Breaking during a test
- Thread starter terryl965
- Start date
Fluffy
Black Belt
I would fail them, or take a hard look at the requirements. If the person has made it that far, and can not break, the standard may be to ridged. Another thought is they may not be able to break because of nerves. I know of some instructors who have had such a problem, they had those select students break in private (not at testing) to get past those nerves.
If the student performs all other requirements to standard, then s/he has 2 weeks to make up the break(s) missed in front of his/her instructor; if the student makes up the break(s), s/he is passed; if not, the student is failed. Nerves, exhaustion, and having people from outside class watch (our testings are open to family and friends) can all affect a student's ability to break. For our testings, the breaks are predetermined (which techniques will be used, I mean), but the number of boards and side of the body may be changed at the discretion of the student's instructor and/or the testing instructor, and that can also throw people off.
I remember seeing several people of different levels fail for not being able to complete the break when I was in the ATA. Among them were a young black belt, an adult black belt and a higher colored belt (I cant remember which). Usually I remember colored belts breaking separate from the test to quench the nerves but Black belts had to break at the test. Its been a few years though...when I go back this winter I'll let you know!
I imagine it would depend on what your goal is by requiring the break. Since I'm sure it varies from school to school, I can only answer for my school.
To even be asked to test means you've already fulfilled the necessary requirements, so no, a failed break will not keep you from promoting. The purpose of the break during the test isn't so much a requirement as it is a display self confidence and growth. I've been fortunate that I've been the instructor conducting the exams and the primary board holder for the past few years and have learned a few things. The inability of the holder to execute his part correctly can easily cause a good strike to fail. People that are not accustomed to this have no idea what it takes to do this properly, despite what type of strike is involved, everytime. Many students are asked to hold their own board and strike with the other. Many times they fail. It isn't because there was anything wrong with the strike, it's because they had no idea how to hold the board properly. Should a student be failed for this? Of course not. The purpose it for them to think about and learn from it.
I've never seen anyone asked to do a break that was too much for them, but I have seen them (including myself) asked to do a break that may exceed anything they've previously done. Over the years, I've developed the ability to recognize a student's abilities myself. Again, it's a confidence issue. Sometimes, a student will fail because of their lack of confidence. Though it's rare, the implications of what happened and why do not go un-noted, and it's treated as a true concern. Again, they will not fail to promote because of it, but the focus on their training will be directed to address what happened and why.
Though I don't have the rounded experience of many here, I do believe in this system as I've seen many positive things because of it.
To even be asked to test means you've already fulfilled the necessary requirements, so no, a failed break will not keep you from promoting. The purpose of the break during the test isn't so much a requirement as it is a display self confidence and growth. I've been fortunate that I've been the instructor conducting the exams and the primary board holder for the past few years and have learned a few things. The inability of the holder to execute his part correctly can easily cause a good strike to fail. People that are not accustomed to this have no idea what it takes to do this properly, despite what type of strike is involved, everytime. Many students are asked to hold their own board and strike with the other. Many times they fail. It isn't because there was anything wrong with the strike, it's because they had no idea how to hold the board properly. Should a student be failed for this? Of course not. The purpose it for them to think about and learn from it.
I've never seen anyone asked to do a break that was too much for them, but I have seen them (including myself) asked to do a break that may exceed anything they've previously done. Over the years, I've developed the ability to recognize a student's abilities myself. Again, it's a confidence issue. Sometimes, a student will fail because of their lack of confidence. Though it's rare, the implications of what happened and why do not go un-noted, and it's treated as a true concern. Again, they will not fail to promote because of it, but the focus on their training will be directed to address what happened and why.
Though I don't have the rounded experience of many here, I do believe in this system as I've seen many positive things because of it.
Fluffy
Black Belt
stone_dragone said:
Yup. I have (now) 5th Degree local friend (still in the ATA) and she tested as a 4th Degreee for her 5th Degree 6 times because she failed her board breaks. It's a requirement, if you don't break - you don't pass. I have never failed a color belt for that, only moved them 1/2 step.
cali_tkdbruin
Master of Arts
You should deny a promotion until the breaking portion of the test has been successfully completed and passed. No exceptions.
Brother John
Senior Master
IF it's a 'requirement', then it's required.
I think it's just that simple.
BUT: I question making "Breaking" any form of a requirement for advancement.
I just don't see much value in it outside of demo's, to catch the eye of the uninformed.
Your Brother
John
I think it's just that simple.
BUT: I question making "Breaking" any form of a requirement for advancement.
I just don't see much value in it outside of demo's, to catch the eye of the uninformed.
Your Brother
John
Slippery_Pete
Green Belt
Breaking is a requirement at our school...if you fail to complete your designated break...your must redo your break in a week...if you do not break it that week you try again the next week and so on until you break your board...you do not recieve your belt until you have completed your break...breaking is taught to us as a mental block...you must first see yourself being able to do something before you can achive it...and if you cannot see yourself overcoming a difficult break then you are not ready for the next rank
Brother John
Senior Master
Yes, visualization is crucial to such tricks...
but what does breaking accomplish?
Tell ya what, I'll start a new thread.
thanks
Your Brother
John
but what does breaking accomplish?
Tell ya what, I'll start a new thread.
thanks
Your Brother
John
In my school, a student can pass if they fail their board break up to high yellow. After green, they have to come back next testing cycle to re-break. When testing for second degree, you will be assigned a board break if your set routine is determined to easy for a 2nd dan skill level.
Last Fearner
2nd Black Belt
terryl965 said:
In virtually every case, my student has already broken the boards many times in practice before the test, so I know they can break the board. The issue of whether or not they are required to break, and what happens if they fail to break at the time of test will depend on the student's age, rank, and overall performance.
For us, white belts break boards, but are not required to break, thus it is a marking point to see improvement by their next test. 9th, 8th, and 7th geup will not fail the test if they do not break, and it does not lower their overall score, but a successful break can boost their score if they were weak in other areas and needed points to pass. 6th, 5th, and 4th geup are required to break, but will be given three tries. The Grandmaster might allow a change of technique if not successful on the first two attempts (also, as Gemini said, it should be noted if the board holders failed to support the boards properly - change board holders, or add more). If the final attempt is not successful, there will be a make-up opportunity for the student to break in the presence of their instructor.
Typically, our 3rd, 2nd, and 1st geup will fail the test if they do not break, however, if they have perfect scores in all other areas, the failed break might lower their score, but not fail them. Those advanced students who fail due to a board break, will not be permitted to re-test until the cycle (two to three months). Those testing for Black Belt, or any degrees thereafter are required to break in three tries, or fail the test - - no exceptions.
If you can't hit a board (or two, or three) accurately enough, or powerfully enough to break it, you will not likely be successful at much more than surface stinging of an opponent in the street. Your technique will not break bones, and will do no internal damage if needed. A test is a test. Prepare, and pass it, or take the test over. (keep in mind, a student's failure at the test, is also the instructor's failure. Prepare your students well, and they won't fail to break). Also, I have been able to motivate students during the test (mostly children, and color belts) who missed their first couple of tries, coached them a little, and they were eventually sucessful.
CM D.J. Eisenhart
