Belt Requirements

Belt Requirements - HMD Academy Tae Kwon Do ChicagoBelt advancement testing will be held once a month, however, students will not be testing every month. Students will only test when they have been given consent from their instructor, and they feel comfortable and prepared. Requirements are different for every rank and can involve performing one or two forms, one-steps, various blocking, striking and kicking motions, sparring and board breaking. There is a minimum training requirement to be eligible for the test, and 80% attendance is required for candidacy.

Test applications and student essays are due before testing. No applications will be accepted the day of testing.

Promotional Belt Testing Rules

10th Gup - White Belt

10th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk First 1/3 of Taeguk Il Jang Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Pal Gwe None None None None
   Nomination None None None None
   *Creative None None None None
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances Attention (Charyot)
Ready Stance (Chunbi)
Fighting Stance (Kyrougi Chunbi)
Front Stance (App Kubi)
Horseback Stance (Choochum Seogi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Blocks Down Block   (Arae Makgi)
Overhead Block (Ollgul Makgi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes Body Punch-Front/Rear Hand (Bantae/Baro Chirugi)
Face Punch (Ollgul Chirugi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
Offensive Manners
Deffensive Manners
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination None None None None
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Hop Back, Punch Counter Attack
Hop Back, Kick Counter Attack - Any Kick
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Front Snap Kick (App Chagi)
Jump Front Snap Kick (Dwiyo App Chagi)
In-Step Kick (Pit Chagi)
Step-Behind Side Kick (Yop Chagi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Step-Behind Side Kick (Yop Chagi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense Against Two-Handed Front Push Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
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10guprequirements.pdf39.46 KB

9th Gup - Yellow Belt

8th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Il Jang Same as A 1st 10 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe None None None None
   Nomination None None None None
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A None Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances None None None None
   Blocks Middle Inside Block (An Makgi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes None None None None
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
Three Step Overhead Blocking, Double Punch Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination None None None None
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Hop Back, Punch Counter Attack
Hop Back, Kick Counter Attack - Any Kick
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Front/Rear Foot Side Kick (Yop Chagi)
Back Kick (Dwit Chagi)
Jump In-Step Kick (Dwiyo Pit Chagi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Back Kick (Dwit Chagi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense Against Bear Hug from Behind Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
9gup-requirements.pdf39.08 KB

8th Gup - Orange Belt

8th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Yi Jang Same as A 1st 10 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe None None None None
   Nomination None None None None
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A None Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances Review All Past Techniques Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Blocks Review All Past Techniques  Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes Review All Past Techniques  Same as A Same as A Same as A
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
Two Step Inside Blocking, Double Punch Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination None None None None
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Foot Switch, Punch Counter Attack
Foot Switch, Kick Counter Attack - Any Kick
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Slap Kick (Pikyo Chagi)
Inside to Outside Crescent Kick (Bakatt Dolryo Chagi)
Outside to Inside Crescent Kick (An Dolryo Chagi)
Jump Side Kick - Rear and Front Foot (Yop Chagi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Rear Foot Side Kick (Yop Chagi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense Against One-Handed Front Push,
Straight punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
8gup-requirements.pdf39.25 KB

7th Gup - Green Belt

7th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Sam Jang Same as A 1st 8 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe None None None None
   Nomination None None None None
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A None Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances Back Stance (Dwit Kubi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Blocks Single Kinfe-Hand Outside Block (Hansonnal Makgi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes Knife-Hand Stride (Sonnal Chigi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1 - Single Knife-Hand Open Blocking, Reverse Punch
#2 - Single Knife-Hand Closed Blocking, Reverse Punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination None None None None
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Pull Back, Punch Counter Attack
Single Knife-Hand Closed Blocking, Reverse Punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Back Spinning Crescent Kick (Dwit Dolryo Chagi #3)
Hook Kick - Front/Rear Foot (Huryo Chagii)
Jump Back Kick (Dwiyo Dwit Chagi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Jump Side Kick - Front/Rear Foot (Yop Chagi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense Against Front Bear Hug Over Arms, Under Arms Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
7gup-requirements.pdf39.49 KB

6th Gup - Blue Belt

6th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Sah Jang Same as A 1st 8 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe Pal Gwe Il Jang Not Required Not Required Not Required
   Nomination First 1/3 of Taeguk Il Jang Same as A Same as A Same as A
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A None Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances None None None None
   Blocks Double Knife-Hand Block (Sonnal Makgi)
Outer Forearm Outside Block (Bakkatt Palmok Bakatt Makgi)
Palm Block (Milio Makgi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes Knife-Hand Neck Strike with Open Handed
    Overhead Block (Jebipoom Mok Chigi)
Spear Hand Strike (Pyonsohn Geut Jilleugi)
Back Fist Strike (Dung Chu Mok)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1 - Intercept - Jebipoom Mok Chigi (see Gibon Donjak)
#2 - Intercept - Ahp Chagi/Face Punch/Body Punch
#3 - Intercept - Pit Chagi/Face Punch/Body Punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination 10th Gup Matseo Kuorugi Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Sacrifice Pit Chagi, Dwit Chagi
Sacrifice Dwit Chagi, Pit Chagi
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques

Jump Back Spinning Crescent Kick (Dwit Dolryo Chagi #3)
Hook Kick - Front/Rear Foot (Huryo Chagii)
Jump Back Kick (Dwiyo Dwit Chagi)
Back Spinning Straight Leg

Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Jump Back Kick (Dwiyo Dwit Chagi) Same as A Not Required Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense Against Swinging and Overhead Punches Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
6gup-requirements.pdf40.09 KB

5th Gup - Purple Belt

5th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Oh Jang Same as A 1st 10 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe Pal Gwe Yi Jang Not Required Not Required Not Required
   Nomination Taeguk Il Jang Same as A Same as A Same as A
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A None Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances Twisted Stance (Kao Seogi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Blocks Double Fist Body Block (Gudeoro Makgi)
Double Fist Down Block (Gudeoro Arae Makgi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes Elbow Strike (Palkop Chigi)
Grabbing Elbow Strike (Palkop Pyojeok Chigi)
Hammer Fist Strike (Mae Chu Mok)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1 - R/Step Back Hansonnal Makgi, step forward Palkop Chigi
#2 - R/Side Step L/Yop Chagi, Dungchumok, Baro Chirugi
#3 - L/Step back, L/Dwit Chagi, Dungchumok, Baro Chirugi
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination 9th Gup Matseo Kyorugi Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Sacrifice Pit Chagi, Dwit Chagi
Sacrifice Dwit Chagi, Pit Chagi
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Back Spinning Hook Kick (Dwit Dolryo Chagi #3)
Hook Kick - Front/Rear Foot (Huryo Chagii)
Jump Back Kick (Dwiyo Dwit Chagi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Jump Back Kick (Dwiyo Dwit Chagi) Same as A Not Required Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense Against Swinging and Overhead Punches Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
5gup-requirements.pdf39.99 KB

4th Gup - Brown Belt

4th Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Yuk Jang Same as A 1st 10 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe Pal Gwe Sam Jang Not Required Not Required Not Required
   Nomination Taeguk Yi Jang Same as A Same as A Same as A
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A None Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances None None None None
   Blocks Reverse Knife-Hand Block (Yuk Hansonnal Makgi)
Inner Forearm Outside Block (An Palmok Bakatt Makgi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes None  None None None
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1- L/Yuk Hansonnal Makgi, L/App Dolryo Chigi to the Armpit
#2 - Dwit Dolryo Chagi #1, Step Forward R/Face Punch, L/Body Punch
#3- Dwit Dolryo Chagi #2, Step Down L/Face Punch, R/Body Punch
#4 - Dwit Dolryo Chagi #3, Step Down L/Face Punch, R/Body Punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination 8th Gup Matseo Kyorugi Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Feint Pit Chagi, Jumping Rear Hand Punch
Continuous Kick Combinations
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Jump Back Spinning Hook Kick (Dwiyo Dwit Dolryo Chagi #2)
Hop Front Hook Kick (Dwiyo Huryo Chagii)
Roundhouse Kick (App Dolryo Chagi)
Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi)
360° Tornado Crescent Kick
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Dwit Dolryo Chagi #1 - Findertip Hold Same as A (2-Hand Hold Option) Not Required Same as A - 2 Hand Hold
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense When Pinned on the Ground Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
4gup-requirements.pdf40.08 KB

3rd Gup - Red Belt

3rd Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Chil Jang Same as A 1st 9 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe Pal Gwe Sah Jang Not Required Not Required Not Required
   Nomination Taeguk Sam Jang Same as A 1st 8 Mvmnts Same as A
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances Tiger Stance (Pom Seogi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Blocks Scissors Block (Kawi Makgi)
Scatter Block (Haechyeu Makgi)
Overhead/Body Block (Momtong Kumkang Makgi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes Outside Knife Hand Strike (Bakatt Sonnal Chigi)
Double Punch to Floating Ribs (Doochumok Jechin Montong Chirugi)
None None None
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1 - Dwiyo App Chagi, R/Face Punch, L/Body Punch
#2 - Dwiyo Pit Chagi, R/Face Punch, L/Body Punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination 7th Gup Matseo Kyorugi Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Front/Rear Foot Intercepts
Font/Rear Hand Intercepts
Step-Behind Dung Chumok
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Double Kick - Front/Side Kick (Dubon Chagi)
Double Instep Kick (Dubon Pit Chagi)
360° Jump Back Kick (360° Dwiyo Dwit Chagi)
Knee Strike (Moorup Chagi)
Dubon Chagi
Dubon
Pit Chagi
Moorup Chagi
Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Any Jump Kick Through Three Boards Same as A Not Required Any Jump Kick

- 2 Boards
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense vs. Grab - Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
3gup-requirements.pdf40.09 KB

2nd Gup - Dark Blue Belt

2nd Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 125 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words 50+ words
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk Taeguk Pal Jang Same as A 1st 9 Mvmnts Same as A
   Pal Gwe Pal Gwe Oh Jang Not Required Not Required Not Required
   Nomination Taeguk Sah Jang
Pal Gwe Il Jang
First 1/3 Taeguk Il Jang
Taeguk Sah Jang
First 1/3 Taeguk Il Jang
1st 8 Mvmnts Taeguk Sah Jang
1st 1/3 Taeguk Il Jang
Taeguk Sah Jang
First 1/3 Taeguk Il Jang
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances None None None None
   Blocks Down Block/High Forearm Block (Wehsantil Makgi) Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Strikes None None None None
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1 - L/Dwiyo Yop Chagi, L/Dung Chumok, R/Body Punch
#2 - Dwiyo Pit Chagi, R/Face Punch, L/Body Punch
Same as A Same as A Same as A
   Nomination 6th Gup Matseo Kyorugi
10th Gup Matseo Kyorugi
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Feint Motions - Any Techniques Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Double Kick - Back Spinning Hook/Instep Kick (Dwit Dolryo Chagi #2/Pit Chagi)
Double Kick - Front Kick/Jump Front Kick (Duball Tang Sang)
360° Jump Instep Kick (360° Dwiyo Pit Chagi) - 'Tornado Pit Chagi'
Double Kick - Front Kick/ Back Kick (Dubaan Chagi App Cahgi/Dwit Chagi) Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  360° Jump Back Kick (360° Dwiyo Dwit Chagi) Through 2 Boards Any Kick Through 2 Boards Not Required Same as A
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense vs. Grab - Neck, Hair, Chest Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
2gup-requirements.pdf40.28 KB

1st Gup - Dark Blue Belt

2nd Gup requirements are also available as a downloadable PDF file listed below.

Program A B C D
Essay Minimum 250 words
--See Test Application for Topics
Same as A 25-50 words
(Ages 3 -6)
50+ words
(Ages 7-16)
Poomsae - Strength Ceremony
   Taguk None None None None
   Pal Gwe Pal Gwe Yuk Jang
Pal Gwe Chil Jang
Pal Gwe Pal Jang
Pal Gwe Pal Jang 1st 7 Mvmnts Pal Gwe Pal Jang Pal Gwe Pal Jang
   Nomination Taeguk Oh Jang
Pal Gwe Yi Jang
Taeguk Il Jang
Taeguk Oh Jang
Taeguk Il Jang
1st 1/3Taeguk Oh Jang
1st 1/3 Taeguk Il Jang
1st 1/3Taeguk Oh Jang
1st 1/3 Taeguk Il Jang
   *Creative Eight (8) Movements Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Donjak - Basic Techniques
  Stances None None None None
   Blocks Groin Block (Kyopsohn)
Bear Hug Escape (Mongyel Bagi)
None None None
   Strikes Palm Strike w/Overhead Block (Jebipoom Tyok Chigi)
Rear Elbow Strike (Jae Gun Dol Chigi)
Rear Punch (Dwit Chirugi)
Double Elbow Strike (Meonge Chigi)
Over Shoulder Punch (Cun Doljyoligi)
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Matseo Kyorugi - Pre Arranged Sparring
#1 - Dwiyo Dwit Dolryo Chagi #1
#2 - Dwiyo Dwit Dolryo Chagi #2
#3 - Dwiyo Dwit Dolryo Chagi #3
R/L App Chagi, Yop Chagi, Dung Chumok, Bantae Chirugi Same as A Same as A
   Nomination 5th Gup Matseo Kyorugi
9th Gup Matseo Kyorugi
Same as A Same as A Same as A
Gibon Kyorugi - Basic Sparring
Evasive Counter Attack vs Continuous Attack Same as A Same as A Same as A
Bal Chagi - Kicking Techniques
Dubon Yop Chagi
360° Dwiyo Dwit Dolryo Chagi #1, #2, #3
Dubon Yop Chagi Same as A Same as A
Kyokpa - Breaking Kick 
  Dwiyo Dwit Dolryo Chagi #1 with Fingertip Hold Dubon Chagi - Two Directions Same as A - 2 hand hold Same as A - 2 hand hold
*Hoshinsul - Self Defense
  Defense vs. Kick - Front, Instep, Side Same as A Same as A Same as A
* Not Required for Promotional Test
AttachmentSize
1gup-requirements.pdf40.4 KB