ATA Board Breaking Requirements fo Testing

General: All breaks should be done as "combinations as though in a combat situation. After bowing, the student should break immediately. Stopping to "measure" the boards or other pauses longer than taking a breath shall be considered a "try;" and will count against the student's score


Obstacle breaks: Number of boards: Board numbers and sizes are the same for age, rank, and sex as in the past. Women and children may do one obstacle less than men on requirements for 1st Degree Black Belt and higher ranks, depending on their own integrity, 4th Degree and higher Black Belts should break two boards on hand and foot techniques except for 3 boards on side kicks. At this level, 3 boards may be requested for all stations, but it will not increase point total. Personal integrity shall be the guide.


"Speed" breaks: Hook and heel kicks may be done supported or as speed breaks where indicated.


Technique Requirements


2nd Grade Brown Belts:

  1. Reverse elbow, side kick.
  2. Reverse elbow, front kick.

(Kicks are midsection, and may be #1, #2, or #3)


1st Grade Red Belts:

  1. Reverse palm heel, round kick (kick to high section, #1, #2, or #3).
  2. Reverse elbow, jump side kick (high section).

1st Degree Black Belt Recommended:

  1. Back elbow, jump front kick (face level).
  2. Reverse punch, step forward reverse side kick (middle section).
  3. Back elbow, jump side kick (1 obstacle).
  4. Round kick, reverse side kick.

1st Degree Black Belt Decided:

  1. Knifehand, jump side kick with 2 obstacles.
  2. Punch (lunge or reverse), round kick to face level, midsection side kick.
  3. Upset knifehand, jump reverse side kick.
  4. Front kick, side kick, round kick (one kick must be with opposite leg).

2nd Degree Black Belt Recommended:

  1. Upward elbow, jump front kick to high fingertip level.
  2. Side kick, reverse side kick, #3 jump round kick to face level (one kick must be donw with opposite leg).
  3. Hammerfist, step forward jump reverse side kick.
  4. Knifehand, palm heel (lunge or reverse), reverse hook kick.

2nd Degree Black Belt Decided:

  1. Hammerfist, #3 jump ax kick at face level.
  2. Step forward spin hook kick, jump side kick over two obstacles.
  3. Upset hammerfist, #2 jump round kick to face level.
  4. Backfist, side kick and continuous round kick with the same foot without letting it touch the floor.

3rd Degree Black Belt:

  1. Hammerfist, upset hammerfist (same or opposite hand), jump side kick over 3 obstacles.
  2. Front kick and continuous side kick, spin heel kick with opposite foot (supported or speed break).
  3. Ridgehand, twin jump front kick to mid or high section.
  4. Elbow, palm heel, 360 degree jump reverse side kick.

4th Degree Black Belt:

  1. Repeat round kick, 180 degree jump reverse side kick.
  2. Ridgehand, knifehand, jump reverse inner crescent kick or round kick (butterfly kick).
  3. Punch, upset knifehand, jump side kick over 4 obstacles.
  4. Repeat punch, jump reverse heel kick speed break, 2 boards.

5th Degree Black Belt and above:

Submit breaks in writing to Chairman of National Headquarters Testing Committee two months prior to testing date for approval.

NOTE: Instructors of students with special physical handicaps may make adjustments on technique requirements after consulting with appropriate senior ranks and in keeping with the spirit or the techniques.

Advancement Note: Grand Master H.U. Lee still wants people to be able to pass at Brown and Red Belt levels if they only break one station, but make "90" scores in forms and sparring. Also, he wants it clear that even though they do break both stations, they still may not pass. ALSO: If a Brown or Red Belt at the "recommended" level are promoted 1/2 step to the "decided level, they do NOT have to change their board breaks.


Go back to the ATA Curriculum page