Techniques taught at each belt level will be reviewed continuously as students progress through the advanced ranks, eventually becoming instinctual with each practice session. It should be noted that promotion testing is at the student’s discretion – there is no pressure exerted by the teaching staff to advance in rank; students may proceed at their own pace. However, an invitation to test should be taken seriously and considered carefully. The student should understand that it is an honor to be invited to demonstrate their hard-earned skills before our experienced instructors and must prepare accordingly to test with dignity and confidence.  Belt tests should be viewed as measurable goals both short and long-term – the journey begins at White Belt with a relatively simple set of skills and represents the short-term challenge of reaching the next belt level within a standard three-month period. Upon reaching Bodan Belt (Black Belt candidate), the final step in the Color Belt system, the student will review and prepare during the required six-month waiting period prior to testing for Black Belt. Likewise, achieving Black Belt is a long-term goal. This can take anywhere from two to three years. Black Belt Dan examinations are offered biannually. Many wrongly view the Black Belt as a symbol of completion – a diploma in self-defense. Yet, in truth, the Black Belt is a birth certificate of sorts, since 1st Dan – or degree – is the stage at which the student’s training truly begins. There are ten degrees within the Black Belt rank structure with Dan testing periods increasing in time proportional to rank. However, Yusabu Black Belt students test every three months between Dan grades just as the color belts do, thus maintaining advanced proficiency in all aspects of Taekwondo. Color Belt and Black Belt Stripe test fees are fixed whereas Black Belt Dan test fees vary according to the desired level of certification (see below). A Belt Test is a solemn and dignified occasion. Eligible students gather at the dojang and respectfully await their turn to demonstrate their skills before their seniors. Skills required for promotion vary between belt levels but may include: kibon (basic strikes, blocks, and kicks), poomsae (forms), il su sik (one-step sparring), ho sin sool (self-defense), kyukpa (breaking), and kyorugi (controlled sparring). Since each belt level is often called upon to perform individually, patience and self-control must be exhibited at all times by those waiting. Silence should be maintained during the kyukpa, or breaking, a portion of the examination. Upon the completion of the examination, results will be announced and the belts awarded. Given the honor and celebratory spirit inherent in the occasion, family and friends are welcome. Photographs and videos are permitted.