Report on the Examination for Master Ranks
Report on the Examination for Master Ranks
Last Saturday, 20 December 2025, one of the most important events in the Taekwon-do training calendar took place in the UKS TKD hall in Opole – the nationwide examination for DAN master ranks.
A strong Krakowskie Centrum Taekwon-do delegation
Our club was represented by a seven-person team that had been preparing for this test for many months. The following took the examination:
- For 1st dan: Honorata Kozioł, Filip Winnicki, Zbigniew Wilczewski, Krzysztof Jaworski.
- For 2nd dan: Grzegorz Pajda.
- For 4th dan: Dariusz Pazdan and Michał Krupa (senior).
The examination panel consisted of the following instructors:
Master Zbigniew Pawlak (7th dan)
Mikołaj Kotowicz (6th dan)
Examination proceedings
The examination tested:
1. Technique and patterns (Tul) Candidates had to demonstrate precision in moving through stances and presenting formal patterns. For those taking higher ranks (4th dan), the requirements covered the full range of master patterns.
2. Sparring (Matsogi) This was the most dynamic part of the examination. It included:
- Arranged sparring: Sambo, Ibo and Ilbo matsogi.
- Free sparring: Sparring with one and also several opponents simultaneously, which required excellent awareness of the field and conditioning.
3. Self-defence and Kicking Techniques The panel carefully assessed the ability to escape from holds and chokes. In the area of kicking, the athletes presented basic, jumping and turning techniques, demonstrating that Taekwon-do is a martial art of extraordinary range and dynamism.
4. Strength Tests and Special Techniques (Kyokpa) There were also spectacular board-breaking demonstrations using hands and feet. Candidates for higher ranks faced tasks specified directly by the panel, which required not only strength but also perfect concentration.
5. Theoretical Knowledge and Instructor Requirements For candidates for instructor ranks (4th dan), the examination began with an analysis of their path to date. Dariusz Pazdan and Michał Krupa presented biographies describing their many years of training work. All participants had to demonstrate knowledge of the history of Taekwon-do, the meaning of patterns and Korean terminology.
Congratulations to all participants
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes of Krakowskie Centrum Taekwon-do who earned master ranks in Opole. We are immensely proud of you and wish you further success.
