Students' Guide to Preparing for Gradings

By Mr. Mark O’Donnell 5^th Degree

“Grading” is a word that will strike fear into the hearts of many students!  The promotion process can be very stressful for everyone but in the course of this article I will try to outline how you can best prepare for gradings, both mentally and physically.

At the risk of stating the obvious, thorough preparation and practise is the key to success at gradings.  As the old adage goes: “Fail to prepare and prepare to fail!”  From experience, I feel that many students have the misconception that it is enough to go to class two or three times a week, and this will be enough to progress in their training.  Regular training at home, aside from your weekly classes is absolutely vital in order for you to fully realise your potential.  Relying solely on your classes is somewhat like going to school and never doing any homework or study – it won’t get you very far!  Students need to clearly identify what is required of them by the grading syllabus, and when the instructor gives corrections or advice on improvements required, this should be constantly and diligently practised at home in order for the movements to become automatic and not requiring any conscious effort.  In this way, you’ll still be able to perform them correctly even in the stressful environment of an exam. 

One of the great benefits of training in Taekwon-Do is that, generally, no specialised equipment is needed so you can train and practise almost anywhere and anytime.  Set yourself a regular schedule for training at home and do your best to stick to it.  Of course, motivating yourself to train is not always easy, and one way to keep your motivation is to find a training partner, someone from your Taekwon-Do school who you can meet up with and practise with outside of class.  Your home training should encompass all components of the syllabus, including fundamental movements, patterns, step - sparring (where possible), using focus pads or a heavy bag to improve breaking techniques, plenty of stretching to improve flexibility and also intensive study of the theory aspects.  Clearly, the most practise has to be devoted to the areas in which your weaknesses lie.  Ask your instructor for feedback and advice on what you need to work on most.  Set specific, achievable, measurable goals for yourself so you can monitor your progress as you go along.  There’s little point in having “improving your abilities” as a goal in itself.  While this is obviously your overall objective, you need to be more specific and set smaller tasks that can be achieved and measured such as perfecting a particular kick or learning a certain pattern.  In this way, you will have concrete goals to aim for and you will feel a real sense of progress as you achieve them.

Another point that students sometimes forget is that as you come up through the ranks, more is expected of you at each grading and consequently, the more training you need to do.  The level of training a blue belt or red belt needs as they approach Black Belt level is far more intensive than that required by a beginner.

Apart from the physical training, you also need to prepare yourself mentally for the grading itself.  The student’s perception of the grading is of paramount importance in this regard.  If the student has a negative perception of the grading, for example, that they’re going to make mistakes or that the examiner is seeking to “catch them out” on something, then this will be reflected in the performance. Speaking from the perspective of ITF Taekwon-Do, the examiner does not want to trip up or catch out the student, but instead wants to see that the student can correctly perform all the requirements to the standards set out by the syllabus and that they are making consistent improvement as they progress through the grades. Gradings should instead be perceived positively as an opportunity to demonstrate to the examiner how much you have learned and improved since the last test.  However, this mental confidence and positive attitude will only be possible if it is based on a solid foundation of constant training and old-fashioned hard work.

In the build up to the grading, and indeed on the day itself, mental attitude and the ability to stay relaxed and calm is very important.  As you train and practice, single out different elements of the syllabus, close your eyes and visualise yourself performing these various tasks perfectly, whether it is performing a pattern or breaking the red board.  When you leave your house to go to the grading, it should not be with an air of trepidation or fear.  Of course you will be a little nervous in anticipation of the exam, this is only natural and healthy.  But try all the time to view the grading as a positive event where you can demonstrate your full potential and ability, and you will find yourself looking forward to the event, and performing better on the day.

When you arrive at the grading venue, make sure you allow time to familiarise yourself with the hall, warm up properly, and go through your requirements before the grading proper begins.  There is always a lot of nervous energy in the hall before a grading starts and it is easy to get distracted, but do your best to stay focused on the task at hand.  Where permitted, it is a good idea to wear a tracksuit over your uniform to stay warm, until you are called onto the floor.

From the moment your name is called, you should be totally focussed on your grading tasks, doing each movement, technique etc as best you can.  Do not let yourself be rushed or put off by others around you.  If one aspect of the grading doesn’t go as planned, put it behind you and do your best in the rest of the tasks.  Don’t dwell on past mistakes.  In ITF Taekwon-Do gradings, the examiner will also be closely taking account of your attitude throughout the exam.  Always be respectful and observe the proper courtesies and etiquette.

If the examiner gives corrections or advice for improvement,  remember them.  It’s a good idea to have a notebook at hand so when you are dismissed you can write down a few key words to jog your memory later.  Remember that the examiner has noted these corrections on your grading card, and if there is no sign of improvement at the next grading, this will not reflect well on you.  You can also speak to your instructor after the grading is finished or at the next class to make sure you are clear on what needs to be improved for next time.

When the grading is over with and you are given your results,  try and work out what areas you have to improve on. Many students, I feel, are not worried about their grade as long as they have passed, which is a dangerous attitude.  If you receive an ‘L’ level for example, this is a warning sign that serious improvement is needed for the next exam.  Discuss with your instructor where you need to improve and really concentrate on those areas.   On the other hand, say for example you receive an ‘O+’ or even an ‘A’ level, don’t let it go to your head!  Of course, this is something to be very proud of but don’t become complacent.  You have to remember that by achieving a high grade you have set a high standard for yourself to reach at the next grading.  If it happens that you are not successful at a grading and have to try again, the first thing to remember is that its not the end of the world!   You need to pick yourself up, be positive, and throw yourself into your training to improve and bring on your Taekwon-Do skills.  Not getting through a grading can be one of the best things ever to happen to you as if you have the right mental attitude, it will make you train harder and prepare better for the next time.

So, to recap, the key concepts are preparation, hard training, and a positive outlook on the exam.  If you try and follow these principles it should help your progress in Taekwon-Do – it’s all up to you at the end of the day.  Good luck in your next grading!

References:
“Taekwon-Do Encyclopedia" by Gen. Choi Hong Hi, 1999 edition.
“Taekwon-Do – Complete Syllabus 10^th Gup to 1^st Degree” by Grand Master Leong Wai Meng, 1996.