What should a black belt test consist of?

Mine were three parts held on different days, usually separated in time:

1. A written test of knowledge, Korean names for techniques, history, etc. Usually about 30 - 40 mins to complete.

2. Cardio/Conditioning - running, exercises and kicks, a lot of kicks, like thousands. To the point of exhaustion. Usually anywhere from 4 - 6 hours.

3. The final test - executing techniques called out in Korean, forms, self defenses, one steps, knee one steps, live sparring, 1 on 1, 2 on 1, 3 on 1, endurance - 2 - 5 mins rounds of paddle kicks, multiple board breaks, awarding of belts. I think I got everything, I may have missed some because it is so draining - Usually 3 - 4 hours.

My opinion is yes, it should be difficult, it should be long. Anything worthwhile in life is difficult. If it were easy, anyone could do it without having to work hard. By the end of the test, you should be exhausted.

I would say in poor quality schools it probably has gotten easier. But in good schools, I feel it is really still a very tough experience.

It should consist of you being able to demonstrate any technique, form, or break on demand. It should last long enough so that you can adequately do all of this.

Some tests are stamina killers, others are power-oriented. Some are hugely formal with a week-long affair culminating in a weekend finale with a huge party at the end.

If you train properly, and if the test is administered properly, it should be easy. The purpose of a test, after all, is two-fold: one, to make you practice at home; and two, so that you can demonstrate that you know all of your material. For sport-oriented styles, stamina and strength are important.

I've had 4 tests, and each were very different. One was extremely difficult - but thorough. One was an embarrassment. The other two were, in my opinion, properly run.

I observe that over the years, it's gotten easier. And in Taekwondo, it's no wonder: those getting their black belts are getting younger and younger every year.

To keep this simple, any test should consist of what you do in your regular training. Nothing crazy. I was subjected to long tests with running and ridiculous lengthy exercises. I've found that extreme lengths of time are a test of stamina which are actually more about physical fitness not really martial arts. One guy told me his high rank test are all 5 hours long? 5 hours? What does this equal other than your day is now officially shot. The real test of any marital art is training hard everyday and never stopping until youre dead. Determination, Spirit, Conviction, these are things any test is about but you don't need a test to prove you have them.

Different arts have different requirements. Even different schools that claim to teach the same style, vary widely in their standards.

I study ITF style TKD, at an independent school. When I tested for first black, it was almost a two hour ordeal. Eight of us were testing. We had to do all nine kata, 50 one-steps, 4 specified breaks, and spar three three minute rounds, each one against a fresh upper level black belt. One fourth degree hit me with a side thrusting kick and knocked me right off my feet. By contrast, my test for second Dan was much less stressful.