As in the previous years, this year’s black belt test was held in March. On the weekend of 19-20th, as usual, the black belt tests in Hungary were held by examiner Master László Harmat (VIII. degree) – President and Founder of the Hungarian Taekwon-do Federation. The setting was similar as in the previous years, however Master Harmat has announced, that this year’s black belt tests will be somewhat more difficult than in the previous years, giving some more strict rules on passing the test. As a result, we have had less participants: 45 candidates has registered in order to get their next degree (as opposed of the previous year, when we had more than 60 participants). The changes proved to be successful: the black belt tests were on a higher standard, and all the candidates were prepared even better than in the last years. 7 candidates have failed the tests, however all the remaining examinees has passed them with an even more excellent performance.

Hungarian black belt test has a speciality: all men over 18 years have to break a brick in order to get their black belt (or their next degree). This year it went exceptionally well, there was only 2 participants who had to try to break it twice, all the others were able to break their brick for the first try.

The brick breaking represents a certain state of mind, proving that the martial artist has become mature enough to earn their black belt. (If some would fail any part of the power breaking or the special techniques, they would fail the entire test, and they would have to try it again next time:next year.)

Apart from the breaking techniques the examinees have to prove themselves in patterns, on a theoretical exam, showing sparring skills and their knowledge of the korean names of the techniques with their kicking techniques on pads - held by international instructors, in self-defence, traditional sparring and on a physical test.

At the end Master Harmat has promoted 37 candidates for their first or next black belt degrees. Amongst the participants, Péter Szász (organizer of the next World Cup), Péter Poós (leader of one of the biggest Hungarian clubs: Buday) and Gábor Szalay (Secretary General of the Hungarian Taekwon-do Federation) have been promoted to 6th degree, showing their amazing skills, setting a great example for all.

More photographs at
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