Black Belt Testing

Many if not all students get very nervous about black belt testing. I want to assure you on some aspects of your upcoming black belt taekwondo test.

First, your Master would not invite you to test unless he or she believed you are ready. Take heart in the fact that your Master has complete faith in your ability to perform with excellence in your black belt test.

Remember, that black belt testing is just one more step in the journey of your taekwondo training. I often tell tae kwon do students that the color belt curriculum they study for months and years is the equivalent of the "prerequisite" required to begin taekwondo training.

Just as in school and college, you must learn certain subjects before you are allowed to move up and take more complicated subjects. Your taekwondo belt colors are the same. They are the qualifications needed to take the course you really wanted to learn and benefit from.

Once you earn that black belt, your education begins. The tae kwon do black belt is not the end of the journey, but the beginning. There is so much more waiting for you once that door has been opened.

So rather than feeling fear over your black belt testing, you should feel exhilarated at the prospect of finally having the opportunity to begin your tae kwon do training.

I know what your saying, "That's easy for you to say Kalynn. You already have a black belt."

And I have to agree with you, it is easy for me to say because I have the benefit of hind sight. But my desire to help you gain from my experience is a tangible thing. Please understand that a little nervousness is a good. It helps you focus and put forward your best effort.

But outright fear over a black belt testing experience is unnecessary and counter productive to your training. Be completely at ease with the certainty that you are ready and you will succeed. Your Master knows this and you should trust in him/her.

Good luck and let me know how well your test went. (You can read about Steve, The 59 year old Taekwondo Network member who just finished a successful black belt test in the "Your Feedback" section below.)

Post Your Taekwondo Tournaments

Several of you submitted upcoming tournaments that are now listed in that section of the website. I apologize to those of you who submitted tournaments that I didn't get up in time. A couple of weeks notice at least would be appreciated.

Good luck to everyone who is preparing for a summer or fall event. TKD Tournaments are a great way to improve your tae kwon do techniques.

Visit New Tae kwon do Tournaments Page

Taekwondo Philosophy

We often face some form of testing in our lives - the dojang makes no exception. It is important to ask ourselves "why" we test, or as Master Y.K. Kim writes in his expert volume, World TaeKwonDo:

"What is the purpose of testing?

1. To measure our progress and abilities in Taekwondo.
2. To set goals, and instill a desire to achieve even your highest goals.
3. To learn cooperation and organization.
4. To learn how to express yourself.

The main purpose is to build self-confidence."

TKDspace.com

Use this invite link to join TKDspace.com for free. Invite

What's Happening at
The Taekwondo Network...

Lots of visitors to The Taekwondo Network take the time to share their style.

You can take the poll now by visiting the tae kwon do styles page and share your style.

Here are the current results:

Your Feedback

I know you get a lot of feedback, but I wrote you several months ago and you said to keep you informed as to my progress.

NPS TKD Organization held its annual Black Belt Test Saturday June 13th. I received my Danbo! Not too bad for a guy that will be 59 next Friday!

As I was presented my belt, I recalled you article "TKD Times On Line free eZine Issue #009..Success in Tae Kwon Do " Yes there were others that were more skilled, able to jump higher, had more of what I lack, but I held my own!

Pictures will be posted ASAP on http://zoarnps.tripod.com! Look for the old guy and that will be ME!!!

My response:Thanks so much for the exciting update Steve!

I am so very proud of you. You have joined an elite set of individuals around the world that practice the tenets of tae kwon do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

That last one, you seem to possess in abundance. Now, your journey will begin.

Sincerely,

Kalynn

I love it when we share information and opinions like Steve. So I have created an area on The Taekwondo Network where you can share your questions or comments with all visitors. Please visit Your Feedback and leave your story for everyone to comment and learn from.

Nominate Your Master

Tae kwon do Master

Soon, I will create an invitation page where you can write about your Master directly online for more immediate publishing.

If you enjoy TkdTimes, please forward this copy to a friend. You can help me spread the joy of tae kwon do around the world. The more of us who walk the path, the greater the journey. We are a great community with a so much to share.

Oh, if you need the link to the free clip art page again, here it is and thank you for signing up for the eZine.Free Clip Art

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success."-Joyce Brothers

Do Your Success...

Kam sa ham ni dah,

Kalynn