The Pathway to Grading

Taekwondo Black Belt age-restrictions (for Budo South taekwondo students)

• Turning 11 years or younger in the grading year – Cho Dan Bo grade (Mixed colour belt- Red (on top) and Black (on bottom))
• Turning 12 years or older in the grading year – 1st Dan-Poom(Black belt)
• Turning 13 years or older in the grading year – 2nd Dan-Poom(Black belt)
• Turning 15 years or older in the grading year – 3rd Dan-Poom(Black belt)
• Grading is done by the national body – 4th Dan-Poom(Black belt)

There are certain things that must be achieved before grading – of which each student is well aware. It is the student’s path (Do); not the parents or teachers. If the student chooses to disrespect their martial art journey through their own ignorance, then they certainly are not ready to grade to the next level.
Attendance at a grading is something that is earnt. Each student is invited to Grading Day by the Instructor, but not every student. Attendance is not a right. It is gained by showing growth in Spirit, Mind & Body, in each and every training session.

Spirit – your morals

• Loyalty (to a group, nation etc),
• Filial piety (respect for parents, teachers etc),
• Propriety (keeping to the rules of the local society),
• Justice (doing what is right)

Mind – your actions towards yourself and others

• Courage (never receding),
• Judgment (knowing oneself),
• Respect (for yourself and others),
• Temperance (suppressing greed)

Body – your physical nature

• Power (correct posture),
• Speed (agile movements),
• Balance (stable stances),
• Energy (continuous effort)

Grading Dates and times for 2026

Taekwondo

• 1st July, 2026 – 26 Alach Street
  • start time 4PM (Tigers)
  • start time 6PM (Open Class)
• 2nd July, 2026 – 26 Alach Street
  • start time 4PM (Tigers)
  • start time 6PM (Open Class)
• 12th December, 2026 – start time 10AM, be there for 945am

All Students MUST be invited to attend Grading day

• No invitation, no grading
• It is not a matter of time spent at the training hall
• It is not about “doing it well on grading day”
• Your instructor is always watching you.
• No student can grade if they have any fees outstanding

Costs – Grading Fees

Taekwondo

• Grading to a Junior Colour Belt – $40,
• Grading to a Senior Colour Belt – $80
• Grading to a Junior Black Belt (Cho Dan Bo) – $160
• Grading to Kukkiwon 1st Dan – $310 – included is the cost of an embroidered belt
  • If board breaking is required – $5 per board