Il Gi Taekwondo Association

About Gradings

Beginners may choose to train only once a week but most students find that they benefit more if they train twice a week. However, when grading for coloured belts e.g. yellow belt through to red belt, it is necessary to attend at least twice each week if the student intends to grade within a three month period. As the student progresses up the ranks he/she may find they want to train more than just two sessions per week and would benefit from the extra training. The movements will become more complex but the students must realise that when going up the ranks you are on a long learning curve, gradually learning every aspect of the martial art. Remember it is about learning the art, not just passing the gradings.

Post-Grading Pattern Training Seminars

Special patterns training sessions are carried out following each Kup (coloured belt) grading. All surrounding IL GI Clubs are invited to attend to be taught their next pattern by a Black Belt Instructor. Time will be taken going through some basics with Master Waddington and then there will be enough Instructors attending to have one Instructor teach one pattern each. Instructors will spend time on the pattern they are teaching, going over the more difficult moves so that everyone understands what is expected of them.

The Grading System

	White Belt White - Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.
	Yellow Belt Yellow - Signifies Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwondo foundation is being laid.
	Green Belt Green - Signifies the plant's growth as the Taekwondo skill begins to develop.
	Blue Belt Blue - Signifies the Heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwondo progresses.
	Red Belt Red - Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
	Black Belt Black - Opposite of white, therefore, signifying maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear

- Kup Gradings -
Kup (coloured belt) gradings are carried out every three months. For full details of Kup grading dates and post-grading seminars ask your club instructor.

- Dan Gradings -
Dan (black belt) gradings are held twice per year and are carried out by UKTDC Technical Director Master Craig Waddington 9th Dan and other high ranking UKTDC Masters.
Dan grades carry Kukkiwon certification.

Dan grading test
Dan Promotion Test
at Palatine
Leisure Centre