T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

TKA Testing Guide for Kub Simsa

Introduction

For many students testing is a source of great anxiety. There are a number of factors related to this including performing in front of people, being judged, and so on. One aspect that can significantly contribute the stress is if the testing process is inconsistent as it makes it difficult for the student to prepare. There can also be anxiety on the part of the tester, particularly if they lack clarity about the requirements or the testing process in general. This purpose of this guide is to help define the requirements so that there is no confusion about techniques listed in the exams or about the procedural aspects of the testing process. It also describes the variations that are defined for different age groups or other special category students.

The Pretest

The pretest is a very important confirmation step prior to taking a test. It allows the students to get valuable feedback regarding their readiness for the exam. This can help them be more confident for the test, or prevent the student from having an embarrassing test if there are gaps in the student’s preparation for the test. Often there is more time in a pretest than in the actual exam to go over in fine detail all of the material. This can often include making sure that previous techniques have not been forgotten. The key is to make sure that if someone is not ready for testing, they will not be approved to test. It is important to make a decision based on the student’s current demonstration of their techniques. There should not be a consideration of how they might improve between the time of the pretest and the exam. Additionally, as a general guideline, if someone has never seen a required technique prior to the pretest they are not ready to pass pretest.

Exam Protocol

The exam is one of the most formal moments in the school. It is a time to demonstrate the ideals of proper discipline and martial arts etiquette, (this applies to both students and examiners). Aside from issues directly related to the exam, there should be no talking. Students waiting on the sides should sit quietly in either cross-legged or formal position. Spectators should also be encouraged to follow the proper exam-time etiquette. Keep in mind that the examiner is the role model for the rest of the participants.

Time management

Depending on the circumstances, testing events provide different amounts of time that can be spent on each student in the testing process. In the afternoon test, because people are often taking time off from work, it is imperative that the test be conducted in an efficient manner. Also in evening exams, there are often large numbers of students present. This means that it is important to keep the exam focused on the specific requirements detailed in the particular exam. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

Grading

There are three grades: A – Outstanding performance, B – Acceptable performance, C – Failing performance. A student must have B or better in all elements of the test to pass the exam. In some circumstances a single C such as a failure to make a break will result in a conditional pass. This means that the student will need to satisfy the failed requirement prior to advancing. Conditional pass is usually left to the discretion of the school leader. Grading should be based on the required exam techniques.

Breaking Techniques

Actual breaking is done at test time, however evaluation of the breaking technique during pretests should be done using pads and bags. Adult men will break two 10” boards. Adult women and men 35 years or older will break one 10” board. Children break one board with the width determined by their weight. Children less than seventy pounds or less break a 6” board. Children under eighty pounds use a 7” board, under ninety a 8” board, under one hundred a 9” board. All children over one hundred pounds will break a single 10” board.

Aikido

Traditional techniques are only required for adults. Techniques should be demonstrated for both sides. Both Children and Adults will demonstrate Ki training techniques. Children will demonstrate “Ninja Rolls” with the following progressive requirements:

9th Kub – Hana, Tul, Set, Net in right side only remaining in the landing position. 8th Kub – Hana, Tul, Set, Net on left side. 7th Kub – Right side roll, with standing up at the end of the roll. 6th Kub – Left side roll, with standing up at the end of the roll. 5th Kub – Hana, Tul, Set, Net, Tasot, Yasot, Ilgope, Yodal. 4th Kub – Dive roll over one crouching person. 3rd Kub – Dive roll over two crouching people. 2nd Kub – Dive roll over three crouching people. 1st Kub – Dive roll over four crouching people.

Since the Aikido techniques are clearly described in the TKA manual, comments here reflect small clarifications related to .

Ki Training

Ki Training techniques are derived from the art of , in particular the demonstration format is derived from Judo . The format is formal and should be executed with grace and control. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

The basic format is that the two students perform a kneeling bow, with their heads approximately six feet apart. Tori should assume one raised (R) kneeling stance. At the same time, the uke lays down on the mat with the left knee raised, and head pointing toward tori. The tori should then quietly and gracefully walk over to the uke. The position is dependant on the technique. However, they should kneel about 3 feet from uke, and then move closer with a single sliding movement into position.

Each technique will have different requirements regarding the placement of the uke’s arms. The tori should always restore uke to the starting position at the end of the application of the technique. If multiple techniques are performed, the tori should move back one step between each technique. When the tori applies holding techniques, the uke should demonstrate three escape attempts, one to left, right, and center, followed by tapping for surrender (three times).

Ill Bo Kyurugi – One Step

One step sparring should be performed on both sides for adults, children over 10 yrs old, and all students at brown belt (3rd Kub) and above. The primary requirement is the specific one step listed on the exam.

Kyurugi – Free Sparring

Sparring should follow USTU Tae Kwon Do rules of engagement. The power used should be adjusted based on the level of the examinees. Light or no contact is appropriate for white belts, up to medium contact for higher belts. The main purpose of the sparring is to see whether the students are learning to use the techniques and maintain balance and composure.

Yong-Uh – Terminology

A grade-level description of the requirements for terminology is begin developed, however as a basic guideline it should be in accord with the techniques that the student is performing but also in consideration of the age of the student. White belt level should be simple counting and basic terms such as the words for uniform or the training area.

Ki-Hap

The ki-hap is an important aspect of the exam. It demonstrates the strength and confidence of the student.

Questions

Questions are usually left up to the discretion of the examiner. Often they are based on gaining more information about the development of the student in areas related to character and discipline. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

Poom-Heang – Discipline

The display of discipline should be commensurate with rank of student, however above green belt there should be a clear understanding of the etiquette and testing protocols.

Attendance

Training frequency should be at least two times per week for a B grade. Consistent training and 3 times per week could qualify for an A grade.

A note on starting stances

Many techniques can be performed from a number of stances, so to say there is one right or wrong stance is not correct. In training it is always useful to emphasize that techniques should be practiced from all stances so that a student is comfortable using them in any position. However, for the person who is testing, it can make a big difference in terms of their confidence of preparation, as well as the quality of execution since they may have practiced exclusively from one stance or another. Particularly for the beginning students this can have a large effect on their performance since the technique alone may be challenging.

To help provide a consistent basis for evaluation as well as allow the student to worry about the technique without concern of multiple ways of doing things, the guide specifies starting stances.

For techniques that require forward movement, if a starting stance is specified (for example “Left Front Stance,” then the first technique should be applied after making the first movement to a right front stance. This allows the student to apply full body movement to the technique. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

9th Kub (Yellow Belt)

1. Low and Middle Block Start from a Left Front Stance. Low block should be on the step forward (right side followed by left side middle block). Children under 7 yrs old only need to do Low Block.

2. Middle Start from a Left Front Stance. First punch should be on the step forward into right side stance. The target of the attack is the solar plexus.

3. Front and Side Snap Kick Starting from Left Front Stance, kick to the groin and the knee joint without putting the foot down.

4. Front Rising and Swing Kick Starting from Left Front Stance, the best display is if the foot does not touch the ground between .

5. Front Jump Snap Kick Starting from Right Sparring Stance, kicking with the front leg.

6. Aikido #1 and Ki technique #1 a. Aikido – Uke and Tori: Starting position is natural stance. b. Ki – Scarf hold.

7. – Shodan Primary elements are low block and middle punch.

8. Poomse – Taeguek Ill Jang

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi – One Step Sparring Step to the punching side to avoid blow, and perform a round-house kick. When stepping down, perform an inside-to-outside middle block (fist) against the punching arm and execute a middle punch to the kidneys. Punching hand should return to the side after the . T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

8th Kub (Yellow Belt with Red Stripe)

1. Side Punch and Switch Starting from Natural Stance, start with right side punch into horse stance. Ki- Hap should be performed when direction change occurs, rather than on the last punch.

2. Crashing Foot Block Starting from Horse stance, blocks should be at chest height.

3. Front Thrust Kick Starting from Left Front Stance, kicks should be face height.

4. Side Thrust Kick Starting from Left Front Stance, kicks should be chest height.

5. Front Roundhouse Kick Staring from Right Sparring Stance, kicks should be at face height.

6. Aikido Aikido – Uke starts in Natural Stance. Tori should hook uke’s wrist with thumb and fingers. Tori should duck under grasping arm, as opposed to lifting it.

Ki training - #2 – Shoulder hold. Important aspects include position of legs and feet, as well as position of hands.

7. Kata – Taikyoku Nidan 8. Poomse – Taeguek Yi Jang 9. Ill Bo Kyurugi - # 2 Step to the punching side to avoid blow, and perform a round-house kick. Kicking leg is positioned to allow opposite side back thrusting kick. Target of the second kick should be the side floating ribs. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

7th Kub (Orange)

1. Breaking (Side Kick) Break should be at chest height. Usually done as a hop side kick, but that is the student’s choice.

2. Double Rising Block Starting from Right Sparring Stance, first block is in Left sparring stance. Block should start at hip level.

3. Double Knifehand Block Starting from Right Sparring Stance, first block is in Left Sparring Stance. Block should start from behind, hands moving together.

4. Front and Side Thrust Kick Starting in Left Front Stance, targets are face and solar plexus. As in the previous test, the foot should return to knee between kicks without touching the ground.

5. Back-foot Roundhouse Kick Starting in Left Front Stance, kick with the back leg.

6. Aikido and Ki Techniques # 3 a. Aikido – Starting position is Natural Stance, with cross hand grab. b. Ki – Top four corner hold.

7. Kata – Taikyoku Sandan 8. Poomse – Taeguek Sam Jang 9. Ill Bo Kyurugi #3 A side-punch to the face with the reserved hand becoming a knife hand block to the attacking wrist. Grab the wrist with the blocking hand and perform a knife hand strike to the inner side of the neck. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

6th Kub (Orange Belt with Green Stripe)

1. Breaking (Fist) Punch for adult men, hammer-fist for women and children.

2. Double Fist Block Usually done using Back Stance, fists should be palm down, front fist at shoulder height, back fist at chest height.

3. Spearhand Attack Starting from Left Front Stance, spear attack is to the middle section (just below solar plexus).

4. Yidan Ap Boudo Chagi Starting in Right Sparring Stance, kick should be at least face height. If possible kick should be above head.

5. Yidan Yeop Boudo Chagi Starting in Right Sparring Stance, kick with the back leg at chest height. Should start to see focus attempted focus at this point.

6. Aikido and Ki Techniques - #4 Aikido – Starting position is Natural Stance, cross hand grab. Ki – Modified Top Four Corner hold. Head should be on thigh.

7. Kata – Heian Shodan

8. Poomse – Taeguek Sa Jang

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi # 4 Hopping to the outside of the punch, perform an outside to inside block with hand closest to attacker. Perform reverse punch and regular punch to ribs, followed by shoulder / foot . T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

5th Kub (Green Belt)

1. Breaking (Front Kick)

2. Dwit Boudo Chagi Kick should be at least chest height. Key here is that the kick should come straight from the hip and back without hooking. The hip turning needs to stop during that portion of the kick.

3. Yeop Dollyo Chagi Starting in right back stance, step behind. Focus should be starting to be clearly defined now. About head height is desired.

4. Dwit Dollyo Chagi Starting in right back stance, look for extension in the leg at the impact point.

5. Front Crossing Kick From Front Stance, usually outside to inside with the back leg.

6. Aikido #5 Aikido – Cross hand grab, wrist twisting. should be out, not down, and Uke should roll out of it. (Not highfall at this level). Ki – Side four-corner hold.

7. Kata – Heian Nidan

8. Poomse – Taeguek Oh Jang

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi #5 Hopping to the outside of the punch, perform an outside to inside block with hand closest to attacker. Stepping through, perform a reinforced strike to the ribs with opposite side elbow. Switch hand and perform a reverse elbow strike with other elbow to ribs. Perform a leg sweep with the leg closest to attacker. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

4th Kup (Green Belt with Red Stripe)

1. Breaking (Knife Hand) Usually the board is held near horizontal at a medium height.

2. Yidan Ap Dollyo Chagi Start from right sparring stance. Key thing to look for is the turn over of the hips. Should not just be a slightly angled front jump kick.

3. Yidan Dwit Dollyo Chagi Start from right sparring stance. Look for the jumping leg to come up and tuck.

4. Tornado Kick Start from a right sparring stance.

5. Self Defense Self defense against strangling with at least 3 techniques displayed.

6. Aikido #6 Aikido – Same side grab Ki - Half cross lock

7. Kata – Heian Sandan

8. Poomse – Taeguek Yook Jang

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi #6 As the attacker punches, perform a springing front kick to the chest. Control should be displayed so that the attacker is pushed, not struck. The best timing is if contact is made before attacker lands on the forward foot. Follow up back spinning hook kick should be the opposite leg used for the front kick. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

3rd Kub (Brown Belt)

1. Breaking (Roundhouse Kick) Face height.

2. Combination Kick: Hop side kick, back thrust, back thrust. Start in right sparring stance. After each of the first two kicks, the kicking foot should plant in front in preparation for the next kick.

3. Yidan Dwit Dollyo Chagi

4. Yidan Yeop Dollyo Chagi

5. Self Defense Defense against waist hold demonstrating 4 techniques.

6. Aikido #7 Aikido – Opposite side wrist grab Ki - Naked Lock

7. Kata – Heian Yodan

8. Poomse – Taeguek Chil Jang

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi #7 Opposite from attacker punching side, crashing foot block, followed by side thrust kick to either solar plexus or face. Both techniques should be done without touching the foot to the ground. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

2nd Kub (Brown Belt with Red Stripe)

1. Breaking (Flying Side Kick) Face Height

2. Yidan Yeop Chagi Start in right sparring stance. Height should be about shoulder level. Both feet should come off the ground together. Jumping foot should tuck come up under.

3. Yidan Ap Dollyo Chagi

4. Yidan Dwit Dollyo Chagi

5. Yidan Dwit Chagi

6. Aikido #8 Aikido – Standing to the side, same side grab Ki – Single Wing Lock

7. Kata – Heian Sandan

8. Poomse – Taeguek Yook Jang

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi #8 Step to the outside of the punching arm with the opposite foot and execute an inside to outside knife-hand strike to the wrist with the same hand as the stepping foot. Lightly hopping, move to execute another knife-hand strike to the side of the neck (no contact). Turn and execute a reverse knife-hand strike with the other hand to the philtrum. Key elements are timing and managing space. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

1st Kub (Red Belt)

1. Breaking (Flying Roundhouse Kick) Face height

2. Combination Kick: Hop Side & Back Spinning Hook

3. Combination Kick: Side Hook & Dbl Roundhouse Kick

4. Combination Kick: Creation Minimum of two kicks in combination.

5. Self Defense Defense against (4 techniques)

6. Aikido #9 Aikido – Two handed push to the chest while stepping forward. Ki – Sliding Lapel Lock

7. Kata – Bassahi Dae

8. Poomse – Koryo

9. Ill Bo Kyurugi #9 Perform a 2 foot hop to just outside of the opposite side of the attacking punch. Immediately on landing spring and perform a back thrusting kick to the chest. Outside foot will turn inward towards opponent to make the kick. T.K.A. Simsa Requirements Guide

1st Dan (Black belt)

1. Breaking technique – Flying side hook kick speed break. Held only at the bottom.

2. Combination Kick

3. Combination Kick

4. Creation Combination

5. Self Defense –

6. Aikido # 10

7. Kata – Bassai Dae

8. Poomse – Koryo

9. Ill Bo Daeryun #10