The Path to Chief Mastership
In Songahm Taekwondo, instructors who achieve the rank of 6th degree black belt are eligible to earn the title of Master Instructor. This process typically takes one year and requires reading, writing, physical training and mental preparation. Chief Master Jordan Schreiber completed the mastership training process in 2008 and shared his experience with his students.
In 2012, Chief Master Schreiber journeyed with Grandmaster In Ho Lee and other ATA seniors to Korea, where he tested successfully for the rank of 7th degree black belt. His instructor, Chief Master Dan Thor, presented him with his rank in a ceremony later that year. In 2014, Master Schreiber was inducted as a Senior Master. Learn more about his preparation for senior mastership here.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Master Schreiber tested for 8th degree black belt. His first attempt was September 14, 2020. In addition to performing the required material (the 7th degree black belt form, sparring, board breaks), Chief Master Schreiber chose to demonstrate all of the black belt forms (a total of over 600 techniques), as well as several weapons applications. Because he needed more than three attempts for one of his board breaks (a jump 360-degree side kick), he did not earn the promotion to 8th degree.
On January 16, 2021, Chief Master Schreiber tested again. This time, in addition to the required material, he demonstrated 11 weapon forms. And this time, he was successful.
He then engaged once again in the mastership training process. It concluded with a fast and a ceremony during the Fall Nationals event in Little Rock, AR, on October 21, 2021, where he was inducted as a chief master.