Tae Kwon Do Test?

Question

I'm currently a second degree black belt in tak kwon do and I was wondering if you think $700 is worth paying for the third degree test. You are guaranteed to pass. How important is it to get the third degree?

Answer 1

Only you can truly answer this question.  How much is it worth to you.  Personnally, I'd pay it and feel that I got my money's worth.  I work hard for my belt ranks as I'm sure you do.  Pay it and wear the earned belt.

Answer 2

$700 is a lot of money. I only paid $150 for my 1st degree and the fee isn't going to go up to $700 when I test for 3rd. If you're guaranteed to pass, it isn't worth it. You haven't really earned it...and the testing fees make this seem Mcdojo-ish..

Answer 3

You should see some of the fees for advanced Judo ranks!

But $700 for a THIRD degree, and not for a 7th degree?  A bit much.

Answer 4

My Nidan cost me nothing but alot of hard work I don't understand how you can be guaranteed to pass if that's the case why do you have to test give the guy your money and let him give you your certificate.

Answer 5

Who is charging the $700. If it is at the school you train at than it ain't worth it. Find another school. We only charge the normal nominal fee to our students and can test to 5 Dan.

Of course our black belts must spend some time on the floor helping run classes. Normally this only amounts to about 2hr a week averaged out. I keep hearing these huge fees for testin. and garuntees of Passing. What is up with that?

Answer 6

Hullo

I play Amateur MuayThai in Pakistan beside my studies and job.

$700 is a health amount but your degree is also healthy. So I would suggest you to have a go for it.

In the meanwhile, if you think a single degree doesnt affect the status too much, then u better quit. Otherwise, these degrees are the ones you devote your life for. I mean hardwork, energy, time and practicing years after years.

In short, go for it and have that certificate.

Thank you

Kamran Iqbal

BBA Finance

Islamabad, Pakistan

Answer 7

wow, $700! thats expensive. but then again...maybe its worth it..if it means that much to you.

Answer 8

I got the belt with striped from a local store for only $6

But McDojos do charge a lot for belt test.

It will definitely give you a bragging right tho if that's your goal.

Answer 9

i think it's worth it if tae kwon do is as important as the $700 in your heart ( perhaps more important)

if it's me, i'll go for it :]

Answer 10

i would go for it most likely.

Answer 11

I think it's worth it if you've put in the time for the degree.

Answer 12

Hahaha I am a first degree testing for my second and the price is 600$!

and for 3rd is like 1200$

Its a good price,probely what most korean masters would charge.

Answer 13

so basically you're guaranteed to pass if you pay? i'm not sure if that's truly earning a 3rd degree black belt then. My first degree black belt test was $700, then it takes like 2-3 years to go to the next degree. If you already put in your time and effort into paying & going to the lessons, sure, go get your 3rd degree black belt.

personally, i quit tae kwon do after my black belt because it was a waste of money & time. They just want to money -_- say a girl is the worst one in the whole class, but she has the money to pay, and pays, she'll probably get to black belt too. hahah

Answer 14

If you are guaranteed to pass, why are you paying anything?  You're just paying for your belt at that point.  Which is a HUGE sign of a McDojo.

My 3rd Dan was $725, but that included national certification through our association, world certification through the Kukkiwan and $125 for an instructor's degree upgrade.  And to earn that, I had to travel to Florida and test in front of the National Testing Board - a group of Sr. Masters and Grandmasters who mopped the floor with us.  The actual test was 4 hours long, and we didn't learn if we passed until about 8 hours after it was over.

The test fee should carry only one guarantee - that you are allowed to appear before the testing board.

Answer 15

Good lord get out now and save your money. At our school (Isshin-Ryu karate) we pay $75.00 for first degree, but we also receive abelt with our name and the school name on it. After that there is no fee for any degree.

Also we are never garunteed to pass. I agree with the guy who said if that is the case give them the money and get the peice of paper and save everyone the trouble of the testing.

If you do get this belt you will not have earned it you will have bought it.

Answer 16

Keep in mind that at least half of that $700 will go to the WTF/Kukkiwon in Korea (assuming your WTF).  This is proof that you are a "real" black belt rank.  In other words, it's like accreditation at a college.  Your master has the real "authority" to promote you.  

Another portion may go to any other associations your school may belong to.

Part goes to the materials and time for the test and to pay a small fee to any other masters that help administer the test.

And finally, yes, the dojang does make some profit on the test.

It does sound a little steep to me, but as you can see from the other answers, it's not that bad comparatively to most.

James