Testing Information
Testing InformationAll students are evaluated on the following concepts:
A student must demonstrate acceptable knowledge in all areas to the testing board. Students should refer to their Gup manuals for specifics in each area. Download Testing Form (PDF) Students needs to complete this form prior to testing day. BreakingBreaking an object is a good way to practice concentration, power, focus, speed and precision on non-living objects, without injuring oneself or another. It is very important to realize that a proper technique is needed and a breaking technique within your limits, because without it you can easily injure yourself, sometimes even permanently! Practicing breaking objects helps you to realize that your body itself is a very strong weapon. It also helps you to understand that during practice with a partner, you have to be very careful. The material that is most often used for breaking techniques is wood since it can be easily broken with either hand or foot.
The Meaning of Pyung Ahn“For the uncontrolled there is no wisdom, nor for the uncontrolled is there power of concentration; and for him without concentration there is no peace, and for the unpeaceful, how can there be happiness.” I’m not sure every martial artist has asked themselves the meaning of Pyung Ahn, but any student studying Tang Soo Do (Karate) has often been questioned about it. Students of Tang Soo Do must learn five Pyung Ahn forms; these forms are a major portion of a Tang Soo Do student’s training at the green and red belt levels. Hopefully, by the time they reach red belt they understand the meaning of Pyung Ahn. The author hopes this article will increase all gup students’ understanding and knowledge of Pyung Ahn. The Pyung Ahn symbols shown here are Chinese characters. The first character (Pyung), shaped similar to that of a balanced scale, corresponds to the English terms well-balanced, calm and peaceful. The second symbol (Ahn), corresponds to the English terms - safe, confident and comfortable. It is said that by mastering the Pyung Ahn forms one can develop a feeling of “Pyung Ahn” (peace and confidence), regardless of the situation. This state can be achieved because of the capabilities developed by the practice of these forms. These capabilities include, but not limited to; self-defense, balance, speed and power control, endurance, precision and spirit. The origin of Pyung Ahn forms was over 100 years ago when an Okinawan Master named Mr. Idos reorganized a form called Jae-Nam. This reorganization developed forms very similar to the present Pyung Ahn Forms. Did you ever wonder why at Dan testing you are asked to perform all five Pyung forms together? You present them together to show your knowledge and endurance, but also the form was originally one long form. These forms belong to the Wa Ka Ryu style, which were influenced by the southern Chinese schools. The Wa Ka Ryu forms are characterized by speed, aggressiveness, dynamic actions and spontaneity. The animal representation of Pyung Ahn forms is the Turtle. This animal lives in a state of constant peace and confidence. It’s actions are always slow and deliberate. It presents an impression of calm, comfort and peace. Upon being attacked, it can withdraw into it’s shell keeping it safe from harm. While practicing the Pyung Ahn form, like any other form, you must first concern yourself with the sequence of the form. Learn it’s moves in proper and correct sequence. Then, try to understand each move and what you are doing - does it feel natural? Perfect the precision of each movement concerning yourself with power, speed control, proper tension and relaxation in the sequence. After the form has been perfected in the above areas, concentrate on your spirit or attitude within the form. A form presented properly shows evidence of a sense of calm and humility. This sense comes only from self-knowledge and dedication to the perfect form. Do not train blindly, following your instructor, understand. Your instructor is your greatest resource. If you have a question or something does not feel natural, ask for your instructor to clarify it. Your instructor has a resource as well - their instructor. Use your resources, learn, practice and mostly have fun while you’re developing your mind, body and spirit. Traditional Tang Soo Do Illustrated
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