TESTING REQUIREMENTS

HYUNGS

HYUNGS, sometimes called KATA, FORMS, or PATTERNS, are an important requirement for promotion at every level of rank in the A.T.F. Tang Soo So system. They are so important that 40% of a student's test score is determined by how well he/she demonstrates the required Forms. Forms are a requirement for every test except the first test for children under 10 years of age. The forms increase in difficulty as the student's skill level increased and he/she advances in rank. Each one, along the way, represents the new techniques the student has learned during the recent test cycle (4 months).

Forms are a prearranged series of moves when performed as an exercise routine, simulate a combat and/or self-defense situation. The number and complexity of the moves will vary with the skill level of the student. Forms may have just a few moves, twenty moves in Giecho Hyung Il Bu, to a more complicated form, TakSan (Korean for big/many), which has one hundred moves.

The benefits derived from Forms Training are many. On the surface we can see that forms teach: balance, hand/foot, hand/eye coordination, breath control, focus and concentration. They also teach the student stance switching, the proper way to develop power in techniques and fluidity of movement. Perhaps two of the most important benefits to be gained from Forms Training are, #1, they teach the student that everything has boundaries and limits (Forms have specific moves, turns allowed only in certain directions, and a limited number of moves in any direction), and that when the student performs within the specified boundaries of a particular Form they are self-disciplining! So, it follows that, "Hyungs" teach PATIENCE, CONTROL and SELF DISCIPLINE!

Forms also have a deeper meaning. A problem arises when schools teach only the fighting techniques of their system. Students forget the basic spirit of the Martial Arts, which is to seek peace first and use force only as a last resort. The study of forms offers students stability and gives them a lifelong challenge to improve themselves. This heightened awareness and enlightenment is often what attracts people to the Martial Arts. It is true that students want to become physically fit and able to defend themselves but some also want something more than just being able to harm another person. They want to add dignity and honor to their lives and believe that the Martial Arts offers them these qualities. They are right! The study of the Martial Arts does offer these things, provided the instructors retain a respect for tradition, recognize the benefits of this type of training, and do not restrict their teaching only fighting techniques.

A.T.F. Tang Soo Do is a Martial Art and not a sport!
We teach Forms!

REQUIRED HYUNGS (forms)

Special Note: 10th Yellow, Yellow/Blue and Yellow/Green ranks are awarded to any beginning student under the age of 10 yrs and/or to any student with less than four (4) months training in our system. No Form Is Require.

Giecho Hyung IL Bu (Basic Form #1)..............Required at 9th Purple
Giecho Hyung IL Bu Sahm Gup (Advanced Form #1)......Required at 9th Purple
DRAGONSTICK #1......Required at 9th Purple
Giecho Hyung Yi Bu (Basic form #2).....Required at 8th Orange
ATF #1..............Required at 8th Orange
Giecho Hyung Yi Bu Sahm Gup (Advanced Form #2)......Required at 8th Orange
ATF #2......Required at 7th Blue
Giecho Hyung Sahm Bu (Basic Form #3)....Required at 7th Blue
Pyong Ahn Cho Dan (Peace Form #1)......Required at 7th Blue
DRAGONSTICK #2......Required at 7th Blue
Tak San (Many Moves) First half..........Required at 6th Green
Pyong Ahn Yi Dan (Peace Form #3)......Required at 4th Green
Tak San (Many Moves) Second half........Required at 3rd Red
Pyong Ahn Sa Dan (Peace Form #4).......Required at 3rd Red
Pyong Ahn O Dan (Peace Form #5)......Required at 2nd Red
Bassai (Mighty Fortress).....Required at 1st Red

Original Form*.......Required at 1st Black

*There is a 12 month "Seasoning Period" between 1st Red and 1st Black. During this time the student will created his/her Original Form and present it to the test board, along with a written copy of all the moves, a description of why the form was given that particular name and finally a flawless demonstration of the student's creation. This form should have a minimum of one hundred (100) moves and should reflect the student's fighting name and style. It should be presented every four-month test cycle (in three 1/3 segments) during the year the student is waiting to test for 1 Degree Black.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS 10th LEVEL

10th YELLOW
      I. A.T.F. Creed
      II. Properly Tie Belt
      III. Know purpose of and execute proper "KIAI"
      IV. Hand Techniques
             1. Down Block
             2. Up Block
             3. In Block
             4. Out Block
             5. Forward Punch
      V. Stances
             1. Ready Stance
             2. Forward Stance
      VI. Kicks
            1. Stationary Front Thrust Kick
            2. Stepping Front Thrust
            3. Slide-up Front Thrust 10th

YELLOW/BLUE
      I. Yellow requirements plus;
      II. Hand Techniques
            6. Knife Hand Block
            7. Side Punch
            8. Bottom fist
            9. Reverse Punch
      III. Stances
            3. Horse Stance
            4. Back Stance
      IV. Kicks
            4 Stationary Round Kick
            5. Spinning Round Kick
            6. Slide-up Round Kick
      V. Knowledge of FIVE, FIVE and FIVE
            Five Basic Kicks:………….Front, Back, Round, Side & Crescent Kicks
            Five Basic Blocks:………….Down, Up, In, Out and Knife Hand Blocks
            Five Basic Stances:………….Ready, Forward, Back, Horse and Fighting Stances

      Progress is a result of building on improvement…Improvement is a result of practice! No Practice…No Improvement…No Progress!

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....9th PURPLE
      I. Forms
            1. Giecho Hyung II Bu
            2. Giecho Hyung II Bu Sahm Gup
            3. DRAGON STICK #1 (Weapons Form)
      II. Pressure Points
      III. Basic Hands….
            Same as 10th Green + Straight Fist & Palm heel Strike
      IV. Basic Kicks….
            Same as 10th Green + Stepping Back & Spinning Back
      V. Stances….
            Same as 10th Green
      VI. One-Step Sparring-Minimum 4 techniques VII. Attack Techniques

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....8TH ORANGE
      I. Forms---Giecho Hyung Yi Bu Sahm Gup and below
         1. ATF #1
      II. Pressure Points
      III. Basic hands….Same as 9th Purple + Knife Hand Techniques & Elbow Strikes
      IV. Basic Kicks….Same as 9th Purple + Combination Kicks
      V. Jumping Kicks---Front----Round
      VI. Stances---Cat Stance and Stance Switching
      VII. One Step Sparring-Minimum 6 techniques
      VIII. Attack Techniques
      IX. Blocking Sets---Nil, Down Block & Up Block

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....7TH BLUE
      I. Forms---Pyong Ahn Cho Dan and below
          1. ATF #2
          2. DRAGON STICK #2
      II. Pressure Points
      III. Basic Hands---Same as 8th Orange + Stutter-Step Punches, Ridge Hand Shuto & Inverted       Punches
      IV. Basic Kicks----Same as 8th Orange + Slide-up Hooking Heel, Spinning Hooking Heel &       Spinning Back Hooking Heel
      V. Jumping Kicks---Same as 9th Orange + Side Kick, Spinning Side Kick, Inside/Outside       Crescent Kicks
      VI. Stances----Same as 8th Orange
      VII. One Step Sparring---10 Minimum (5 left, 5 right)
      VIII. Attack Techniques
      IX. Blocking Sets----Same as 8th Orange + In Block & Out Block
      X. Free Sparring

Nerve Centers & Pressure Points

      Nerve Centers and pressure points are the target areas of the body. The value of learning them is that a blow directed to a vulnerable part of the body is much more effective than a blow of the same force which is directed to a less vulnerable area. There are styles of unarmed fighting which emphasize the development of power as their main objective: in these styles it is not necessary to know where to hit, as any blow which is landed with sufficient force will be effective. The fallacy of this method of training is that it will not work for small people. A 120 pound female would have great difficulty developing enough power to hit indiscriminately against a 220 pound male adversary. The other argument against the "power" theory of unarmed fighting is that you must train constantly, which is not a practical idea for most people. Finally, women and children cannot hope to learn a system of self-defense which depends on power development. The alternative is to learn how to deliver effective blows to the most vulnerable areas of the body with only normal strength.
      To be effective in a self-defense situation, the student should learn all the pressure points, which technique is most effective to the area of the body, and then practice these applications, with a partner, on a regular basis.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....6TH GREEN
      I. Forms-Tak San (first half) and below
      II. Pressure Points
      III. Hands-Same as 7th Blue + X-Blocks high/low, Back Fist, Back Knuckle
      IV. Kicks-Same as 7th Blue
      V. Jumping Kicks---Same as 7th Blue
      VI. Stances---Same as 7th Blue
      VII. One Step Sparring---12 minimum (6 left, 6 right)
      VIII. Three Step Sparring---Minimum 3 techniques
      IX. Attack Techniques
      X. Free Sparring
      XI. Self-Defense----One unarmed assailant
      XII. Blocking Sets--- X-Blocks low/high, Knife Hand Block
      XIII. Breaking Demo---4 Boards (l hand, l feet, 2 combinations or power break)
      XIV. Written Test---Test will cover knowledge student should have acquired to this point in       training but may not be limited to knowledge of the Martial Arts.
      XV. Fighting Name---Selection of Fighting Name is very important and should reflect the       student's personality and fighting style.
      XVI. Instruction Ability

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....5TH GREEN
      I Forms-Pyong Ahn Yi Dan and below
      II Hands-Same as 6th Green + Reinforced Forearm Block, Twin Fist
      III Self-Defense-Same as 6th Green + 1 armed assailant (club)
      IV Remainder of Blocking Sets
      V All Other areas of the test as required for 6th Green, must show definite improvement       throughout!

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....4th GREEN

      I Forms-Pyong Ahn Sahm Dan and below
      II Kicks-Same as 5th Green + Spinning Back Round, Spinning Back Crescent
      III Self-Defense-Same as 5th Green + 1 Armed Assailant (Knife)
      IV All other areas of the test as required for 5th Green, must show definite improvement       throughout!

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....3rd Red

      I Forms-TakSan (second half), Pyong Ahn SaDan and below
      II Kicks-Same as 4th Green
      III Jumping Kicks-Same as 4th Green + Double Crescent
      IV Self-Defense-Same as 4th Green + Multiple Unarmed Assailants
      V Breaking Demonstrations-7 Boards (2-power, 3-combination, 1-hands, l-feet)
      VI Written Test
      VII All other areas of the test mush show definite improvement throughout

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....2nd RED
      I Forms-Pyong Ahn Oh Dan to TakSan
      II Jumping Kicks-Same as 3rd Red + Advancing Jumping Round, Retreating Jumping Round
      III Self-Defense---Same as 3rd Red + Multiple Armed Assailant
      IV All other areas of the test as required for 3rd Red. Must show definite improvement       throughout!

TESTING REQUIREMENTS....1st Red
      I Forms---Bassai to TakSan
      II Kicks-Same as 2nd Red + Dropping Side, Dropping Round
      III Self-Defense---Same as 2nd Red + Escape Techniques
      IV All other areas of the test as required for 2nd Red MUST show improvement on EVERY       requirement throughout test!

Valuable Information for 1st Degree Red Belts
     If you have passed your 1st Degree Red test, now your conditioning for your 1st Degree Black test has begun. It will be the toughest test you have taken to this date. However, before you get there, you must spend the next 12 months in preparation, practice and sharpening your instructing skills. During this time you should create your "Original Form" which should consist of 100 moves and reflect your fighting name/style. You will also be required to pass a written test and on test day, appear before a board of Black Belts for an "Oral Examination" which could last for as much as several hours. During the year you will be required to present the progress on your original form at the regularly scheduled testing in April, August and December (35 moves required for first showing, 70 at second presentation and 100 at the years end). The danger is that you will become stagnant during this training period. This you must guard against! Work on Requirements!

Black Belt Testing Requirements

1st DEGREE BLACK BELT

I. Forms....
      All forms, Giecho Hyung IL Bu through Bassai & Original Form (100 moves)

II. Written thesis....Minimum 500 words.

III. All areas of test MUST show:
      MASTER OF ALL BASIC TECHNIQUES

IV. Oral Exam

V. Other Requirements at the discretion of the Test Board

Black Belt Oath

      Upon acceptance of this rank I do hereby acknowledge and accept the responsibility that must accompany it.

I do pledge to always uphold the integrity of the Martial Arts, my system and my school. I will always strive to improve myself and the quality of my knowledge of Tang Soo Do.

I further pledge to always demonstrate the indomitable spirit of my art in all matters. I will defend the honor of my rank, the reputation of my school and the well being of those who may be defenseless, against all aggressors and ill-doers. I will never lay down my rank in the face of adversity and will never lend support to any situation which could possibly cause my rank to be revoked. However, should this issuing authority request the return of my credentials for any reason, I will return or destroy them without question. I understand I will always have a responsibility to those who I may instruct to insure that they are trained only in the high ideals of Tang Soo Do and to follow in the tradition of this system. I will be unwavering in my pursuit of perfection in myself and those who fall under my instruction. I further pledge to work diligently to expand the boundaries of the A.T.F. System.

In recognition that the written and spoken word can never encompass all;
To my school, my fellow and future students, my instructor, myself and all who are resent, this I pledge!

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
2nd DEGREE BLACK

The following are requirements which must be met for promotion to the rank of Second Degree Black Belt in the Allied Tang Soo Do Federation.

Prerequisite of minimum 2 (two) years in grade as First Degree

1. Thorough knowledge of all forms (Giecho Hyung IL Be through Bassia) and     demonstration to the satisfaction of the Test Board.
   PLUS.....Nahanchi Cho Dan

2. Demonstration and explanation of Blocking Sets

3. Breaking Demonstration
      A. Power break, two or more 1 X 12 X 12 pine boards
      B. Combination Break, three or more 1 X 12 X 12 pine boards

4. Free Sparing Demonstration

5. One-step & three-Step Sparring Demonstration

6. Self-Defense Demonstration
      A. Unarmed Assailant
      B. Multiple Unarmed Assailant
      C. Armed Assailant
      D. Multiple Armed Assailant

7. Written Thesis - Minimum 750 words

8. Oral Examination
9. Unknown to all except Test Board