Premier Dojang · Martial Arts Schools of Excellence

Yellow Belt

8th Kup
Syllabus

Your complete guide to training, grading and everything in between — for students and parents.

2026 Master Edition
팔단계 · 노란 띠

Contents

1Warm-Up & Fitness
2Stances (Sogi)
3Hand Techniques
4Foot Techniques
5Line Drills & Combinations
6Patterns (Tul)
7Step Sparring
8Power Test
9Theory
10Grading Checklist
THE FOUNDATIONS ARE LAID — NOW THE PLANT BEGINS TO GROW

1

Warm-Up & Fitness

Gibon Undong — 기본 운동
REQUIRED AT EVERY CLASS AND GRADING — COUNT ALOUD IN KOREAN

Every student must be able to warm themselves up correctly — and lead the class if asked. Count every exercise in Korean, aloud. You will use these counts at your grading.

💡 Parent tip: Call out the numbers in English first, then swap to Korean once your child knows them. Doing it together makes it fun.

Part 1 — Joint Rotations 관절 운동

Identical to 10th and 9th Kup — every exercise, every count, no changes.

# Exercise Detail Count
1a–1f Shoulder Rotations All six directions as before ×8 each
2a–2b Neck Right/Left · Up/Down — slow and controlled ×16 each
3a–3b Chicken Wings Elbows circle forward & backward ×8 each
4a–4b Waist — Hip Circles Clockwise & Counter-Clockwise, large slow circles ×8 each
5a–5c Knees Squats together · Circles CW/CCW ×8×2 / ×8
6a–6d Ankles Left CW/CCW · Right CW/CCW, foot off floor ×8 each

Part 2 — Vigorous Warm-Up 체력 단련

Reps increase to 30 at this grade. The 6-minute clock starts here — form and speed both count.

Exercise Count Note
Star Jumps 30 —
Sit-Ups 30 —
Press-Ups 30 Adults and Black Belts from all grades: first two knuckles (Ap Joomuk) — Momtong Bachim
Squat Thrusts 30 —
Sky Divers 30 Lie face down — raise arms and legs off floor simultaneously
⏱️ Time limit introduced at this grade. From 8th Kup all fitness must be completed within 6 minutes. Correct form is still required — speed without form does not count.
📈 These numbers increase at each grade. What feels hard today is your baseline for tomorrow.

Full Fitness Progression — All Grades

Know where you are going. This is the full journey from White Belt to Red/Black Tag.

Grade Belt Sets Reps Total Time
10th Kup White 1 20 20 No limit
9th Kup White / Yellow Tag 1 25 25 No limit
8th Kup ◀ YOU ARE HERE Yellow 1 30 30 6 min
7th Kup Yellow / Green Tag 1 35 35 7 min
6th Kup Green 1 40 40 7 min
5th Kup Green / Blue Tag 1 45 45 8 min
4th Kup Blue 2 30 60 10 min (inc. 30 sec rest)
3rd Kup Blue / Red Tag 2 40 80 12 min (inc. 30 sec rest)
2nd Kup Red 3 30 90 13 min (inc. 2 × 30 sec rest)
1st Kup Red / Black Tag 3 35 105 15 min (inc. 2 × 30 sec rest)
💪 From 4th Kup the format changes to circuit sets with 30 seconds rest between sets. The rest period does not allow full recovery — that is intentional. Stamina, breath control and mental toughness are all being tested.

2

Stances

Sogi — 서기
KNOW THE ENGLISH NAME, KOREAN NAME, WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION, WIDTH & LENGTH

No new stances at this grade. All stances from 10th and 9th Kup carry forward. Focus on precision — the examiner will test you on any stance at any time.

English Name Korean Weight Width Length (front to back)
Parallel Stance Narani Sogi 50/50 Shoulder width N/A
Attention Stance Charyot Sogi 50/50 Heels together, V-shape N/A
Bowing Posture Kongnae Jase 50/50 As Attention Stance N/A
Sitting Stance Annun Sogi 50/50 1½ shoulder widths N/A
Walking Stance Gunnun Sogi 50/50 Shoulder width 1½ shoulder widths
L-Stance Niunja Sogi 70% back / 30% front Shoulder width 1½ shoulder widths
⚖️ Examiner question you must be ready for: “Show me L-Stance. How much weight on each leg?” Answer: Seventy on the back leg, thirty on the front.

3

Hand Techniques

Son Gisool — 손 기술
KNOW WHICH TOOL IS USED AND THE KOREAN NAME FOR EACH TECHNIQUE

All hand parts and techniques from 10th and 9th Kup carry forward. Four new techniques are introduced at this grade. A hand technique always needs a stance: STANCE + TECHNIQUE.

Hand Parts (Sang Bansin) 상 반신

English Korean Description
Open Hand Son The hand in general — open position
Knife Hand Son Kal / Sonkal Outer edge of the open hand (little finger side)
Fist Joomuk Clenched fist
Forefist Ap Joomuk First two knuckles of the clenched fist — striking tool for punches
Outer Forearm Paka Palmok Outer edge of the forearm — thumb side
Inner Forearm An Palmok Inner edge of the forearm — little finger side

Techniques Carried Forward from 9th Kup

English Korean Stance Tool
Forefist Middle Punch Ap Joomuk Kaunde Jirugi Walking Stance Ap Joomuk
Outer Forearm Low Block Pakat Palmok Najunde Maki Walking Stance Outer forearm
Outer Forearm Middle Block Pakat Palmok Kaunde Maki Walking Stance Outer forearm
Knife Hand Low Block Sonkal Najunde Maki Walking Stance Son Kal
Inner Forearm Middle Block An Palmok Kaunde Maki L-Stance Inner forearm
Outer Forearm Rising Block Paka Palmok Chookyo Maki Walking Stance Outer forearm
Forearm Guarding Block Palmok Daebi Maki L-Stance Both forearms

⭐ New Technique 1 — Knife-Hand Guarding Block

Sonkal Daebi Maki 손칼 대비 막기

Stance: L-Stance (Niunja Sogi)
Tool: Knife hand — outer edge of the open hand, little finger side.
Description: A two-hand guarding position. The leading knife hand is positioned vertically at the centreline at middle section; the rear knife hand is held at the hip, blade forward.
Where you will use it: Dan-Gun movements 1 and 3, and throughout line drill combinations at this grade.

⭐ New Technique 2 — High Punch

Nopunde Jirugi 높은 지르기

Stance: Walking Stance (Gunnun Sogi)
Tool: Ap Joomuk — first two knuckles of the clenched fist.
Target: High section — face and head (Olgul).
Key point: The fist travels at high section height, not middle. The elbow extends fully. This is the primary punch used throughout Dan-Gun.

⭐ New Technique 3 — Twin Outer Forearm Block

Sang Paka Palmok Maki 쌍 바깥 팔목 막기

Stance: L-Stance (Niunja Sogi)
Tool: Both outer forearms simultaneously.
Description: Both forearms rise and extend outward simultaneously, deflecting attacks from both sides at once. One forearm protects middle section, the other covers high/middle.
Where you will use it: Dan-Gun movements 9 and 11 and in line drill combinations.

⭐ New Technique 4 — Knife-Hand Side Strike

Sonkal Yop Taerigi 손칼 옆 때리기

Stance: L-Stance (Niunja Sogi)
Tool: Sonkal — outer edge of the open hand, little finger side.
Target: Middle section — sweeps horizontally from the centreline outward.
Key point: The striking hand travels across the body and snaps to the target. The reaction hand pulls to the hip.
Where you will use it: Dan-Gun movements 18 and 20 and in line drill combinations.

Body Sections — Height Levels

Korean English Target Area
Olgul High section Face and head
Kaunde Middle section Chest and torso
Najunde Low section Waist and below

5

Line Drills & Combinations

Gibon Yonsup — 기본 연습
FOUR DIRECTIONAL SEQUENCES + FOUR NEW COMBINATIONS — ALL GRADING REQUIREMENTS

At 8th Kup there are six line drill requirements. Saju Jirugi and Saju Maki carry forward unchanged from 9th Kup. Four new combinations are introduced at this grade. All sequences start and end in Parallel Stance.

Four Directional Punch Saju Jirugi

Carried forward from 9th Kup exactly. 16 steps total. Alternates Middle Punch and Low Outer Forearm Block. For the full step-by-step see the 9th Kup syllabus.

Four Directional Block Saju Maki

Carried forward from 9th Kup exactly. 18 steps total. Uses Inner Forearm (An Palmok) for the middle block as revised at 9th Kup. For the full step-by-step see the 9th Kup syllabus.

⭐ New Combination 1 — Front Kick · Middle Punch · Reverse Punch

Performed in Walking Stance. Step forward, execute Front Kick (Ap Chagi), land forward, execute Middle Obverse Punch, immediately follow with Middle Reverse Punch — all in Normal Motion. Perform on both sides.

🎯 What this tests: Kick-to-combination transition, continuous power flow through three techniques, and understanding the difference between Obverse and Reverse punch. No pause between kick and punches.

⭐ New Combination 2 — Knife-Hand Guarding Block in L-Stance

Step into L-Stance, execute Knife-Hand Guarding Block (Sonkal Daebi Maki). Perform on both sides.

🎯 What this tests: Correct L-Stance weight distribution (70/30), both knife hands positioned correctly, leading hand at centreline at middle section.

⭐ New Combination 3 — Twin Outer Forearm Block in L-Stance

Step into L-Stance, execute Twin Outer Forearm Block (Sang Paka Palmok Maki). Perform on both sides.

🎯 What this tests: Simultaneous arm action, correct L-Stance, both forearms at correct height and angle.

⭐ New Combination 4 — Knife-Hand Side Strike in L-Stance

Step into L-Stance, execute Knife-Hand Side Strike (Sonkal Yop Taerigi). Perform on both sides.

🎯 What this tests: Correct striking tool (blade of hand), horizontal snap through the target, solid L-Stance base throughout the strike.

6

Patterns

Tul — 틀
DAN-GUN — 21 MOVEMENTS — SECOND PATTERN IN ITF TAEKWONDO

✅ Dan-Gun is required at this grade. Learn the name, the number of movements, and the meaning — the examiner will ask all three. You must also be able to explain what Continuous Motion is and where it appears.

Dan-Gun 단군

Movements Ready Position Pattern Number
21 Narani Junbe Sogi facing D 2nd of 24 ITF patterns
🏔️ Meaning of Dan-Gun: Dan-Gun is named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 BC.
🔄 Continuous Motion — introduced at this grade: Movements 13 and 14 are performed in Continuous Motion (Iojin Tongjak) — two movements in one breath with two sine-waves. There is no pause or reset between them. The low block flows directly into the rising block without stopping. This is the first time continuous motion appears in your training.
🧭 Diagram: The pattern uses compass points A, B, C, D plus E and F. The student starts on line AB facing D. The pattern travels along the A–B axis, toward D, along the E–F axis, toward C, and returns to the A–B axis.

Techniques Used in Dan-Gun

  • L-Stance, Knife-Hand Guarding Block (movements 1, 3)
  • Walking Stance, High Punch (movements 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15–17, 19, 21)
  • Walking Stance, Low Outer Forearm Block (movement 5, and 13 in Continuous Motion)
  • L-Stance, Twin Outer Forearm Block (movements 9, 11)
  • Walking Stance, Rising Block (movements 13–17 — 13 and 14 in Continuous Motion)
  • L-Stance, Knife-Hand Side Strike (movements 18, 20)
MOVEMENTS 1–12 · A–B, D and E–F axes
  • ▶
    Ready — Narani Junbe Sogi facing DStand on line AB.
  • 1
    Left foot to B → Right L-Stance toward BMiddle Knife-Hand Guarding Block to B
  • 2
    Right foot to B → Right Walking Stance toward BHigh Punch to B with right fist
  • 3
    Right foot to A (clockwise) → Left L-Stance toward AMiddle Knife-Hand Guarding Block to A
  • 4
    Left foot to A → Left Walking Stance toward AHigh Punch to A with left fist
  • 5
    Left foot to D → Left Walking Stance toward DLow Block to D with left forearm
  • 6
    Right foot to D → Right Walking Stance toward DHigh Punch to D with right fist
  • 7
    Left foot to D → Left Walking Stance toward DHigh Punch to D with left fist
  • 8
    Right foot to D → Right Walking Stance toward DHigh Punch to D with right fist
  • 9
    Left foot to E (counter-clockwise) → Right L-Stance toward ETwin Outer Forearm Block to E
  • 10
    Right foot to E → Right Walking Stance toward EHigh Punch to E with right fist
  • 11
    Right foot to F (clockwise) → Left L-Stance toward FTwin Outer Forearm Block to F
  • 12
    Left foot to F → Left Walking Stance toward FHigh Punch to F with left fist
MOVEMENTS 13–21 · C axis and A–B axis
  • 13
    Left foot to C → Left Walking Stance toward CLow Block to C with left forearm — Continuous Motion ↓ flows into 14
  • 14
    Maintain Left Walking Stance toward CRising Block with left forearm — ↑ flows from 13
  • 15
    Right foot to C → Right Walking Stance toward CRising Block with right forearm
  • 16
    Left foot to C → Left Walking Stance toward CRising Block with left forearm
  • 17
    Right foot to C → Right Walking Stance toward CRising Block with right forearm
  • 18
    Left foot to B (counter-clockwise) → Right L-Stance toward BMiddle Outward Knife-Hand Strike to B with left knife-hand
  • 19
    Right foot to B → Right Walking Stance toward BHigh Punch to B with right fist
  • 20
    Right foot to A (clockwise) → Left L-Stance toward AMiddle Outward Knife-Hand Strike to A with right knife-hand
  • 21
    Left foot to A → Left Walking Stance toward AHigh Punch to A with left fist — Ki-Ap!

📍 Accuracy rule: The pattern must begin and end at the same spot. Walk the pattern slowly, checking each foot position, until this is automatic.
■ End: Bring the left foot back to Narani Junbe Sogi. Pivot on the ball of the right foot.
🔜 What’s next at 7th Kup: You will learn Do-San — 24 movements, named after the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1878–1938).

7

Step Sparring

Matsogi — 맞서기
3-STEP SEQUENCES 1, 2, 3, 4 REQUIRED · SEQUENCE 5 INTRODUCED

3-Step Sparring (Sambo Matsogi) develops Distance, Focus and Timing. At 8th Kup Sequences 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all required. Sequence 5 is introduced and required from 7th Kup.

🏠 Grading requirement — solo or partner: The minimum requirement is to perform sequences solo — attacker and defender roles performed alone, without a partner. Solo performance at grading is fully acceptable.

Protocol — Every Sequence Begins and Ends the Same Way

Stage What Happens
Start Both students face each other and bow (Kyong-ye)
Distance Attacker steps back into Walking Stance with Low Block
Ready signal Attacker signals with Ki-Ap. Defender replies with Ki-Ap.
After counter Attacker returns to guard. Both return to Parallel Stance.
End Roles swap. Repeat. Both bow and step away.

Grading Requirements by Grade

Grade Sequences Required
10th Kup 1
9th Kup 1, 2, 3
8th Kup ◀ YOU ARE HERE 1, 2, 3, 4
7th Kup 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6th Kup and above All 6

Sequence 1 Required — carried forward

Step
Attacker (Player 1)
Defender (Player 2)
1
Step Right foot forward → Right Walking Stance
Obverse Middle Punch with Right hand
Step Right foot back → Left Walking Stance
Left Middle Outer Forearm Block
2
Step Left foot forward → Left Walking Stance
Obverse Middle Punch with Left hand
Step Left foot back → Right Walking Stance
Right Middle Outer Forearm Block
3
Step Right foot forward → Right Walking Stance
Obverse Middle Punch with Right hand
Step Right foot back → Left Walking Stance
Left Middle Outer Forearm Block
↩
Maintain Walking Stance — return to guard
Maintain Left Walking Stance
Execute Reverse Middle Punch with Right hand — Ki-Ap!

Sequence 2 Required — carried forward

Step
Attacker (Player 1)
Defender (Player 2)
1
Step Right foot forward → Right Walking Stance
Obverse Middle Punch with Right hand
Step Right foot back → Left Walking Stance
Left Middle Inner Forearm Block
2
Step Left foot forward → Left Walking Stance
Obverse Middle Punch with Left hand
Step Left foot back → Right Walking Stance
Right Middle Inner Forearm Block
3
Step Right foot forward → Right Walking Stance
Obverse Middle Punch with Right hand
Step Right foot back → Left Walking Stance
Left Middle Inner Forearm Block
↩
Maintain Walking Stance — return to guard
Maintain Left Walking Stance
Execute Reverse High Front Flat Fingertip Thrust with Right hand — Ki-Ap!

Sequence 3 Required — carried forward from 9th Kup

Step
Attacker (Player 1)
Defender (Player 2)
1
Low Front Snap Kick with Right leg
Step down into Right Walking Stance
Step Right foot back → Left Walking Stance
Left Low Outer Forearm Block
2
Left foot Side Kick
Right Outer Forearm Inward Block
↩
—
Counter — Left Low Front Snap Kick with left leg
Lower left leg into Left Walking Stance
⚠️ Note on Sequence 3: Confirm the complete sequence with your instructor before grading.

Sequence 4 Required — NEW at 8th Kup

Step
Attacker (Player 1)
Defender (Player 2)
1
Step Right foot forward → Right Walking Stance
Obverse High Front Punch with Right hand
Step Right foot back → Left Walking Stance
Left Outer Forearm Rising Block
↩
—
Counter — Middle Side Kick with Left leg
Lower left leg into Right L-Stance executing Forearm Guarding Block

Sequence 5 Introduced at 8th Kup · Required from 7th Kup

Step
Attacker (Player 1)
Defender (Player 2)
1
Step the Right foot forward into Left L-Stance while executing a Side Middle Punch with the Right hand
Step the Left foot back into Left L-Stance while executing a Right Middle Inner Forearm Block
↩
—
Counter — Slip the Right foot into Right Fixed Stance while executing an Open Fingertip Thrust to the opponent’s armpit

8

Power Test

Wiryok Siheom — 위력 시험
PAD WORK — NOT BOARD BREAKING

🥊 8th Kup students use a PAD, not a board. A clean, focused strike with correct form is exactly what the examiner is looking for.

The examiner wants to see:

  • Correct tool — hitting with the right part of the hand or foot
  • Focus — power delivered at the point of impact, not through it
  • Chamber and recoil — technique starts and ends in the correct position
  • Stance — solid base throughout the strike
  • Breathing — exhale and Ki-Ap on impact
Technique Tool Target
Forefist Middle Punch Ap Joomuk Pad at middle section (chest height)
Front Snap Kick Ap Kumchi Pad at middle/low section
Side Kick Balkal Pad at middle section (side)

9

Theory

SAY EVERY ANSWER ALOUD — HESITATION MEANS MORE PRACTICE NEEDED

Theory is cumulative — you are responsible for all 10th and 9th Kup knowledge plus the new questions below. Read the question, close the book, answer out loud.

Beginner Questions — Carried Forward
Q: What country does Taekwondo come from?
Korea.

Q: Who founded Taekwondo?
Grandmaster General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Degree.

Q: What year was Taekwondo founded?
1955 (officially recognised). The ITF — International Taekwondo Federation — was founded in 1966.

Q: What is the Taekwondo Oath?
  • I shall observe the Tenets of Taekwondo
  • I shall respect my Instructor and Seniors
  • I shall never misuse Taekwondo
  • I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
  • I shall help build a more peaceful world

Belt Meanings — Carried Forward & New
Q: What is the meaning of White Belt?
White represents purity and innocence — a student with no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.

Q: What is the meaning of Yellow Belt?
Signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root — the foundations of Taekwondo are being laid.

Q: What is the meaning of Green Belt? New at 8th Kup
Signifies the plant’s growth as training in Taekwondo progresses — skills begin to develop.

New Questions at 8th Kup
Q: What is the name of your pattern?
Dan-Gun.

Q: How many movements in Dan-Gun?
21.

Q: What does Dan-Gun mean?
Dan-Gun is named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 BC.

Q: What is Continuous Motion in Korean?
Iojin Tongjak. Two movements performed consecutively in one breath with two sine-waves. In Dan-Gun it appears at movements 13 and 14 — the low block flows directly into the rising block without stopping.

Q: What is Knife-Hand Guarding Block in Korean?
Sonkal Daebi Maki.

Q: What is Twin Outer Forearm Block in Korean?
Sang Paka Palmok Maki.

Q: What is Knife-Hand Side Strike in Korean?
Sonkal Yop Taerigi.

Q: What is High Punch in Korean?
Nopunde Jirugi.

Q: What is Side Kick in Korean?
Yop Chagi.

Q: What tool do you use for a side kick?
Balkal — the outer edge (sword foot / blade) of the foot.

Q: How many patterns are there in ITF Taekwondo?
24.

Q: What is the Korean word for pattern?
Tul.

Questions About Previous Patterns — Carried Forward
Q: What is the name of the 9th Kup pattern?
Chon-Ji.

Q: How many movements in Chon-Ji?
19.

Q: What does Chon-Ji mean?
Heaven and Earth — interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history.

Questions About Stances — Carried Forward
Q: Show me Walking Stance. How much weight on each leg?
50/50 — half the weight on each leg.

Q: Show me L-Stance. How much weight on each leg?
70% on the back leg, 30% on the front leg.

Q: What is the length of L-Stance?
1½ shoulder widths (front heel to back heel).

Questions About Hand and Foot Parts — Carried Forward
Q: What tool do you use for a forefist punch?
Ap Joomuk — the first two knuckles of the clenched fist.

Q: What is the Korean name for knife hand?
Son Kal — the outer edge of the open hand.

Q: What is the Korean name for inner forearm?
An Palmok.

Q: What is the Korean name for outer forearm?
Paka Palmok.

Q: What tool do you use for a front kick?
Ap Kumchi — the ball of the foot (front sole).

Q: What is the Korean name for front snap kick?
Ap Cha Busigi.

The Five Tenets — Must Know All Five in Korean AND English
Q: Name the Five Tenets of Taekwondo.
Ye-Ui
Courtesy
Respect for your instructor, partners and seniors.
Yom-Chi
Integrity
Knowing right from wrong — and choosing right, even when it’s hard.
In-Nae
Perseverance
Try, try, try again. Never give up on your goals.
Guk-Gi
Self-Control
Control of mind, body, thoughts, words and actions.
Baekjul-Boolgool
Indomitable Spirit
Courage to do what seems impossible.

Korean Numbers 1–10
Number Korean Number Korean
1 Hana 6 Yasut
2 Dul 7 Ilgop
3 Set 8 Yodol
4 Net 9 Ahop
5 Dasut 10 Yol
Commands You Must Know
Korean English
Charyot Attention
Kyong-ye Bow
Joonbi Ready
Sijak Start / Begin
Geuman Stop
Shio Relax / Rest
Ba-ro Return to ready position
Ki-Ap Focus shout — used in sparring and line drills

10

Grading Checklist

TICK ONLY WHEN FULLY CONFIDENT — ANY UNTICK = YOUR TRAINING PRIORITY

Work through this in the days before your grading. A section is complete only when every box is ticked without hesitation.

Warm-Up & Fitness

  • I can lead the joint rotation warm-up correctly, counting in Korean

  • I can complete 30 × Star Jumps, Sit-Ups, Press-Ups, Squat Thrusts and Sky Divers with correct form within 6 minutes

  • I know the fitness progression — numbers and format increase at every grade

Stances

  • All stances — correct position without thinking

  • L-Stance (Niunja Sogi) — correct foot position, 70/30 weight, 1½ shoulder width length

  • I can state the weight distribution for every stance without hesitation

Hand Techniques

  • All previous hand techniques — correct tool and form

  • Knife-Hand Guarding Block (Sonkal Daebi Maki) — both hands correctly positioned in L-Stance

  • High Punch (Nopunde Jirugi) — correct height (high section), full extension, Ap Joomuk

  • Twin Outer Forearm Block (Sang Paka Palmok Maki) — simultaneous arm action in L-Stance

  • Knife-Hand Side Strike (Sonkal Yop Taerigi) — correct tool, horizontal snap, L-Stance

Foot Techniques

  • All kicks from previous grades — correct chamber and recoil

  • Side Kick (Yop Chagi) — correct tool (Balkal), horizontal thrust, full recoil

  • Front Snap Kick — controlled, accurate, toes pulled back

Line Drills & Combinations

  • Saju Jirugi — all 16 steps from memory, with power and Ki-Ap

  • Saju Maki (with Inner Forearm) — all 18 steps from memory

  • Combination 1 — Front Kick · Middle Punch · Reverse Punch — smooth and powerful, both sides

  • Combination 2 — Knife-Hand Guarding Block in L-Stance — both sides

  • Combination 3 — Twin Outer Forearm Block in L-Stance — both sides

  • Combination 4 — Knife-Hand Side Strike in L-Stance — both sides

  • All line drills begin and end in Parallel Stance

Pattern — Dan-Gun

  • All 21 movements from memory, in correct order

  • Pattern begins and ends at the same spot

  • Movements 13 and 14 performed in Continuous Motion — no pause between them

  • Correct stances throughout — L-Stance for guarding blocks, twin blocks, knife strikes; Walking Stance for punches and rising blocks

  • Ki-Ap on the final movement (21)

  • I have performed Dan-Gun in front of someone else this week

Step Sparring

  • Sequence 1 — I know both Attacker and Defender roles

  • Sequence 2 — I know both Attacker and Defender roles

  • Sequence 3 — I know both Attacker and Defender roles (confirm complete sequence with instructor)

  • Sequence 4 — I know both Attacker and Defender roles

  • Sequence 5 — I have begun learning it (introduced at this grade)

  • I know the Ki-Ap protocol — when to shout and when to reply

  • My counter-attack is executed with control and focus

Power Test

  • Forefist Middle Punch on pad — correct tool, focus and Ki-Ap

  • Front Snap Kick on pad — correct ball of foot, chamber and recoil

  • Side Kick on pad — correct Balkal tool, horizontal drive, recoil

Theory

  • I know the meaning of White, Yellow and Green Belt

  • I can name the pattern (Dan-Gun), state 21 movements, and explain its meaning

  • I can explain what Continuous Motion (Iojin Tongjak) is and where it appears in Dan-Gun

  • I know the Korean names for all four new hand techniques at this grade

  • I know there are 24 ITF patterns and the Korean word for pattern is Tul

  • I can recite the Taekwondo Oath in full without pausing

  • I can state all Five Tenets in Korean and English without hesitation

  • I can count to 10 in Korean without hesitation

  • I know all commands in Korean and English

Preparation & Mindset

  • My Dobok is clean, pressed and my belt is tied correctly

  • I know the arrival time and location of my grading

  • I have no jewellery to remove

  • I am grading because I am ready — not to please someone else

✅ All boxes ticked? You have done the work. Walk in and show it. Your grading is not a test of who you were last month — it is a demonstration of who you are today.
🔄 Boxes remain unchecked? Speak to your instructor. One more week of focused preparation is always better than walking in underprepared.

The Taekwondo Oath

  • I shall observe the Tenets of Taekwondo
  • I shall respect my Instructor and Seniors
  • I shall never misuse Taekwondo
  • I shall be a champion of freedom and justice
  • I shall help build a more peaceful world

Premier Dojang · Martial Arts Schools of Excellence · premierdojang.com
2026 Master Edition — 8th Kup Yellow Belt Syllabus · All rights reserved

🤞 Enquire About Classes!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.