Forms and First test

[Abbax8]

Two of my sons have been taking Hapkido for about 9 months now. The instructor informed me that they will test for their Yellow belt (or stripe I forget what he said) in May. Fine by me, he's in charge. The school's owner will also be attendance.

The class is specifically designed for learning disabled people. My sons are the youngest ones in class, the rest are adults. They love it.

Since joining class they have concentrated on learning 3 different routines. A 10 step routine of blocks and punches, a 6 step blocking high routine and a 6 step blocking low routine. They also do various punches against the pads, so far no kicks but one knee strike. The instructor has said they will be doing kicks soon and some forms.

So my question is, what are usual requirements for a yellow belt test, is there such a thing?

Dennis

[sooner_sadiq]

When I studied HKD there where no forms. For a yellow belt, I had to perform the four basic blocks, four basic kicks, four hand strikes, 4 locks and 2 yudo (judo) throws with rolls and falls.

However, this will vary from organization to organization and teacher to teacher. I also trained as an adult as opposed to a child so I'm not sure the requirements for children.

[Kumbajah]

Sounds as if he is customizing the program to fit the special needs of the students. Every hapkido federation is different. Although typically you would learn at least few kicks ( front, side, roundhouse, maybe more) from a Ji Han Jae linage school ( which most hapkido schools are). I would speak to school owner if you are concerned. But it does sound as if he is taking them along more slowly due to the special needs nature of the class. I'm glad you can share your interest in the MAs with your sons. Hapkido is a great art in itself but also a great base if they choose to pursue another art later. (has a bit of everything)


BTW- If you are going to Altoona the school under George Kattouf you are in good hands - he is a dedicated martial artist and has his master's in education. If you aren't going there maybe you should

[torbjork]

So my question is, what are usual requirements for a yellow belt test, is there such a thing?

As has been said above, different federations have varying requirements, and individual instructors also pretty much do as they please, especially at the guep (colour belt) level.

My requirements for the first grade are:
Simple breathing technique
Low block and front fist punch
Five (simple!) kicks
Front, side, and back breakfalls
Five simple escapes/locks

There are no forms.

[Eliz]

Best of luck to your sons, Dennis. That is awesome!

We do not do forms
There are virtually no kicks
We do not spend time on punching technique

Most of our class time is spent learning and reviewing blocks/releases, joint locks, hand control, rolls and falls, proper foot work, breathing, etc.

Promotions are once a year and our first grading is Dan, but he has recently added a few colors into class.

[Abbax8]

BTW- If you are going to Altoona the school under George Kattouf you are in good hands - he is a dedicated martial artist and has his master's in education. If you aren't going there maybe you should

Mr. Kattouf is the head instructor and I know he is a good. My sons enjoy it and so far I see only positives. Mr. Jeffco is the instructor for the class, he too has a special ed background, I think he and Mr. Kattouf worked at the local school district together.

I am just trying to figure out how close the class is as compared to a normal curriculum simply out of curiosity. In the final analysis, even though I do not know Hapkido, after 40 plus years in M.A. I know a good class when I see one. This is a good class. The biggest emphasis in the class is on respect, following directions and on survival skills that a person can put into use each day. These are not physical techniques but mind sets. Pay attention to your surroundings, Be Prepared (sounds like BSA) as in have taxi fare if you miss the last bus, carry a cell phone, tell people where you are going.

There are 6 student Black Belts in the class who each are given a turn to lead the class. They are being taught to teach and everything that goes with that.

Dennis

[Abbax8]

Best of luck to your sons, Dennis. That is awesome!

We do not do forms
There are virtually no kicks
We do not spend time on punching technique

Most of our class time is spent learning and reviewing blocks/releases, joint locks, hand control, rolls and falls, proper foot work, breathing, etc.

Promotions are once a year and our first grading is Dan, but he has recently added a few colors into class.

Sounds like their class although they have not joint locks. I think the instructor is concerned about a lock being applied too heavy, and he knows his students capabilities better than I as he has been with a long time, some over 20 years.

They spend their time on blocks and strikes. If they start falling and rolling I may not be able to stay in my seat.

Dennis

[Kumbajah]

I am just trying to figure out how close the class is as compared to a normal curriculum simply out of curiosity.

If I am remembering correctly, in the Jin Pal Hapkido Federation the test for Yellow belt consists of:

Falls: Front, back, side, and a basic forward roll
10 step blocking
3 step blocking, High, Low, Middle
5 self defense techniques
Basic Pattern consisting of punches, blocks and front kick
Stretch kick, Front Kick, Side Kick, Round house
Basic History of Hapkido, GM Kim, Student creed and Korean Numbers up to ten.

Each belt has a pattern and a number of self defense techniques numbering 5 at white to 50 at Red belt. More kicks are introduced per belt. More complex falling. All prior material can be tested as well.

The material is loaded to be heaver at the top. The closer to dan grade the more material you are responsible for.

Hope that helps.

[Abbax8]

Brian,

Thank You! Yes , it does answer my question.

Dennis

[Abbax8]

At class last night my sons were presented with white belts in preparation for their upcoming yellow stripe test. For them it was a big deal. For dad as well.

They are both really into the class and it is motivating for them outside of the class. I hope this keeps up.

Dennis

[Kumbajah]

Congratulations! Ain't it great to share something you love, with people you love.

[Abbax8]

UPDATE: The test was last Monday. The entire class was taken through the drills but only about half were eligible for promotion due to time in grade requirements. My two sons were awarded their Yellow stripe. Apparently it goes One Yellow stripe, Two Yellow Stripes, Yellow Belt, then Green Belt, one test per year, at least for this class.

One man was promoted to Third Dan, he's been at it for 22 years.

So class is done for the summer, we will hopefully be back in the Fall.

Dennis

[torbjork]

Congratulations and well done!

[Abbax8]

UPDATE

Class resumed three weeks ago. Class is on Monday night. This past Monday I was asked by the instructor if I would help. I had previously offered to help by holding the striking pads and shields but to date had not been asked to do so. Well Monday night the instructor asked if I wanted to help, I said yes, heck I jumped at the chance.

I took off my shoes and went onto the mat. He split the class into four lines and he and I would turn to face one line at a time, we had students in front and behind us. The students worked on elbow strikes, combinations and knee strikes. I only was on the mat about ten minutes but it was a rush.

I'm looking forward to the next time I can help. That way the students can get more striking of the pads in as there are two people holding the pads.

Dennis

[Abbax8]

Their second test is next Monday, the 23rd. Each student in class will get to demonstrate their own technique to the head instructor. Stephen chose an elbow strike combo followed by a toe kick. Ken chose a low round house followed by a spinning back kick. Flashy, I know, but sometimes he really nails it.

They're really enjoying class and I'm enjoying watching them progress.

Dennis

[Mark Jordan]

I can feel your enthusiasm as I read your post. You have every reason to be a proud father. Congratulations!

[Abbax8]

Well the test was last Monday and it went really well, all the students gave their all and they were pumped after a long hot workout. My sons were awarded their 2nd. Yellow stripe.

They're looking forward to class next fall.

Dennis