
1st Gup Testing Requirements
Stances


Vertical stance (soojik sogi)
- Width: None
- Length: One (1) and 1/2 shoulder width (Inside of big toe on rear foot-to-tip of toes on front foot)
- Weight Distribution (F% : R%): 40:60
- Right/Left: Name for the rear foot
Notes: The practitioner stands with the feet position like a capital “L”. The rear foot is turned forward 15 degrees while the front foot is turned inward 15 degrees.

Closed ready stance type “C”
- Width: None
- Length: None
- Weight Distribution (F% : R%): 50:50
- Right/Left: N/A
Notes: The practitioner stands with both feet together and parallel with both knees locked. The hands are formed into knife hands and positioned at the level of the lower abdomen. The left hand is overlaid upon the right hand such that the left index finger is on top of the right ring finger.
Patterns

Right/Left 4-Direction Thrust
Diagram: Plus Sign
Pattern Details: Video
Beginning Ready Stance: Closed Ready Stance Type “C”
Number of Movements: 4

Hwa-Rang
Diagram: Capital “I”
Pattern Details: Video
Beginning Ready Stance: Closed Ready Stance Type “C”
Number of Movements: 29
Pattern Meaning: Hwa-Rang is name after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division where Taekwon-Do developed in to maturity.
Step Sparring
Advanced 1-Step Sparring (w/Partner)
Beginning Semi-Free Sparring
Free Sparring (1 Opponent)
Hand Techniques
Basic Hand Techniques
- Pushing block with the palm
- Upward punch with the fore fist
- Downward strike with the knife hand
- Side front block with the inner forearm
- Side thrust with the back elbow
Mid-Air Hand Techniques
- Mid-air double hand technique
– High side strike with knife hand; Middle punch with fore fist
Foot Techniques
Basic Kicking Techniques
- Front checking kick
- Side checking kick
- Outward pressing kick
- Inward pressing kick
- Back snap kick
Consecutive Kicking
- Four (4) consecutive kicks
Demonstrate four (4) consecutive kicks using advanced kicks to different directions and different targets.
Mid-Air Kicking
- Mid-air 180 reverse hook kick – attacking
Flying Kicking
- Flying vertical kick with the footsword
- Flying vertical kick with the reverse footsword
Balance/Strength Training
Demonstrate a reverse turning kick in slow motion while maintaining an even rotation speed and balanced stance. At conclusion of the kick, retract the leg bringing the knee of the kicking leg toward the belt knot (chambered side kick position).
Ho Sin Sul
Foot Sweeps
Demonstrate foot sweeps against an attacking opponent
Demonstrate against:
- Front strike with the back fist; and
- Front strike with the reverse knife hand; and
- Side front snap kick
Takedowns
Demonstrate takedowns against an attacking opponent
Demonstrate against:
- Single grab to shoulder from the side; and
- Front punch with the fore fist; and
- Side piercing kick; and
- Crescent kick
Throws
Demonstrate throws against an attacking opponent
Demonstrate against:
- Straight grab; and
- Cross grab; and
- Double grab to the lapels
Destruction
Men (16+ years)
Hand-Breaking Techniques
- 3 Boards – Front punch with fore fist; or Inward strike with knife hand; or Outward strike with knife hand; or
- 2 Boards (Suspended) – Inward, outward or reverse knife hand strike
Foot-Breaking Techniques
- 3 Boards – Flying side piercing kick; or Flying turning kick; or 180 back piercing kick; or 360 back piercing kick
Ladies/Juniors (16+ years/11-15 years)
Hand-Breaking Techniques
- 2 Boards – Front punch with the fore fist; or Inward strike with the knife hand; or Outward strike with the knife hand; or
- 1 Board (Suspended) – Inward, outward or reverse knife hand strike
Foot-Breaking Techniques
- 3 Boards – Flying side piercing kick; or Flying turning kick; or 180 back piercing kick; or 360 back piercing kick
Children (5-10)
Hand-Breaking Techniques
- 1 Board (Green Board) – Downward strike with the knife hand
Foot-Breaking Techniques
- 1 Board – Flying side front snap kick; or Flying side piercing kick
Competition Attendance
Tournament competition is a requirement at this level. Practitioners must compete in a minimum of one (1) event. While patterns or breaking competition is recommended, participation in sparring competition fully satisfies this requirement.
Certification
Practitioners are required to become Class “C” certified referees (Timekeeper and scorekeeper functions)
Five (5) Parts of Hwa-Rang Warrior Code
- Be loyal to your King;
- Be obedient to your parents;
- Be honorable to your friends;
- Never retreat in battle; and
- Make a just kill.
Three (3) Kingdoms of Ancient Korea
- Koguryo;
- Baek-Je; and
- Silla
Six (6) Factors in Theory of Power
- Reaction Force;
- Breath Control;
- Speed;
- Concentration;
- Equilibrium; and
- Mass