee - Age 9 and younger.
• Junior - Ages 10 through 15.
• Adult - Age 16 and older.

The 2023 Color Belt Testing Curriculum lists Pee Wee as 10 and younger and Junior as 11–15; confirm with your instructor which bracket applies on testing day.

Kicking Terms

• Combination kicks - Two or more kicks using different feet against a single or several opponents. The kicks can be the same or different kicks.
• Consecutive kicks - Two or more kicks with the same foot against a single or several opponents. The kicks can be the same kick or different kicks. If they are the same kick, they must be to different directions.
• Double kicks - Two of the same kick with the same foot. Kicks can be different heights but must be to the same direction. The foot does touch the ground between kicks, that is, “step-down.” This is true for both multiple (double, triple, quadruple, etc.) kicks and consecutive kicks performed with the same foot.
• Triple kicks - Three of the same kick with the same foot. Kicks can be different heights but must be to the same direction.
• Quadruple kicks - Four of the same kick with the same foot. Kicks can be different heights but must be to the same direction.
• Sliding kicks - Kicks where the supporting foot slides toward the target while the kick is being executed. The supporting foot stops sliding at the same time as the foot makes contact. Sliding kicks are generally performed with the back foot.
• Skipping kicks - Skipping kicks are kicks where the opponent is pursued with a skipping motion while the kick is executed. The supporting foot makes contact with the ground the moment the kicking foot makes contact. Skipping kicks can be performed with either the lead or rear foot.
• Mid-air kicks - Kicks performed in the air after the student jumps from a specific stance before shifting their weight. Mid-air kicks can be performed with either the lead or rear foot. Mid-air kicks typically begin and end on the same spot, that is, you do not travel forward or backward.
• Flying kicks - Kicks performed in the air after jumping from a step to the front or rear of a specific stance. The student does not jump directly from or set into a specific stance before jumping. Flying kicks can be performed with either the lead or rear foot.

Rear leg, lead leg and stepping – as may be applicable, students must be able to perform all new kicks learned at each belt level with the rear leg, lead leg and in a stepping motion. Students will be required to perform applicable kicks in a skipping motion at the next belt level. See your instructor for more information.

Kick Progression by Belt

The chart below, from the TTA Color Belt Kicks sheet, lists the new kicks introduced at each belt alongside the pattern and step sparring level tested at that rank. Notes are shown in the order printed and line up with the kicks listed beside them.

Combination – different feet; Consecutive – same foot, same or dif kick or direction

Step Sparring Notes

Attacks, defenses, and counterattacks in step sparring are to be comprised of hand techniques and kicks found in patterns for the rank the student is testing for and below.

The full three-step, two-step, one-step, pre-arranged free and foot sparring formats are on the Step Sparring page.

Ho Sin Sul Terms

• Double Lapel grab - Grab where the attacker uses both hands to grab the opponent’s (defender’s) uniform.
• Choke from front or rear - Choke where the attacker grabs the opponent’s throat with one or two hands while standing in front of opponent or a choke where the attacker grabs opponent’s throat with one or two hands while standing behind the opponent.
• Counter or Counterattack – a punch, strike or kick that follows a successful release or defense against an attack.
• Joint attack – a counterattack where the opponent takes control of attacker by grabbing and applying pressure on one or more of the attacker’s joints. Example joints would be the fingers, wrists or elbow.
• Release – defender’s escape from a choke, grab or other control technique used by attacker.
• Throw – typically a hip throw where defender has captured attacker’s punch, strike or kick and uses a hip throw to take attacker to the ground.
• Takedown – defender takes control and trips or uses control to force attacker to ground

Grab terms (2014 notes, still used in the instructor’s guide)

• Single grab - Grab where the attacker uses only one hand to grab the opponent.
• Double grab - Grab where the attacker uses both hands to grab the opponent.
• Straight grab - Grab where the attacker's arm does not cross their body to grab the opponent. For example; the attacker uses his right hand to grab his opponent's left wrist.
• Cross grab - Grab where the attacker's arm crosses their body to grab the opponent. For example; the attacker uses his right hand to grab his opponent's right wrist.

General Ho Sin Sul Notes for Color Belt and Black Belt Testings

• Verbal communication during Ho Sin Sul is prohibited.
• The purpose of Ho Sin Sul is to use kicks, punches, throws, takedowns, and pressure points to control, disarm, and incapacitate your opponent.
• No unnecessary attacks should be made to a fallen opponent.

The rank-by-rank Ho Sin Sul testing requirements and general self-defense principles are on the Ho Sin Sul page.

General Breaking Notes

• Breaking Guidelines - Requirements can be changed to compensate for size or physical limitations. Tile breaks are optional for Adults and Juniors. Talk with your instructor.
• Suspended boards - Boards are hand-held on only one side.
• Non-supported boards - Boards are set vertically on edge on top of a flat surface. The boards are only balanced and are not held or braced.
• Students can request one additional board or tile over their breaking requirement.
• If needed, the testing board will establish an equivalent number of boards as a substitute for tiles.

Historical (2014 edition, removed in 2023)

The 2014 edition of the Testing Requirements Notes included the following age-based breaking deductions and related notes; they were dropped in the 2023 revision and are shown here for reference only.

• If the allowable deduction results in zero or fewer boards or tiles, the requirement will be one board or tile.
• If the student is not required to break but still wants to do so, the student can decide the number of board or tiles and the break to perform.
• Adult females can request to perform the same break as the adult males perform.
• At 5th dan and above, the number of board and tiles are the minimum required.

Community Service

Consistent with the student oath and tenets of TaeKwon-Do, students must complete a minimum number of hours of community service based on rank. Community service will include the non-paid volunteer service to others outside of their immediate family.

Examples would include helping the elderly including grandparents, volunteering at a charity, church, school or city as well as many other areas. Signed documentation must be provided by either a supervisor where the student volunteered verifying the community service or a signed letter from a parent verifying the time spent volunteering to be considered valid community service.

The 2023 Testing Syllabus states the Black Belt requirement specifically: students must complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service since beginning their training as a White Belt to be eligible to test for 1st Dan Black Belt.

Notes for the Testing Leader

The following are the TTA’s instructions for whoever runs the test, from the 2023 Color Belt Testing Curriculum.

• No more than 3 sets of kicks per grouping
• Limit HoSinSul to two techniques each person testing
• Age Brackets-
  • Pee Wee (10 and younger)
  • Junior (11-15)
  • Adult (16 and up)
• Suspended Boards-Boards are hand held on only one side
• Non-Supported Boards are set vertically on edge and on top of a flat surface and are only balanced, not held or braced
• When demonstrating kicks face same direction as students
• Unless specified, kick sequences always start with rear leg

Class Etiquette

There are specific ceremonial rules and procedures for use during classes and events in TaeKwon-Do. Emphasis is placed on the continual showing of respect toward the class, instructors, other students and the art of TaeKwon-Do in general. This list is not comprehensive so students should use good judgement in situations not specifically addressed here. When in doubt, a good general rule is to ALWAYS demonstrate an abundance of respect at all times.

1. Always use Sir/Ma’am – Always use Sir or Ma’am when addressing others in class. This includes addressing your parents.
2. Bowing – When you bow, keep eyes up and bow only to about 15 degrees and bow at a respectful pace (not too fast or too slow).
3. Entering and exiting the classroom - When you arrive at the door to the classroom (Do-jang), ALWAYS stop, come to the Charyot position facing into the Do-jang and bow before entering and bow again (still facing inward toward the Do-jang) when exiting.
4. Asking questions – Do not speak until called upon by the instructor or senior to whom you wish to ask a question. Come to attention (Charyot position) and raise your hand so the instructor can see you have a question. Place your other hand under the raised arm with the top side of your fingers just below your raised arm. Once recognized by the instructor or senior, move your hands back to the normal Charyot position and begin asking your question. Remain in Charyot until instructed by the instructor to return to the position you were in before initiating the question process.
5. No Talking in class – There is absolutely no talking in class unless called upon by the instructor.
6. No Unauthorized moving during class – Unless otherwise instructed, students should remain still and in the last position the instructor has commanded. Hands and feet should remain in the last position as well and the proper stance should be maintained.
7. Do Not Interrupt seniors, instructors and other students – If you have a question for an instructor, senior or other students who are already engaged in a conversation with others or otherwise engaged in an activity, you should stop approximately 6-10’ away, come to attention (Charyot) and wait for them to acknowledge you before asking your question.
8. Keep belts off floor – Always treat your belt with respect and keep it off the floor or other dirty areas.
9. Do not turn your back toward the testing board – When asked to move away from the testing board during testings you should walk/jog backward keeping your face toward the testing board. Once your part of the testing is complete and you have been told to sit at the back of the room, you should move backward with your face toward the testing board until you are able to sit down.
10. Do not face the bottom of feet toward the testing board – While sitting, at no time should the bottom of your feet ever be facing toward the testing board.
11. Bow before and after breaking during testings – When asked to break during a testing, approach the breaking station, face toward the testing board, come to attention (Charyot) and bow to the testing board prior to measuring or beginning your break. Once the break is completed, immediately turn toward the testing board and bow again.
12. Taking care of your uniform – Uniforms should be kept clean and crisp (pressed if necessary). Do not allow your uniform to become dirty or excessively worn. Treat your uniform with respect!
13. Patches on your uniform – Only authorized patches or printing should be on your uniform. If you are a member of the T.T.A. you should have the official T.T.A patch on your left chest. Your class patch should go on the upper right sleeve of your uniform and the American flag should be on the upper left sleeve. Instructors will have instructor’s flashes on their shoulders appropriate to their rank.
14. Tying your belt – Be sure to tie your belt properly. See your instructor on the proper way to tie your belt. The bottom ends of your belt should be at an equal length. When putting on your belt, make sure to tighten it securely so that it will not come loose during class.
15. Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short – Accidental contact can occur during non-contact activities in class so, in order to prevent injuries to others and to yourself, your fingernails and toenails should always be kept trimmed.
16. No jewelry – To prevent injuries to others and to yourself, jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, ear rings, facial rings, toe rings, etc., should be removed during class.

Ask your instructor any questions you may have about the above or any other topics you have questions about. The instructors look forward to your questions and are there to help you.

Reproduced from the Traditional TaeKwon-Do Alliance testing documents (revised 2023). © Traditional TaeKwon-Do Alliance, LLC. All rights reserved.