Black Belt Grading Results

Senior Dan Grading Requirements 2026

Summary of changes for 2026

Thesis update
Application update (Candidate registration and JustGo application)
Fitness test changes (Flexibility improvements, max time tests removed, pads are out - burpees are back in)
Additional time allowed for assessment results (7th of the month)
New essay topic

The Senior Dan Grading Candidate Registration form must be completed 6 months prior to the grading. Then your final application in JustGo must be completed ONE MONTH prior to the grading.

ITF UPDATES

There have been updates to the thesis requirements from the ITF for those testing for 4th dan, published in the ITF newsletter: December 2023.

Those testing for Master will follow the requirements set down by the ITF. They are not required to do the 6 months of fitness tests.

Please also read the ITF By-laws for ITF waiting time, IIC requirements and ITF teaching license requirements

Maintaining the highest of standards is our top priority, and all candidates must be up to the required standard in all areas.

It is important to take such a senior grading very seriously, and be prepared to dedicate at least 6 months towards achieving your potential. All senior dans should be good role models to our other members in terms of dedication to training, physical condition, technical knowledge, technical competency and moral culture.

We have placed a large emphasis on the build up to the grading. The idea is that all the hard work is to be done before the day – proving you have the dedication and will-power to achieve the goal of a senior dan in our organisation. With the help of your “Supervisor” you will have some direction in the 6 month build-up, and you will be able to improve your overall standard.

Supervisor

All candidates must come under the guidance of a Supervisor leading up to the grading. We will be asking to see a brief monthly assessment from your Supervisor providing results and comments on your technical ability.

The supervisor role includes:

1) ongoing feedback to the candidate of their progression in terms of (a) fitness, (b) technical competency (including technical & syllabus knowledge) and (c) performance, and

2) give an unbiased recommendation to the candidate on whether they are ready to grade or not at least 1 month prior to the grading date.

The supervisor would therefore need to be senior in rank to the candidate to be qualified to give such recommendation.

Your Supervisor should be someone senior in rank to you. Once you have decided who you would like as your Supervisor, please carry out the following procedure:

Invite the person of your choice to be your Supervisor, explaining that it will require a monthly assessment as well as their technical advice and guidance. They may or may not require payment for their time, that is up to them, but please offer.
Once you have someone agreeing to be your Supervisor, include their name on the Senior Dan Grading Candidate Registration form.

Ask your supervisor to create an account at http://seniordan.memberme.co.nz/ and begin recording your monthly assessments.

Monthly Assessment

All candidates must complete a monthly assessment with your Supervisor. We are interested in your work and progress over the 6 month time period. We recommend the assessment be carried out around the first week of each month, beginning 6 months prior.

Below are the tests required and information that your Supervisor will need to provide. Assessment results must be uploaded by the supervisor by the 7th of each month.

Mr Craig Hannah has built an on-line system for entering the monthly fitness scores and technical comments, so Supervisors need to create an account to enter the test results. Any computer issues relating to the recording of the results should be directed to Mr Hannah.
Note with Mr Hannah's system:

Students can see only their own tests if they are signed in.
Supervisors can see the tests they have supervised for students only, if they are signed in.

https://seniordan.memberme.co.nz/

Monthly Assessment

Technical Assessment

Your Supervisor is required to give a brief update on your technical ability. This may be achieved by watching you perform patterns or other physical aspect of the syllabus, and providing you with feedback. The purpose of this is mainly for your benefit, and also so that we have an idea of how your technical level is progressing.

Fitness Assessment

Weight & Waist measurements
Use a tape-measure to measure your waist circumference in cm, level with your umbilicus.

Flexibility measurements
(1) Hamstrings.
- candidate lies on their back with their legs vertically up the wall
- the lift one leg away from the wall and the distance between the wall and back heel is measured.
- repeat for the other leg
- average the score
(2) Adductors
- Put candidate's foot sword against a wall, then mark where their other foot sword got to and measure.

Core Strength Test
Record how long you can stay in the Front Plank Position. Aim is to hold for 4 minutes. Record the time in minutes / seconds.

Strength-Endurance Test*
Record how many of each exercise you can correctly complete in one minute. There is a one minute rest between exercises. Complete the exercises in the following order each month.

Exercise 1: Hand Release Press-ups
Keep the knees and hips off the floor at all times.

Exercise 2: Squat Kicks
Make sure the hips are lower than the knees on each squat. Stand up completely upright at the completion of each squat. Count total squats.

Exercise 3: Chin Ups or similar pulling exercise
Perform chin-ups with the hands facing you at one shoulder width apart. Similar exercise may be the Ring Row or inverted Row. Also see band assisted Chin-up option and training advice

Exercise 4: Burpees
Jump and clap at the top. How you get down and back up off the floor is up to you - it is not necessary to bring the feet to the outside on the hands as demonstrated in the video. It is also not required to do a hand release at the bottom for the 2026 tests. For those that are really mobility challenged, you could also perform these with your hands on a small step/low box.

See these exercises demonstrated

In consultation with the supervisor, a candidate may replace a specific exercise as per the listed requirements if he/she is unable to perform the exercise due to a pre-existing condition/injury or limitation. This must be approved prior to the first assessment. The supervisor will need to contact Mr. Hannah to make the necessary change so it can be recorded.

The results of your monthly assessment plays an important part of your grading result. If due to injury or medical condition you are unable to complete some of the tests, please provide a medical certificate or adequate information about your condition.

Essay

Candidates testing for 4th dan are required to produce a thesis as per our requirements. Those testing for 5th and 6th dan must write an essay on the following topic:

Topic for 2026:
How can we maintain tradition while embracing innovation in Taekwon-Do?
Reflect on uniforms, etiquette, technology or teaching methods.

Length for the essay is at least 1000 words. This can be submitted at any time up to one month before the grading.

Reference

Those wishing to test for 4th dan and above must have a character reference from two key people within your own region, e.g Regional Director or senior Instructor. The reference must be in support of your application to grade. This reference must be supplied at the time you begin your grading application and should be completed by the referee using this form. It is up to the candidate to request the reference completed at least 6 months prior to the grading.

Syllabus Notes

Please see the Dan Handbook for the current syllabus. Other points to note:

No specific partners are required for this grading. All sparring and self defence will be carried out with the other grading candidates.
There will be an exam at the grading based on the theory syllabus in the handbooks, plus some general knowledge Taekwon-Do questions. You should be familiar with the structure and personnel of our organisation in New Zealand and the ITF.
Candidates will need to bring a laptop, tablet or smart phone to the grading. See here for more information. There is Wifi available but suggest you have your own data as back up.
Oral Exam
Candidates testing for 4th dan, 7th or 8th dan will be required to speak on their thesis and answer questions from the other candidates and the examiners. All candidates are also required to answer technical questions, testing their knowledge of information contained in the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do.

Other Requirements

Please check the ITFNZ Dan Handbook to make sure you comply with requirements such as time period, umpiring, IIC attendance, ITF Teaching License and credits. e.g. Being a qualified umpire means you must have attended an umpires course within the last 3 years. If you are an instructor, have all your certifications up to date (First Aid, Instructors Update Course or IIC within your waiting period).

The ITF database will not accept applications if the time period and IIC requirements are not met, so please don't ask to grade if you have not met these requirements.

Application

The Senior Dan Grading Candidate Registration must be started 6 months prior to the grading and your JUSTGO application must be fully completed one month prior with the fee paid in full. To start your application. If unsure, ask in plenty of time. Don't leave anything until the last minute.