Double Test

[DD]

Hey guys,

 

I'm 15 years old and I am going to be testing for my 2nd degree brown belt in a month or two but I was hoping to double test and get my 1st degree brown belt. For those of you who are instructors, do you have a problem with younger students double testing? What do you look for most on katas? Form, low stances, power, or all of these. Thanks

[foreveryoung001]

I do not have a problem with any student young or old double testing, but I will qualify that with this: Since 1984 when I began my training, until now, I have never seen anyone in my style successfully double test once they reached the upper ranks. I myself have not had a student request to double test yet, but I would not be immediately opposed.

 

When I test students on forms, I look for everything that you mentioned. With ever belt level a student reaches, my expectations go up. By the time they reach your rank I would expect perfection (a relative term since there is never truly a perfect technique) from there basic forms, and very close to perfection from their advanced forms. At your level, I not only expect power, form, and good technique, I expect a good rhythm. In my style of TKD, the lower forms can be a bit choppy in their flow, but once they reach the advanced levels, the forms begin to have a lot of flow, areas where you speed up, and slow down... I want to see a proper understanding of the rhythm of the form.

 

Others here, I'm sure, will have other things that they look for too. Good luck and let us know how you do.

[47MartialMan]

Double testing are rare, esp in McDojos. However, I had a scant few. I was surprised, because I wasn't "looking" for them.

[Sasori_Te]

Way back in 1993 when I was testing for my yonkyu, which happened to be blue at my school, my instructor asked to see some different upper level techniques that I was not expecting. After my test was over, instead of being awarded my blue belt, I was awarded my sankyu instead.

 

I would like to make it perfectly clear that I was not expecting this, nor would I ever presume to ask an instructor if I could double test. However, rank doesn't mean much to me anyway.

 

I would ask you this. Why do you want to double test? Ask yourself this question and see what you can come up with.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Personally, I wouldn't double test one of my students. The way that I test them is when they are ready, they test. I determine when that is...not them, so when I feel they are at that stage for their next test, they test. With that method, you can't really skip belts or double test.

[longarm25]

Why are you in such a hurry that you want to "double test"?

[Shane]

Take it one step at a time.