Change to grading requirements in 2018

Starting from 2018 there will be a few changes to grading requirements.
The main changes are the requirement to compete in either poomsae or sparring competition and the introduction of "Taeguk" poomsae for blackbelt gradings.

Why have we done this?
Competition participation has been introduced because competitions provide an external benchmark. This allows students to gauge their own level against other people similar age and rank. Our training methods and syllabus are in line with what is used currently in Korean and top dojangs globally but we know the student's self drive and effort during class is a major factor in their own development. If the student thinks they're the best, they won't push themselves as much as someone hungry to be the best.

Even though Steve and ZiChuan as instructions generally know what the student's level is, it's good for the student to realise this for themselves.

We have included both options of sparring and poomsae (patterns) competition because we know that some people prefer sparring and some will prefer the non contact patterns. Both forms of competition have their own challenges.

Taeguk poomsae has been introduced because they are the global standard poomsae for Kukkiwon syllabus schools and what the global Chung Do Kwan HQ in Korea expects us to know. If we travel to Korea or have international guest instructors, they will expect that students know taeguk poomsae.

Knowledge of both Chang Hon and Taeguk poomsae allows our students to train almost anywhere in the world.