Asian Sun Master's Council
Master Ray Weinert, PhD
Master Donn Marciniak, MD
Master Karen Weinert, MA
Master John Forcina
Master Paul D' Angelo
Master Marcela Forcina
Master Norman Kim
Master Robert Weinert
Black Belt Step Testing Has Been Recommended and Approved by
The Asian Sun Master's Council
to Help Improve Our Black Belt's
Technical Progress, Comprehension, Focus, and Self Confidence
What is Step Testing?
Step Testing is perhaps one of the best things to help students both learn their requirements for their next rank of Black Belt and to stay focused on their training.
Step Testing helps the student to set goals of what they need to learn in order to progress to the next level. Setting a short term goal would be completing their Yellow Step Test, while the long term goal would be testing for their next Dan Rank.
Step Testing breaks down the requirements for each Degree of Black Belt into three separate units, as well as adds extremely effective Muay Thai Self Defense Units and Board Breaking to each rank.
How Does Step Testing Work?
Each degree of Black Belt is divided into three sections. Each section is color coded: Yellow, Green, and Red. Different parts of the curriculum are required for each color of step test.
In example, from 1st Dan to 2nd Dan:
At your first step test, which would be Yellow, you are required to perform No Hai, Keumgang, Four Self Defense Techniques, and also are responsible for the board break in No Hai. Once the test is completed, you receive a Yellow Stripe above your name on your belt.
For the next test, or Green, you are required to perform Chul Ki EE Dan and Koryo, Four Additional Self Defense Techniques, and break with a switch feet spin hook kick. Upon completion, you would receive a Green Stripe directly on top of your Yellow Stripe, because we are layering knowledge.
For your last step test, or Red, you are required to perform Sections 1-4 of the Staff form, (approximately 40 motions), perform the last four of your 12 self defense techniques, and execute a multi station forearm and elbow break. Upon completion, you would receive a Red Stripe on top of your previous two stripes.
When Can I Test For My Next Degree of Black Belt?
First and foremost, Testing is a PRIVILAGE, not a right. You need to earn that right.
Once you attain your Red Stripe and after your Time in Rank is met, you may be permitted to test for your next Dan Rank, based on ability, attendance, and attitude. In example, you could test for your Red Step Test within the first few months after you receive your 1st Dan Black Belt, but you would still have to wait the two year Time in Rank (two years of active practice with no extended time off) period between 1st Dan and 2nd Dan. In addition to your Red Stripe and Time in Rank, a Proper Attitude must be consistantly displayed.
Where Can I Step Test?
Step Testing will be held at each colored belt test at all Asian Sun locations.
How Often Can I Step Test?
Because this is a new improvement to our curriculum, we are allowing students to test directly for what they currently can perform in 2008 only. In other words, if you can successfully perform all the material necessary for your Yellow and Green Steps, you may do so at the same test. This is only until the end of 2008. Effective 2009, you must test separately for each step, waiting a minimum of one color belt cycle between each step.
Is There a Step Testing Fee?
There are no Step Testing Fees until the end of 2008. Effective January 2009, there will be a regular testing fee since this is a regular test. We advise all of our Black Belts to get their current Dan Rank Step Tests done before the end of 2008. Because of the early advance notice given about Step Testing (March 2008), there will be no exceptions made beginning January 2009.
What Do I Need For My Step Test?
There is a list of requirements posted next to the color belt requirements at each school. Please fill out a testing application found in the lobby of your school. Check your current rank and the level that you are testing for. In example, if you are a 1st Dan going for your Yellow Step, you would check 1st Dan Yellow Step.
How Do I Register For Step Testing?
1. Find out when your school's next color belt test is
2. Check Asiansun.net to see what time Step Testing will start
at your school
3. Fill out a regular belt test form found in your school's lobby
4. Check what Step you are testing for.
5.
If this is your first Step, check Yellow under your current rank.
6. There is no fee until January 2009
7. Make sure that you are 15 minutes early to get warmed up and ready
