Black Belt Candidacy Guide OPTION 1

Master Yang's World Class Taekwondo

BLACK BELT
CANDIDACY
GUIDE

What to Expect as a Double Black Stripe

50
Min. Classes Required
3
Required Forms
5–8
Months of Candidacy
10
Classes/Month Min.
🥋

Congratulations on earning your Double Black Stripe! This is a major milestone. The path ahead requires dedication, consistency, and focus. This guide outlines everything you need to prepare for and successfully complete your Black Belt testing.


Must Know

Mandatory Prep Class & Maintenance Test

3 hours

Preparation Class


1 hour

Maintenance Test


By Approval Only Master authorization required before attending
Held on a Saturday ~1 month before Black Belt Testing
Master Authorization Required

What Happens at This Class

The class begins with a seminar on the importance and meaning of being a black belt — exploring what the rank truly represents and the responsibility that comes with it. Candidates will conduct a comprehensive review of the entire World Class Black Belt Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on basic stances and kicks. Required forms are reviewed in detail.

Following the 3-hour class, candidates participate in a 1-hour maintenance test — the official pre-test and final step before Black Belt Testing. This serves as Master Yang's final approval, giving each candidate the chance to demonstrate progress and receive direct, personalized feedback.

The insight and guidance received from Master Yang during this evaluation is instrumental in ensuring candidates walk into Black Belt Testing confident, prepared, and ready to perform at their very best.


Section 01

Class Attendance Requirements

10
Per Month
Minimum classes required each month throughout candidacy
50
Total Classes
Must be completed before attending the 3-Hour Class & Maintenance Test
5–8
Months Active
Active training required throughout the candidacy period
⚠️

Important: If you fall below 10 classes in a given month or take an extended vacation, you may lose eligibility for your originally scheduled testing date and will be required to wait until the next available testing cycle.


Section 02

Required Forms (Poomsae)

7



Taegeuk
Chil Jang
 Tip Required
8



Taegeuk
Pal Jang
 Tip Required
∞



Taegeuk
Uk Jang
 Tip Required
All 3 form tips must be earned — this is a required prerequisite before moving forward in the testing process. Work closely with your instructors to stay on schedule.

Section 03

The Testing Process — Step by Step

Prerequisites

Before You Begin

Ensure you have completed a minimum of 50 total classes and earned all 3 tip approvals on your required forms. Both conditions must be met before you are eligible to attend the 3-Hour Class.

✓ Required First

★

I

II

Step 1

3-Hour Preparation Class

An intensive session designed to prepare you for the demands of Black Belt testing. Comprehensive review of the full curriculum with emphasis on basic stances and kicks. This is your opportunity to ask Master Yang questions before test day.

Mandatory — No Exceptions
Step 2

1-Hour Maintenance Test

A formal pre-test serving as your final evaluation before Black Belt testing. Instructors assess your readiness and provide final approval. Direct feedback is given on any areas needing additional focus before the big day.

Cannot Be Skipped or Made Up

Section 04

Testing Date & Important Policies

🚫 No Makeup Testing
4 MONTHS

Black Belt testing dates are fixed. If you miss your scheduled testing date for any reason — illness, travel, personal conflict, or otherwise — there is no makeup option. You will be required to wait 4 months for the next available testing date.

✈️ Vacation & Extended Absences
SPEAK UP EARLY

Extended absences can affect your eligibility. If you plan to take a vacation or will be away for an extended period, speak with your instructor as soon as possible. You may need to be rescheduled to the next testing cycle.


Section 05

Candidacy Checklist


Attendance

Forms

3-Hour Class

Final Test
1
Attend 10 classes per month consistently throughout candidacy
☐
2
Complete a minimum of 50 total classes prior to Maintenance Test
☐
3
Earn all your tip for Taegeuk Chil Jang
☐
4
Earn your tip for Taegeuk Pal Jang
☐
5
Earn your tip for Taegeuk Uk Jang
☐
6
Receive Master authorization & attend the mandatory 3-Hour Class
☐
7
Attend and pass the 1-Hour Maintenance Test (Pre-Test)
☐

 




TRAIN HARD.
STAY CONSISTENT.
EARN YOUR BLACK BELT.

Questions? Speak with your instructor at any time.