ATA Master’s Council Announces Changes During 2021 Worlds Championships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2021

INFORMATION CONTACT

Chief Master Al Dilegge, Chief to Staff
501-568-2821
al.dilegge@ataonline.com

The Masters’ Council recently approved important changes to our testing process and to our requirements for becoming a 9^th Degree Black Belt and a Grand Master. We announced these changes during the training for masters and master nominees at Worlds Championships.

TESTINGS

Below, you will see several updates to the testing process. The ATA Songahm Policy Handbook (under Black Belt Testing & Midterms) will be updated to reflect these changes. The most significant are these:

To simplify the scoring system, form is now scored on a scale of 0-4, and all other elements (including board breaks) are scored on a scale of 0-3. Protech is worth 3 points unless it replaces form (which is only permitted at midterms, not rank testings).
The passing score for midterms is now 7. The passing score for rank testings remains 8. This change recognizes that your performance should improve from the time you midterm to the time you rank test.

The new process takes effect with the October 22, 2021, testing at Fall Nationals. As of that date, the following rules will apply for all 4^th through 8^th Degrees during midterm and rank testing events:

Minimum Passing Score for Midterms & Testing 4^th – 8^th

4^th Degree – 8^th Degree Midterm	7
4^th Degree – 8^th Degree Test	8

Scores by Element

Element	Min – Max Score	Attributes to Judge
Taekwondo Form	0 - 4	Eye Contact/Focus, Proper Technique, Balance, Speed, Power, Rhythm & Presentation, Timing
Protech Form	0 - 3 0 - 4 if replacing form at a midterm	Eye Contact/Focus, Proper Technique, Balance, Speed, Power, Rhythm & Presentation, Timing
Free Sparring	0 - 3	Reading Opponent, Defense, Offense, Timing, Setting-up, Endurance
Board Breaks	0 - 3	3 – all boards broken on first attempt, 2 – all boards broken on second attempt 2 – all boards broken on third attempt 0 – none or partial break

A total of 3 Elements must be performed during a midterm or rank test at a National or World event
During rank testing, you must perform your Taekwondo Form as one of the 3 Elements
During midterm testing, you may substitute Protech for Taekwondo Form (in which case, it will be worth a maximum of 4 points)
When rank testing, if you do not break all of your stations within the three attempts you will receive a No Change
If you cannot spar or break boards for medical reasons, you may replace one Element with Protech Curriculum. (This must be approved by your instructor and the Presiding Grand Master prior to the midterm or rank testing.)
Men and women 60 and older may go down one color for board breaks (women to green, men to blue)
Anyone earning a rank in 2022 or later may receive credit for only one successful midterm per year.

9th DEGREES AND GRAND MASTERS

With the growing number of seniors in the organization, we are excited to announce a formal process for becoming a 9^th Degree and earning the title of Grand Master.

Becoming a 9^th Degree

In order to be eligible for the rank of 9^th Degree, you must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

Time in grade as 8^th Degree: 8 years (as an active member)
Minimum age: 56 years old
At least 3 masters in your lineage

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that you will be invited to become a 9^th Degree. Each year during Spring Nationals, those who meet these requirements will be reviewed by the Presiding Grand Master and the Grand Master members of the Masters’ Council. They will select and nominate people based on factors such as these:

Demonstrated leadership
Active involvement in the organization
Ethical conduct
Contributions to the growth of Songahm Taekwondo.

If you are selected, you will receive your invitation at Worlds, one year prior to your promotion. You will be required to complete and submit a formal application within 30 days.

During Worlds a year after your invitation, you will perform an official Martial Arts Presentation (or Testing Demonstration) and earn your new rank.

Becoming a Grand Master

To earn the title of Grand Master, you must fulfill these requirements:

Time in grade as 9^th Degree: 1 year
Membership in the ATA Hall of Fame
At least 9 masters in your lineage

These changes will be reflected in the updated ATA Songahm Policy Handbook, under Black Belt Testing & Midterms.

About ATA Martial Arts

ATA Martial Arts was founded in 1969 by Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee. They have been internationally headquartered in Little Rock since 1977. With active membership approaching 300,000 worldwide, ATA is the world leader in teaching martial arts to the entire family. ATA is a pioneer in the martial arts industry because of its unique Songahm style curriculum. In addition to Taekwondo, many ATA schools offer ATA Legacy and Leadership programs, advanced self-defense, and weapons training. Also, many licenses teach Kidz’n Power child safety and bullying prevention. All ATA schools are individually owned and operated.

HAPPY 55TH ANNIVERSARY ATA NATION