Testing Qualification System
Modern Taekwondo Center uses a tape testing qualification system to track each student’s progress toward their next belt. Students must receive all 6 tapes in order to be eligible to test for the next belt rank in our youth, teen, and adult taekwondo programs. (Our Tigers & Dragons program uses a 3 tape system described here) Below you will find the meaning for each tape (depending on the rank):
Required Tapes (White Belts):
The following is a list of the six required tapes and what each tape color denotes:
1st Black Tape First 6 moves of the required form
2nd Black Tape Next 6 moves of the required form
3rd Black Tape Full form, must be test-worthyYellow Tape Required Kicks
Green Tape Sparring Techniques and Knowledge
Blue Tape Focus & Commitment
Required Tapes (Yellow Belt and Higher):
The following is a list of the six required tapes and what each tape color denotes:
1st Black Tape Pattern stripe – demonstrates whole form/pattern
2nd Black Tape Power stripe – performs movements w/ intention
3rd Black Tape Precision stripe – performs w/ accuracy; test-worthyYellow Tape Required Sparring Kicks
Green Tape Sparring Techniques and Knowledge
Blue Tape Focus & Commitment
Tapes Testing Cycle:
Tape testings will typically be broken down into three cycles of 6 weeks in preparation for the Promotion Test on week 19.
1st Black Tape Week 6
Yellow Tape Week 6
2nd Black Tape Week 12
Green Tape Week 123rd Black Tape Week 18
Blue Tape Week 18
Remediation
The vast majority of cases, students who attend regularly twice per week, give a solid effort, practice a bit at home and bring a positive attitude will be well able to earn their 6 tapes and be ready for testing. A student who has spotty attendance or is having other difficulties may need extra practice or private lessons to prepare for testing. It is best to catch these situations early and not try to “cram” in the last week or two before the test. Please talk to an instructor immediately if you feel like you or your child is falling behind.
Path to the Black Belt: Important Information on the Testing Process
As your child progresses towards the black belt, we’d like to share an important stage in the process. Upon reaching the double black stripe belt level, there is a waiting period of one cycle, or roughly 6 months. This time allows students to refine their skills and deepen their understanding.
Once the waiting period is completed, students begin attending evaluations. These are designed to assess readiness for the black belt test. We firmly believe in setting every child up for success, which is why we only endorse moving on to the test when we are confident they meet all requirements.
We recommend enrolling your child in the Monday black belt prep class, in addition to their regular training days. This extra class will greatly assist in preparing for the black belt test.