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HA-GRD-001 · The National Standard

The National Standard

One measure of technique and rank, applied consistently across every affiliated dojang, so that a grade earned in one club means the same across the country.

Rank pathway

The grading pathway runs from White Belt through the coloured-belt grades to Danbo (black-belt preparation, the final stage before Dan grading) and on to the Dan grades. Each grade has a defined syllabus and is assessed against the same national criteria regardless of where a student trains.

White
Yellow Stripe
Yellow
Green Stripe
Green
Blue Stripe
Blue
Brown
Red
Danbo
1st Dan
2nd Dan
3rd Dan
4th Dan
5th Dan

Junior and senior students follow the same curriculum, delivered in an age-appropriate way for juniors. The full grading syllabus for each grade is provided to members after sign-up.

Assessment scale

Every graded element is marked against a five-level scale. The scale describes performance against the standard for the grade being assessed, not against other candidates.

1Needs Attention
The element is not yet performed to a recognisable standard and requires focused work before re-assessment.
2Some Difficulty
The element is understood but not yet reliable under grading conditions.
3Required Level
The element meets the standard expected at the grade being assessed.
4Commendable
The element is performed clearly above the required level.
5Exceptional
The element is performed to a standard well beyond the grade, with control and precision.

Grading authority

  • Examiners hold 4th Dan or above with current Hapkido Australia recognition.
  • 1st Dan gradings require a 5th Dan or above presiding examiner.
  • No student is graded without current national registration.
Rank is responsibility, not reward.
Hapkido Australia