6.8.2019 / Black belts examinations

Ondra Faltin wears black

Ondra Faltin has begun his Taekwon-do journey a while ago in September 2011, when he was 6 years old. On Sunday, 4th of August he reached his first big milestone – the testing for I. dan. The testing is traditionally held at the end of Taekwon-do Summer Camp with Grand Master Hwang Ho-yong, as a highlight. This year we travelled to Votice in Central Bohemia. The candidates hoped and were tested for I. to III.dan.

Although the black belt testing can be taken as another in a row of belt testings, it is a very specific event and you can feel under pressure. Based on the complex composition of the exam it varies a lot from the colour belt testing. The candidate should show that he/she is ready not just physically but mentally as well!

Sadly I have some doubts concerning both the physical and mental readiness of the candidates. My ideas of technical maturity would be fulfilled by good performance of kicks using correct parts of the foot. Even though the students learn the basic kicks from the first moments I consider the performance as an insufficient! Similar, very important detail is to form your fist the correct way to perform the punch .. The icing on the cake (important and needed) would be if the special techniques were what makes them „special“, meaning significantly above the ground (not to be measured in millimetres)!

Enough of the complaints lets focus on Ondra’s performance. Ondra showed very good pattern execution, but the nerves revealed the mistake he got rid of lately – the bent arm in a punch. The special techniques executed on the training targets are not sufficient back-up for boards and because of slippery floor the testing was limited to only two techniques. Another issue is no power breaking for candidates under 15 years old. Formerly, the power breaking techniques were at least demonstrated on training targets. This should be – again – a part of the exam. I personally would prefer breaking of the softest board. The power you need is (in maximum) similar to the power you execute in special techniques at the competition, but it is still more challenging than a training target or the knowledge of not performing at all..
When it came to theory questions Ondra was a little chaotic at the beginning but then he woke up and formulated correct answer. To my disappointment he totally forgot about my hint to always ask for somebody (sparring partner) when it comes to questions about an/bakat makgi :-D

Ondra, congratulations for reaching the I.dan and I wish you to stay calmer next time, to be able to show them your whole potential  Allof us will think of him and wish him luck during the Taekwon-do World Championship in August!

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