Paul Zhang's Blog

21 June 2023
 
Lidcombe Training Session - Grading Philosophy and Approach
 
On Wednesday 21 June, GM Tam Fook Chee focused this class on kicking techniques followed by free sparring for the Black Belts and pre-arranged sparring for the color belts. 
 
Towards the conclusion of class, GM Tam informed the class that the Blue belt has the highest exit rates, the reason given to the class was that from 10th - 4th Gup students are often eligible to grade in successive gradings a year due to a smaller syllabus and a lower degree of difficulty for lower Gups. However, the higher the grades the longer the minimum times along with the attendance requirements associated to become eligible with grading. GM Tam continued to explain that lessons should not be centered purely as grading rehearsal and preparation, because we are learning new techniques and new concepts daily whilst concurrently developing fitness.
 
The reasoning behind grading not always being a pre-set date and lessons not oriented towards grading is to distinguish sporting competitions from the notion of self-defense. The key disadvantage about pre-rehearsing and announcing grading is students would train hard towards the end to seek eligibility and to promote to their next grade, as opposed to consistent effort throughout the term. As such, this reflects the notions of self-defense as we are unaware of when dangers can arise at any given moment as opposed to competitions where we prepare for a set event that we elect to participate. 
 
 Furthermore, a holistic learning and development is not just oriented towards grading but exposure to all elements of Taekwon-Do. 
 
Taekwon 
 
Paul (2nd Gup)