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.
Print the Region 8 Dan Prep Guide.
Region 8 Testing Promotion Requirements
- Administrative Requirements
- Cho Dan Requirements
- E Dan Requirements
- Sam Dan Requirements
- Kyo Sa Requirements
- Ko Dan Ja & Sa Bom
Request to Test (2 STEPS)
- Each candidate needs permission from their personal instructor prior to requesting to test. Please download the Letter of Intent to Test Guidelines.
2. Submit Request to Test form to Region 8 Request to Test Form
REGION 8 Request to Test FORM
Yu Dan Ja Rank Test (1st through 3rd Dan)
6 months prior to your requesting dan test, fill out and submit the online Request to Test Form. When accepted as a candidate, attend the pre-candidate workout at the Dan Classings prior to yours. For example, if you are testing in the Fall, Request to Test 1 month prior to the Spring Shim Sa date and attend the pre-candidate workout in the Spring.
Kyo Sa Certification
All Kyo Sa candidates must complete the prerequisite Jok Kyo certification.
Kyo Sa Candidates should fill out and submit the online Request to Test Form 12 months prior to your requesting date. Continue to work with your instructor and Regional Officials over the year in preparation for your test.
Ko Dan Ja and Sa Bom Certification
All Ko Dan Ja Candidates should fill out and submit the online Request to Test Form May 1st of the year prior to your requesting Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa. Be prepared to be evaluated one year before your planned testing date during the Fall Dan Shim Sa.
*If you are not able to attend, work with your instructor to get approval from the Regional Examiners.
One Month Prior to the Test
To qualify to test in front of the Examination Board, you MUST submit your final paperwork no later than one month prior to the final Dan Shim Sa 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. Plan on reviewing your submission with your instructor two weeks before it is due.
Ko Dan Ja and Sa Bom applicants will follow the USA TAC guidelines for paperwork submission.
Submission Instructions (REVIEW CAREFULLY):
1. Pay Testing Fee via Paypal -We will NOT accept cash or checks for the testing fee.
Ee Dan & Kyo Sa Test $675 (Rank Promotion plus Kyo Sa: $425 + $250 provides 50% discount on Kyo Sa certification fee when bundled)
Sam Dan & Kyo Sa Test $700 (Rank Promotion plus Kyo Sa: $450 + $250 provides 50% discount on Kyo Sa certification fee when bundled)
2. TESTING PAPERWORK:
Use the following links to download the testing paperwork packets. Each packet contains the following:
- Testing Paperwork Instructions
- Testing Paperwork Checklist
- Testing Fee payment links
- Essay template
- World Moo Duk Kwan Application For Dan Rank Promotion
Cho Dan Testing Paperwork packet
Ee Dan Testing Paperwork packet
Sam Dan Testing Paperwork packet
Additional required information:
- Photo– The portrait headshot image should be approximately 200 pixels by 200 pixels in Do Bok on a white background. The filename should be your full name in the format “first name, last name”. Acceptable file types include .jpg, .png, .gif. iPhone users need to adjust the image file type from heic to jpg
- Proof of Membership – Membership must be current at date of test. 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. The expiration date on the membership card should be used in filling out the World Moo Duk Kwan Application for Dan Rank Promotion form.
- PVT Project Summary
Submitting the testing paperwork:
Email the completed Paperwork package to sbdregion8@gmail.com
All candidate testing paperwork must be submitted as a complete package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted and will be returned with deficiencies noted. Active Administration is one of the Mission 2000 objectives, thus, Candidates are reminded that completing the testing paperwork is an integral part of the testing process.
3. Submit your World Moo Duk Kwan Application for Dan Rank Promotion to your instructor for approval and signature. Instructors, not the testing applicants, are responsible for then e-mailing the approved and signed documents to sbdregion8@gmail.com. World Moo Duk Kwan Application for Dan Rank Promotion – This form must be type-written and all fields in Section 1 and 2 filled out. This includes the instructor’s section FOR signature from both the applicant or guardian. Digital signatures are accepted and preferred.
You will use the Adobe Typewriter function to enter in your information if you are using Adobe Reader. Missing information will not be accepted.
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Go to your test prepared for Success
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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)
Chil Sung E Ro Hyung
Passai
Naihanji Cho Dan
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.
Adults: 2 boards
Youth: 1 board
Note: If a candidate does not feel capable of the required break, permission for exception is required. Candidate is allowed two tries to successfully complete their break.
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.
KJN has requested that essays be available for potential publishing by the World Moo Duk Kwan.
PVT Project
Working with your personal instructor, candidate should plan, execute, and then report on a personal project that helps increase the visibility of Soo Bahk Do in your local community and brought new students to your Do Jang. The project chosen should clearly demonstrate leadership skills in organizing people to a specific cause. Examples could include, but not limited to, organizing a demonstration at a local public school, organizing and leading a fundraiser event such as a kickathon, or using your own specific talents to assist your instructor. Examples could include improving your Do Jang’s website, designing a new logo, or providing a budget structure for administrative purposes. Your project should go over and beyond your duties as a Sun Beh (senior member) of your dojang. As such, projects such as assisting in teaching classes, or welcoming new students to the Do Jang would not qualify for a PVT project.
Once you and your instructor have agreed on the appropriate project, you will execute on the project with enough lead time to fully complete the project and then present your project to the testing board on your testing date. Your oral presentation will consist of a 2-minute presentation complete with a summarized written handout. This may or may not follow up with Q&A with the testing board. Your presentation should reflect the highest level of Moo Do professionalism and clearly demonstrate the 5 Moo Do Values.
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)
Chil Sung Il Ro
Naihanji E Dan
Du Mun
Jin Do
One-Step Sparring (Il Soo Sik)
Adults: Sam Soo Sik Deh Ryun (demonstrate any 3 of the classic Sam Soo Sik)
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
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.
Adults: 2 boards each foot
Youth: 1 board each foot
Note: If a candidate does not feel capable of the required break, permission for exception is required. Candidate is allowed two tries to successfully complete their break.
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.
KJN has requested that essays be available for potential publishing by the World Moo Duk Kwan.
PVT Project
Same as Cho Dan requirement
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)
Chil Sung Sam Ro
Naihanji Sam Dan
Joong Jul
Ro Hai
Three-Step Sparring (Sam Soo Sik)
Sam Soo Sik Deh Ryun (demonstrate any 3 of the Yuk Ro inspired Sam Soo Sik)
Self-Defense (Ho Shin Sul)
Mid-sleeve Grips
Staff Defense (Jang Bong)
Sparring (Deh Ryun)
Da Soo In Deh Ryun – Double (2 on 1) opponent sparring
Jua Deh Ryun (sparring from the ground)
Breaking (Kyok Pa)
Ro Hai
*Self-designed, creative Break that was designed under the direction of the candidate’s personal instructor.
Adults: 2 boards
Note: If a candidate does not feel capable of the required break, permission for exception is required. Candidate is allowed two tries to successfully complete their break.
In Neh Ahp Cha Nut Gi (hopping), alternating each leg for thirty seconds of continuous 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
“Describe the essential characteristics of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan as taught in Moo Duk Kwan schools, which make it unique and differentiates it from other styles.” Candidate is requested to contemplate and expound upon the Moo Duk Kwan’s uniqueness and accomplishments made from 1954 to 1961 in Korea. Vision Tour presentations have provided additional information about many of these events. 1000-2000 words, double spaced.
KJN has requested that essays be available for potential publishing by the World Moo Duk Kwan.
PVT Project
Same as Cho Dan requirement
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.
Ko Dan Ja & Sa Bom
Ko Dan Ja Candidate Process
Candidate will follow the TAC process for Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa eligibility. A part of the eligibility requirement is to receive a recommendation to test from the Regional Examiners. This process is designed so you can receive that recommendation.
Candidate should follow the Application Process on page 2 of this packet on May 1st of the year prior to your requesting Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa by filling out the Request to Test form at soobahkdoregion8.com. This will inform the Regional Examiners of your intent to test. You are invited to participate in the Fall Dan Shim Sa Pre-Candidate Workout. There will be a Ko Dan Ja track where the Regional Examiners will evaluate your performance and provide you feedback that will help you in your preparations over the next year.
Sa Bom Candidate Process
Candidate will follow the TAC process for Sa Bom eligibility. A part of the eligibility requirement is to receive a recommendation to test from the Regional Examiners. This process is designed so you can receive that recommendation.
Candidate should follow the Application Process on page 2 of this packet. May 1st of the year prior to your requesting Sa Bom Certification, you should fill out the Request to Test form at soobahkdoregion8.com. This will inform the Regional Examiners of your intent to test. You are invited to teach a Moo Do Seminar during the Dan Shim Sa weekend to a group of students in front of the Regional Examiners. The Regional Examiners will work with you to design a seminar based on the PCA concepts.
Region 8 