American Tang Soo DoArchive docs

Archive / Curriculum / Progression

Curriculum Progression

Draft. Updated outline of a linear curriculum progression. Not complete or official.

Testing and certificates. No testing is required until Dark Blue belt. Advancement in rank is based on the student’s observed performance during training sessions. Certificates are issued only for Dan ranks. No testing fees are charged.

High-level view of what a person will learn, in order. Content below is from the current draft.

  1. White Belt

    • Basic techniques
    • Basic Pattern Set

    Requirements to advance to Green Belt

    • Ability to perform basic techniques with only minor corrections.
    • Ability to perform Basic Pattern Set.
    • Ability to function in basic training with only minor corrections.

  2. Green Belt

    Pattern Sets

    • Pyung Ahn Cho Dan
    • Pyung Ahn Ee Dan
    • Pyung Ahn Sam Dan
    • Pyung Ahn Sa Dan
    • Pyung Ahn Oh Dan

    One Step Sparring

    • Block kick, kick, punch, punch, kick (basic One Step Sparring drill)
    • Step back, kick
    • Push back, kick
    • Open step, kick
    • Circle step, kick
    • Cancel step
    • Back pivot

    Requirements to advance to Brown Belt

    • Ability to perform all Pattern Sets without correction.
    • Ability to perform all One Step Sparring without correction.
    • Ability to fight with a moderate level of confidence and skill.

  3. Brown Belt

    • Bassi
    • Fall training

    One Step Sparring

    • Sweep
    • Hip throw
    • Sleeve grab
    • Outward wrist lock
    • Inward wrist lock

    Requirements to advance to Dark Blue belt

    • Ability to perform all Pattern Sets learned from the start of training through the current rank without correction.
    • Ability to perform all One Step Sparring learned from the start of training through the current rank without correction.
    • Ability to fight with a moderate level of confidence and skill.
    • The student is responsible for all material learned from the start of training through the current rank.
    • Ability to explain and demonstrate the purpose of each Pattern Set when asked about a specific portion of a Pattern Set.

  4. Dark Blue belt (test required)

    Two Step Sparring is introduced at Dark Blue belt. This is the only additional concept the student will be exposed to until 1st Dan.

    Requirements to advance to 1st Dan

    • A prospective candidate will receive a written invitation.
    • Correct structure and movement of structure, achieving speed.
    • Demonstrate proof of speed through breaking. Demonstrate the ability to defend against and attack an opponent during Two Step Sparring.
    • Ability to perform all Pattern Sets learned from the start of training through the current rank without correction.
    • Ability to fight with a moderate level of confidence and skill.
    • The student is responsible for all material learned from the start of training through the current rank.
    • Ability to explain and demonstrate the purpose of each Pattern Set when asked about a specific portion of a Pattern Set.

Dan ranks and testing

All Dan testing is by invitation only. A prospective candidate will receive a written invitation.

  1. 1st Dan

    Pattern Sets

    • Naihanchi Cho-Dan
    • Naihanchi Ee-Dan
    • Naihanchi Sam-Dan

    Requirements to advance to 2nd Dan

    • Correct structure, use of hips through movement of structure, achieving speed and power.
    • Demonstrate proof of power through breaking. Demonstrate the ability to defend against and attack an opponent during Two Step Sparring.
    • Ability to perform all Pattern Sets learned from the start of training through the current rank without correction.
    • Ability to fight with a moderate level of confidence and skill.
    • The student is responsible for all material learned from the start of training through the current rank.
    • Ability to explain and demonstrate the purpose of each Pattern Set when asked about a specific portion of a Pattern Set.

  2. 2nd Dan

    Pattern Sets

    • Ship Soo
    • Jin Do
    • Kong Sang Koon

    Requirements to advance to 3rd Dan

    • Correct structure, use of hips through movement of structure, achieving speed and power.
    • Demonstrate proof of power through breaking. Demonstrate the ability to defend against and attack an opponent during Two Step Sparring.
    • Ability to perform all Pattern Sets learned from the start of training through the current rank without correction.
    • Ability to fight with an expert level of confidence and skill.
    • The student is responsible for all material learned from the start of training through the current rank.
    • Ability to explain and demonstrate the purpose of each Pattern Set when asked about a specific portion of a Pattern Set.

  3. 3rd Dan

    Refinement of knowledge and skill.

    Requirements to advance to 4th Dan

    • Uncommon ability across a range of techniques that are clearly utilized in application.
    • Demonstrate proof of power through breaking. Demonstrate the ability to defend against and attack an opponent during Two Step Sparring.
    • A defined, clear fighting style documented in a Pattern Set. The Pattern Set must be functional, layered, and promote skill development across a spectrum of identifiable patterns.

  4. 4th Dan

    Terminal Dan rank