Testing Cycle Update 2026
We are implementing several policy changes as we move into the new year. These updates are designed to address recurring feedback and improve the student experience in the following areas:
Performance Anxiety: Reducing stress during poomsae for belt testing.
Communication: Providing clearer feedback to parents for tip testing corrections.
Standardization: Ensuring consistent standards across all coaches.
Student Growth: Eliminating "stagnation" by providing more challenges for high-performing students.
New Testing Cycles
We are moving to a more frequent tip testing schedule. This allows students who absorb the curriculum quickly to progress faster, while ensuring those who need more time only have a short wait until the next opportunity. It is strongly advised to only tip test when the student is ready as the testing periods are now much shorter.
The 9-Week Belt Testing Schedule
Weeks 1 to 4: First Tip Testing Cycle
Weeks 5 to 8: Second Tip Testing Cycle
Week 9: Belt Test Review and Breaking Focus
Note: This acts as a review week for students not currently testing.
The 4-Week Tip Testing Internal Cycle
Week 1: Sparring/General Training
Week 2: Poomsae
Week 3: Kicks
Week 4: Tip Test Week
Note: Students not tip testing will participate in a specialized review curriculum.
Performance Anxiety: Reducing stress during poomsae for belt testing.
Communication: Providing clearer feedback to parents for tip testing corrections.
Standardization: Ensuring consistent standards across all coaches.
Student Growth: Eliminating "stagnation" by providing more challenges for high-performing students.
Weeks 1 to 4: First Tip Testing Cycle
Weeks 5 to 8: Second Tip Testing Cycle
Week 9: Belt Test Review and Breaking Focus
Note: This acts as a review week for students not currently testing.
Week 1: Sparring/General Training
Week 2: Poomsae
Week 3: Kicks
Week 4: Tip Test Week
Note: Students not tip testing will participate in a specialized review curriculum.
Tip testing is a mini-exam. Each tip represents that the student has learned to do a part of their required curriculum needed to belt test. Tip Testings will be held every 4 weeks.
Normally, only one tip is earned for every tip testing. But it is up to the discretion of the instructor to “double tip” an exceptional student.
The number of tips depends on the belt rank. Some may require two tips:
- 1st tip = Form
- 2nd tip = Kicks
And others require three tips:
- 1st tip = 1st Form
- 2nd tip = 2nd Form
- 3rd tip = Kicks
Below is the amount of tips required for each belt:
- White Belts: 3 Tips
- Yellow Belts to Orange Advanced: 2 Tips
- Green Belt and above: 3 Tips
A student is eligible to Tip Test if they have a minimum of eight (8) classes at their respective belt and tip rank.
Example: After obtaining your first tip, you will need eight (8) class credits in order to test for your next tip.
There is no testing fee for Tip Tests.
Tip awarding will be done at the end of the tip testing class. Both those who have or have not passed will be given feedback on their performance.
Students progress in belt rank by passing their promotion (belt) test. Each belt level has a minimum set of requirements that will be tested during that day. Belt testing is normally done every 9 weeks.
A student is eligible to test if he or she has done the following:
- Have the required number of tips for their belt rank.
- Have the minimum number of classes attended.
- A completed Belt Testing Application form
- If the student is under 18 years of age – a parent’s permission to test.
- If the student is in grade 12 or lower – a instructor’s signature granting permission to test.
There is a testing fee that will be assessed and must be submitted with the application for testing. This fee is different depending on the belt rank:
- White to Green Advance Belt: $65
- Blue to Red Advanced belt: $75
- Poom Belt: $100
Fees are non-refundable. A student who fails his or her promotion test must re-apply and will not be required to pay the fee. If a student fails again, then the student will have to pay the fee for his/her third try.
Note: There is a $20 fee for late applications
Belt graduation is a time to celebrate. Students that passed their promotion test are awarded their new belts and certificates at this time. Students and their families are encouraged to attend this event and the potluck celebration afterwards. Belt Graduation is held on the first Friday after a promotion test.
When preparing to belt test, please review each of these helpful documents by clicking on their icon.
Additional student resources may be acquired on our Student Resources page.
Study Materials
Belt Testing Questions
Belt Requirements
Belt Testing Form
Testing requirements for each belt is accessible by clicking on corresponding icon.
Black Belt Requirements
For students who grades no lower than 4.50 on their belt promotion test will be awarded a black tip on their new belt to signify that student as having an “excellent” performance at their last belt test.
Students who have a straight A or a GPA of 4.0 at the end of a school quarter will be awarded a blue star.
This star could be worn on the lapel of their uniform.
Students who also improve one letter grade in at least two subjects while maintaining the grades in all subjects will be awarded a blue star.
However, deportment grades must also be satisfactory in order to achieve this award. To be eligible,
please submit a copy of the student’s report card.
A red star is awarded to any student who consistently demonstrated a “strong heart”, a willing to try attitude and a “give it my best shot” work ethic either at taekwondo or at school.
This award may be given to a student who has demonstrated an act that highly exemplifies the tenets of taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Indomitable Spirit and Attitude.
This award must be recommended by the teacher or instructor. To be eligible, please submit a written summary of why the student should be considered in earning the award.