THE Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) conducted its first centralised grading of the millenium at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall on 15 and 16 January 1999. Members of the STF Management Committee graced the event, making it a first ever visit by them in full force to a centralised grading. The event featured.a number of firsts for the STF, including a first ever performance at a centralised grading by two taekwondo aerobic teams, followed by a stunning display of plank-breaking skills.	The NCAP Coach Card system, implemented with effect from January 2000 by the Grading Department, was also first put in use at the grading. The system is designed for all coaches/instructors wishing to lead their students in the grading test. Prior to this, the Grading Department had been working hard to further improve and enhance the standard of the grading system. With the help of the STF, a new set of uniforms was also designed for the Grading Department and it made its first appearance at this event.	Kiai! There goes another plank
The grading itself was fashioned to be as efficient as possible, with students being assessed in batches. More than 2000 taekwondo students from various community centres, residents' committee centres, schools and private clubs went through the assessment in a matter of hours. The STF conducts four centralised and supplementary gradings a year. The quarterly grading is one of the main activities of the Federation.	Candidates in action