Originally, before knees were required, you had to put up 80 kicks per round, a little less than 1 kick every 1 1/2 seconds. If you were putting out, the holder did not have time to hit the testee between kicks, but everyone tried to double-kick, which left plenty of time for the holder to attack. When knees were added the kicks were reduced to 60, knees being 40. A few years ago, the requirement was again lowered to 60/35, which is current. The test is not a feeder/student relationship; the testee should demonstrate his ability to defend himself by kicking and kneeing. If he has done his homework he will not be hurt, blocking with his shins and covering himself. As a holder, I have been kneed in the face, kneed in the nuts, and kicked in the hip by someone too tired to get their leg up to the pad. The problem usually is an unprepared person wanting to test, or a holder with a grudge. Everyone going in knows the testing requirements, and most failures are for poor wai kru and/or technique demonstration. Women do not get a break, most having been tested by men who outweigh them by 20 or more pounds. Every female instructor I have met thinks of her test as being one of the defining moments of her life. I should point out, and I believe Tim will concur, neither of his holders was vindictive, or even particularly aggressive. Also, at any time during the test the testee can simply stop.
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