Is the grading system the same for adults and children?
Taekwon-Do students progress by passing Grades, or Kups, of which White Belt signifies the innocence of the beginner, and Black Belt signifies maturity in the art.
On average students grade either 3 to 4 times a year, and are judged on their ability to perform a selection of tests from the syllabus, with confidence, by an external examiner - who will also spend time coaching in how the techniques should develop.
Having progressed through the system, Black Belt students are assessed away from the club at a location where candidates from all over the country are tested.
For younger students, the GTUK has created the Rainbow grading system which allows 5-8 year olds to take less complicated half-gradings. This is not so daunting for youngsters and gives extra time for their mental focus to develop. It also allows them the maturity to understand that a true martial art is about far more than just kicking and punching.