Gradings
WHAT IS A GRADING?
At Galashiels Tae Kwon Do, we set achievable, yet challenging, goals for all our students. Gradings are one such form of this.
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If a student wishes to move onto the next belt - and has completed the minimum amount of training time - they may be eligible to be examined for their next belt. The club instructor must also agree that the student is ready to move onto their next grade.
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Check the club calendar for the upcoming gradings!​​
TAGB official grading table.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'VE PASSED MY GRADING?
Once the grading has been completed, students will be informed of their result in the coming days/weeks.
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If a student has performed an exceptional grading, they may be informed on the day itself and presented with a grading award.
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If the student has passed, they will receive their new belt and be allowed to learn the next stage of the syllabus.
HOW DOES A GRADING WORK?
Once the student has obtained permission from the instructor to grade, they will be allowed to attend a formal grading.
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Depending on the circumstances, an instructor may ask the student to attend a pre-grading first (a mock exam) too see whether they are truly ready to be promoted.
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The formal grading will usually take place on a pre-agreed day, time and location with other TAGB Scotland clubs. Students will be divided into groups pertaining to their particular belt and be asked to perform a set syllabus. You can find out more about your individual syllabus on the student portal area.
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This syllabus will be combined with some set theory questions which may be asked before or after the floorwork. Students will be graded in front of a panel, one of which will be the TAGB management council representative for the area (in our case, Grandmaster Paul Donnelly).
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE FOR BLACK BELT GRADINGS?
Absolutely, the standard needed to achieve a promotion - both to a black belt, and beyond - requires extra dedication and hard work.
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Promotion to black belt requires the club member to be graded in front of the TAGB management council. This will take place with students from across the country.
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Once the grading has been completed, much in the same way as a colour belt grading, the student will hear back whether they have passed the examination.
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Once a student has achieved a black belt, the time between gradings can differ due to a number of factors. If in doubt, ask your instructor!
The TAGB management council
GRADING PACKING/PREP LIST​
1) Full dobok (white suit) - unless pre-agreed with the instructor
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2) Belt
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3) Sparring gear (green belts and above)
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4) A copy of the TAGB theory for practice - you can view this on the student area of the website
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5) Your colour belt licence book (red book) - if you are unsure, ask your instructor
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6) Bring some water and some snacks! Especially if you are travelling with others and expect to be waiting for them to grade.
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7) If you have not paid the grading fee, please bring this along and pass it onto your instructor. You will not be able to grade without this.
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8) A change of clothes if you do not want to travel in your dobok
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9) Make sure you have your transport sorted beforehand. Talk to your instructor if you are having issues.
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10) Be early! Get there at least 20 minutes early so you can get warmed-up and practice.