BLACK BELT CANDIDACY GUIDE

Master Yang's World Class Taekwondo
Black Belt Candidacy Guide
Double Black Stripe Edition

Candidacy Guide

Black
Belt
Roadmap

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.

At a Glance — Key Numbers
50
Minimum total classes before testing
10
Classes required each month
5–8
Months of active candidacy
3
Poomsae forms — all tips required
4mo
Wait if testing date is missed
00

Mandatory Prep Class & Maintenance Test
⚠ By Approval Only — Master Authorization Required

Held on a Saturday approximately one month before Black Belt Testing, this mandatory preparation class followed by a maintenance test is a critical milestone on every candidate's journey to earning their black belt.

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 review the entire World Class Black Belt Curriculum, with a strong emphasis on basic stances and kicks. Required forms are reviewed in detail. This is an excellent opportunity to ask Master Yang and Master Higgins any questions before test day.

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

3Hours

Preparation Class

Full curriculum review — stances, kicks, required forms. Seminar on the meaning and responsibility of Black Belt rank.

1Hour

Maintenance Test

Official pre-test. Final approval from Master Yang and Master Higgins. Direct feedback on areas requiring additional focus before test day.

🔒
Attendance by Approval Only Candidates must receive authorization from their Master prior to attending. Both the 3-hour class and 1-hour maintenance test are required to be eligible for Black Belt testing.
01

Class Attendance Requirements

Monthly Class Attendance — Target: 10 Classes per Month

Month 1


10
Month 2


12
Month 3


5
Month 4


11
Month 5


12
Month 6


3

10 class minimum threshold
10
Per Month Attend a minimum of 10 classes every month throughout your candidacy period without exception.
50
Total Classes Complete a minimum of 50 total classes before you are eligible to attend the 3-Hour Class and Maintenance Test.
5–8
Months of Candidacy Your active training period spans 5 to 6 months. Consistent attendance throughout this period is essential.

⚠ Important Warning

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.

02

Required Forms — Poomsae

8
Taegeuk pal Jang
태극 8장



TIP Required
Tip must be earned before advancing in the testing process.

7
Taegeuk chil Jang
태극 7장



TIP Required
Tip must be earned before advancing in the testing process.

6
Taegeuk yUk Jang
태극 6장



3 Tips Required
Tip must be earned before advancing in the testing process.
ℹ All 3 form tips are a required prerequisite to move forward. Work closely with your instructors to ensure you are progressing through evaluations on schedule.
03

The Testing Process — Your Roadmap
📋
Start
Meet Prerequisites
Complete a minimum of 50 classes. Earn all 3 tips. One for each required form.
Required First
→
✅
Approval
Master Authorization
Receive approval from your Master to attend the 3-Hour Class.
By Approval
→
🥋
Step 1
3-Hour Prep Class
Full curriculum review. Forms, stances, kicks. Q&A with Master Yang.
Mandatory
→
📝
Step 2
1-Hour Maintenance Test
Official pre-test. Final approval. Direct feedback from Master Yang and Master Higgins.
Mandatory
→
⭐
Goal
Black Belt Testing
The culmination of your candidacy. Walk in confident and prepared.
Test Day
04

Testing Date & Important Policies
Policy 01 — Fixed Dates

No Makeup Testing


4 Months

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

Policy 02 — Absences

Vacation & Extended Absences


Tell Us

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. Depending on the length of your absence, you may not be eligible for your original testing date and will need to be rescheduled to the next testing cycle.

05

Candidacy Checklist — Track Your Progress

Attendance

Forms

Prep Class

Final Test
Attendance
01
Monthly Minimum Attend 10+ classes per month consistently throughout the candidacy period
☐
Attendance
02
Total Classes Complete a minimum of 50 total classes prior to the Maintenance Test
☐
Forms
03
Taegeuk pal Jang Earn your tip on this required form
☐
Forms
04
Taegeuk chil Jang Earn your tip on this required form
☐
Forms
05
Taegeuk yUk Jang Earn your tip on this required form
☐
Prep
06
Mandatory 3-Hour Class Receive Master authorization and attend the mandatory preparation class
☐
Test
07
1-Hour Maintenance Test Attend and pass the pre-test — the final step before Black Belt Testing
☐

 

Train hard.
Stay consistent.
Earn your Black Belt.

Questions? Speak with your instructor at any time. They are here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Master Yang's
BLACK
BELT
World Class Taekwondo