Dan Prep
The following testing requirements are the minimum standards set forth by the Technical Advisory Committee of the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. Where the following requirements deviate from the standards set in the current Gup and Dan Manual, those items are suggestions set forth by the Regional Examiners and Officials of Region 8. Keep in mind that we are not setting policy or changing the Kwan Jang Nim approved guidelines. The purpose of the additional or modified requirements is to enhance the opportunities for a successful experience. Each practitioner and his/her instructor may or may not choose to follow these suggestions.
Regional Dan Examinations (Shim Sa) occur twice a year for the ranks of Cho Dan, E Dan, Sam Dan, and Kyo Sa. Please pay close attention to the following requirements and make sure they are ALL met before applying for testing candidate status.
Notes
* Suggested requirements are not mandatory and will not reflect the outcome of a candidates test.
A child is defined as 14 years old or under.
An adult is defined as 15 years old or older.
Registration Forms
Region 8 Testing Requirements and Procedures
General Procedures
6 months Prior to Testing
Fill out and submit the Request to Test Form requesting to test. Make sure you receive permission from your personal instructor and that you fulfill the minimum requirements outlined below. When accepted as a candidate, attend the pre-candidate workout at the Dan Classings prior to your test. If you cannot attend, please contact one of the Regional Examiners (Oliver Whitcomb or Brian Corrales) for final approval.
1 month Prior to Testing
To qualify to test in front of the Examination Board, you MUST submit your final paperwork no later than 30 days prior to the testing date. Late submissions or partial submissions will not be accepted after the cut-off date. We encourage you to try and complete your final submission early so you have time to make adjustments as needed.
Your submission can either be electronically using our online form or by regular mail.
Electronic Submission Instructions
Fill out and submit the formal testing application form. You will need the following:
- World Moo Duk Kwan Application. You will need a Wiki Account in order to access this link. Ask your personal instructor if you need assistance. This form must be type-written and all fields in Section 1 and 2 filled out. This includes the instructor’s section AND hand-written signatures from both the applicant or guardian and your personal instructor. You will use the Adobe Typewriter function to enter in your information. Print the document and sign and date. You will then scan the document into a PDF format and upload it to the testing application form. Missing information will not be accepted.
- Photo. The image should be approximately 200 pixels by 200 pixels. The filename should be your full name in the format “firstname_lastname”. Acceptable file types include .jpg, .png, .gif.
- Pay $350.00 testing fee (includes weekend seminars, but not the banquet)
- Required Essays. These should be type-written, double spaced in either a Word Document (.doc or .docx extension) or PDF file. Ensure that your name is in the document and the filename contains your full name.
- Proof of membership. Please attach the PDF file that the Federation sent you the last time you renewed your membership. This was your receipt and had an electronic membership card. Contact the Federation at 888-SOO-BAHK if you need another copy of your receipt.
Traditional Mail Submission Instructions
If you prefer to mail everything the old-fashioned way, you can do so. It is imperative that your packet is post-marked 30 days or earlier from the testing date to qualify to test in front of the Examination Board. Mail your documents to
Region 8 Soo Bahk Do
1948 Downington Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
The mailed packet must include the following:
- World Moo Duk Kwan Application. You will need a Wiki Account in order to access this link. Ask your personal instructor if you need assistance. This form must be type-written and all fields in Section 1 and 2 filled out. This includes the instructor’s section AND hand-written signatures from both the applicant or guardian and your personal instructor. Missing information will not be accepted.
- Photo. The photo must be a wallet or passport sized image and paper-clipped to the World Moo Duk Kwan Application.
- Required Essays. These should be type-written, double spaced. Ensure that your name is in the document.
- Proof of membership. Provide the receipt that the Federation emailed you the last time you renewed your membership. This receipt will include your membership card. Contact the Federation at 888-SOO-BAHK if you need another copy of your receipt.
We will NOT accept cash or checks for the testing fee. Even if you submit your paperwork through traditional mail, pay the $350.00 testing fee online.
Cho Dan Requirements
Age requirement: No minimum age, *11 years old is suggested.
Minimum Training Time: Consistent training with a certified instructor for 3 years (*4 years suggested). You must be a 1st Gup for 6 months (*1 year suggested).
*Event Participation: You should participate in a sanctioned, pre-candidate workout run by one of the Regional Officials at least 6 months prior to your test, so we can evaluate your progress and assist in your preparation. This is also an opportunity to connect with your potential fellow candidates.
Basic Movements (Ki Cho Bup)
All lower belt techniques and requirements
Hand and foot combinations using all known techniques
Forms (Hyung)
Passai
Chil Sung Il Ro Hyung
Chil Sung Sam Ro Hyung
Du Mun Hyung *suggested for children, but not required.
Naihanji Cho Dan *optional, not demonstrated at the Shim Sa
One-Step Sparring (Il Soo Sik)
Adults: All (Il Bon to Sip Pahl Bon)
Children: Il Bon to Gu Bon (odd numbers only)
*Self Designed Il Soo Sik: Left and right side. All self-designed Il Soo Sik should be designed under the guidance and supervision of candidate’s instructor.
Self-Defense (Ho Shin Sul)
Adults: Side wrist grips, Rear wrist grips, All lower belt requirements
Children: Il Bon & E Bon of the following sets • Cross Hand Wrist Grips • Same Side Wrist Grips• Two on One Wrist Grips. • Two on Two Wrist Grips
Free Sparring (Ja Yu Deh Ryun)
Free Sparring
Breaking (Kyok Pa)
Ee Dan Dwi Cha Gi (Jump Back Kick) or Yeon Soo Kyok Pa with one Soo Gi technique and one Jok Gi technique
*Self-designed, creative Break that was designed under the direction of the candidate’s personal instructor.
Note: If a candidate does not feel capable of the required break, permission for exception is required.
In Neh
Thirty (30) seconds of continuous punching (Kee Mah Jaseh) with focus on power, speed, and proper direction of hip for maximum effectiveness of each punch. Goal: 120 punches with proper technique and form.
Required Essays
“What Soo Bahk Do Means to Me?” – 1000-2000 words, double spaced.
“Cite your personal vision contributions and participation towards the PVT (President’s Vision Tour). How have these actions helped increase the visibility of Soo Bahk Do in your community and brought new students to your Do Jang. Describe how the 5 Moo Duo values assisted in your efforts.” – No word limit, double spaced
E Dan Requirements
*Minimum Age: No age requirement, but *13 for children is recommended.
Minimum Training Time: Consistent training with a certified instructor for 2 years since your Cho Dan promotion.
*Event Participation: You should participate in a sanctioned, pre-candidate workout run by one of the Regional Officials 6 months prior to your test.
Basic Movements (Ki Cho Bup)
All lower belt techniques and requirements
Soo Bahk Do Gi Cho (Il Bon Techniques)
Hand and foot combinations using all known techniques
Forms (Hyung)
Joong Jul
Jin Do
Chil Sung Sam Ro
Pyong Ahn E Dan
*Naihanji E Dan (*optional, not demonstrated at the Shim Sa)
One-Step Sparring (Il Soo Sik)
Adults: Sam Soo Sik Deh Ryun
Children: Il Bon – Ship Chil Bon (odd numbers only, *but 1-18 inclusive is suggested.)
Self-Defense (Ho Shin Sul)
Adults: Lower Sleeve Grips
Knife (Dhando) Defense
Children: All Wrist Grips including Back and Side Wrist Grips
Knife (Dhando) Defense
Free Sparring (Ja Yu Deh Ryun)
Free Sparring
*Da Soo In Dae Ryun: 2 on 1 Sparring
Breaking (Kyok Pa)
Ee Dan Ssang Bal Cha Gi (Double Jump Front Split Kick) or Yeon Soo Kyok Pa with one Soo Gi technique and one Jok Gi technique
*Self-designed, creative Break that was designed under the direction of the candidate’s personal instructor.
In Neh
Ahp Bal Ahp Cha Nut Gi (lead leg) performed in Hu Gul Jaseh – Thirty (30) seconds of continuous kicking with focus on power, speed, and extension for the maximum effectiveness of each kick. Goal: 40 kicks per leg.
Note: Kyok Pa & In Neh can be adjusted subsequent to discussion with Regional Examiner(s) based on age and/or health considerations.
Required Essays
“What does your Dan Bon mean to you and how does it relate to the Moo Duk Kwan and its discipline?” – 1000-2000 words, double spaced.
“Cite your personal vision contributions and participation towards the PVT (President’s Vision Tour). How have these actions helped increase the visibility of Soo Bahk Do in your community and brought new students to your Do Jang. Describe how the 5 Moo Duo values assisted in your efforts.” – No word limit, double spaced.
Sam Dan Requirements
Basic Movements (Ki Cho Bup)
All lower belt techniques and requirements
Soo Bahk Do Gi Cho (E Bon Techniques)
Hand and foot combinations using all known techniques
Forms (Hyung)
Po Wol
Chil Sung Sa Ro
Ro Hai
Pyong Ahn Sam Dan
*Naihanji Sam Dan (*optional, not demonstrated at the Shim Sa)
One-Step Sparring (Il Soo Sik)
Jua Deh Ryun (sparring from the ground) – Not demonstrated at the Shim Sa until further instruction from Kwan Jang Nim is given.
*Sam Soo Sik
Self-Defense (Ho Shin Sul)
Mid-sleeve Grips
Staff Defense (Jang Bong)
Free Sparring (Ja Yu Deh Ryun)
Free Sparring
Da Soo In Deh Ryun – Double (2 on 1) opponent sparring
Breaking (Kyok Pa) Ro Hai
In Neh Ahp Cha Nut Gi (hopping), alternating each leg for thirty seconds of continous kicking. Goal: 50 kicks with proper completion of each kick.
Note: Kyok Pa & In Neh can be adjusted subsequent to discussion with Regional Examiner(s) based on age and/or health considerations.
Required Essays
Subject 1: “Describe the essential characteristics of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, which make it
unique and differentiates it from other styles.”
Subject 2: (Answer one of the following):
“Explain your understanding of the philosophy of Self-Defense. Include in your explanation its meaning,
purpose and basic use.”
OR
“Describe the origin, nature and importance of The Yuk Ro Hyungs in the development of Soo Bahk Do
Moo Duk Kwan and the training of Dan students.
double spaced
Entries (RSS)