To further improve the Taekwondo grading evaluation system and standardize the technical assessment and management of grades and dan (pin) ranks, the China Taekwondo Association recently officially released two group standards: *Taekwondo Grade Evaluation* and *Taekwondo Dan (Pin) Rank Evaluation*. The standards were developed by Beijing Guoti Century Quality Certification Center Co., Ltd. In accordance with the relevant requirements of the *Administrative Measures for Group Standards of the China Taekwondo Association (Trial)*, the entire development process—including project initiation, drafting, solicitation of comments, review, and submission for approval—was completed. The standards were officially released on March 16, 2026, and will take effect on April 1.
The T/CTAS 0105—2026 "Taekwondo Rank Evaluation" group standard specifies the classification and evaluation requirements for Taekwondo ranks and applies to the evaluation and management of ranks for beginner Taekwondo practitioners. The standard classifies ranks from the lowest to the highest as 10th Dan through 1st Dan, using belt colors as a visual identifier. The standard clarifies the basic techniques, poomsae, competition skills, breaking, and physical fitness requirements that practitioners must master at each level. It also establishes differentiated requirements for age-appropriate groups regarding the thickness of breaking boards and the number of physical fitness tests, fully reflecting the scientific and adaptive nature of the evaluation. The implementation of these standards provides beginner Taekwondo practitioners with a clear path for technical development, helps unify the national grading evaluation criteria, promotes the standardization of teaching content, enhances examiners’ evaluation capabilities, and increases practitioners’ sense of achievement and enthusiasm for participation.
T/CTAS 0106—2026 The Group Standard for “Taekwondo Dan (Pum) Grade Evaluation” specifies the classification and evaluation of Taekwondo dan (pum) grades. It outlines a comprehensive evaluation framework for practitioners from 1st dan to 9th dan and from 1st pum to 4th pum, covering theoretical knowledge, fundamental techniques, poomsae, sparring, special breaking techniques, physical fitness, and behavioral etiquette. The standard establishes scientifically sound and reasonable grading requirements and evaluation methods by taking into account factors such as years of practice, technical proficiency, and age. The publication of this standard further enhances the authority and practicality of dan (pin) grading, provides a systematic development pathway for high-level practitioners, and drives the continuous advancement of Taekwondo toward greater professionalism and standardization.
The release of these two standards represents a significant step by the Chinese Taekwondo Association in thoroughly implementing the strategy to build China into a sports powerhouse. The implementation of these standards will help improve the talent selection and development system, enhance the professional competence of coaches and examiners, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of practitioners, and effectively promote the widespread adoption and standardized development of taekwondo. Moving forward, the Chinese Taekwondo Association will rely on these standards to conduct training and evaluation activities, promote the implementation of grade and dan (pin) evaluations, further stimulate public enthusiasm for participating in taekwondo, and lay a solid foundation for the high-quality development of taekwondo in China.
