Instructor Certification

Kwan Jang Nim Hwang has expressed his desire that only the highest quality instruction be considered acceptable for those learning the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan martial art system. Charged by the Kwan Jang Nim, the Technical Advisory Committee maintains the high standards of excellence for all members through the Federation's Instructor Certification processes.

As a 1st Gup and Dan Member you are encouraged to share your skill and experience with others as you continue your own technical and philosophical growth. Certified Instructors may provide you with opportunities to assist in an assistant instructor capacity so you can begin developing the skills required to someday become a Certified Instructor. These teaching experiences will give you a means to learn many new organization, motivation, communication, presentation, demonstration, creativity, administration and leadership skills in addition to your current technical skills.

What does Instructor Certification Certify?

Begin a Certified as an Instructor means that you have demonstrated a superior level of skill and understanding of the Moo Duk Kwan system. It means that you have proven yourself worthy to be entrusted with the responsibility of spreading the "Living Art" of the Moo Duk Kwan in the manner intended by its founder. It shows that you have dedicated yourself to helping others learn the Moo Duk Kwan system. It means that you have pledged yourself to constantly strive for excellence technically, administratively and scholastically.

There are three levels of instructor certification:

Jo Kyo Certification (or certified assistant instructor) is the first step to becoming a leader and teacher in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. This step allows students to further their development by assisting with classes and helping other students study Soo Bahk Do.

• Literally Means: "Assistant to Material"
• Title: Certified Assistant Instructor
• Minimum Age: 13 years old
• Minimum Rank: 1st Gup (up to 2nd Dan)
• Minimum Training Experience: 2.5 Years

Kyo Sa Certification (or Certified Instructor) is the second step to becoming a leader and teacher in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. A Kyo Sa Candidate must demonstrate a good record of participation in clinics and other activities conducted on Studio, Regional, National and International levels under the guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee. The candidate must be able to present the theoretical knowledge to explain and physical ability to demonstrate, all lower and current level techniques.

• Literally Means: "Material Teacher"
• Title: Certified Instructor
• Minimum Age: 21 years old
• Minimum Rank: 2nd Dan (up to 3rd Dan)
• Minimum Training Experience: 6 Years

Sa Bom Certification (or Certified Master Instructor) is the third and final step in the instructor certification process. The Sa Bom examination is held along with the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa (Master Level 8 Day Test). During the eight day event the candidates will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the history, philosophy and theoretical dimensions of all aspects of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. It evaluates the candidates' ability to demonstrate and teach all physical techniques, but focuses on the ability to organize a curriculum and Dan Testing. Additionally, the ability to teach and evaluate instructors is demonstrated.

• Literally Means: "Teacher Example"
• Title: Certified Master Instructor
• Minimum Age: 25 years old
• Minimum Rank: 4th Dan (and above)
• Minimum Training Experience: 13 Years

Additional Information:

• Only Kyo Sa or Sam Bom Certified Instructors are authorized to own their own studios and to conduct Gup Rank Promotion Examinations and recommend students for rank promotion.
• The term "Nim" follows these certification titles as a form of respect for a senior member.
• Should you be interested in further information on Instructor Certification please see the Instructor Certification Study Kit.