Testing
Taekwondo offers a systematic method of student development and progress measured by colored belts.
All students start out as white belts known as 10th gup. As a student progresses and learns the required curriculum for their present rank, they will be eligible to test for their next belt rank (gup). Colored belt ranks are numbered in reverse from 10th to 1st gup. Once a student reaches 1st gup, their next test will be for 1st Dan or black belt.
Black belt ranks count up from 1st through 9th Dan.
At Gilbert’s Korean Martial Arts, Dan (black belt) students test for rank in both Taekwondo as well as Tang Soo Do.
Forms
Forms, also known as Poomse or Hyung in Korean, are a series of defending and attacking movements performed against imaginary opponents in a set pattern.
Through the practice of forms, students come to learn the applications of various techniques of Taekwondo. Forms serve a multi-dimensional role, aiding in development and refinement of coordination, balance, timing, breath control and rhythm, all of which are essential skills to the Taekwondo student.