KAU 2025 Dan Promotion Examination & Samsungdang 9th Anniversary Joint Training

The KAU Dan Promotion Examination and the Samsungdang 9th Anniversary Joint Training, held on Saturday, December 6, were successfully completed.

This joint training session was led by Dojo Head Instructor Sung Juhwan of Samsungdang, with the theme:“Practicing Correct Movement Patterns / Eye Focus for Establishing a Proper Axis.”

Following the morning joint training, the dan promotion examination was conducted.

The examination was evaluated simultaneously by three examiners, in accordance with KAU regulations.(Chief Examiner: Sung Juhwan, Dojo Head of Incheon Samsungdang)

For reference, KAU dan examinations use a deduction-based evaluation system.

On the examiners’ score sheets, each required kata is marked as ○ / △ / X, and a candidate fails if they receive six or more “X” marks.

An “X” is given under the following conditions:

1. Failure to perform the required kata

2. Placing the candidate or the uke in a dangerous situation

The dan examination follows a last-man-standing format.

The basic kata required are common to all candidates. As the dan level increases, additional elements—such as multiple attackers, tanto-dori, jo-dori, and ken-dori—are included.

This is based on the principle that even when performing the same kata, higher-rank candidates must demonstrate a higher level of completion, along with greater experience and technical capability.

Accordingly, the standards for ○ / △ / X become stricter at higher dan levels.

Higher-rank candidates are expected to present results that are convincing not only to the examiners, but also to the members observing the examination.

All score sheets are disclosed to all KAU members immediately after the examination.

This transparency minimizes subjective bias, allows differences in examiners’ perspectives to be recognized, and enables candidates to clearly identify areas needing improvement.

Fortunately, all candidates who applied for promotion passed this examination.

We hope that this dan examination has helped clarify each individual’s growth and future direction.

Congratulations to everyone who passed the promotion examination, and sincere thanks to all members who took the time from their weekend to participate in the joint training.