Grading
Gradings are to mark your progress as
skills improve. Different coloured belts are awareded at regular
intervals when the required skill levels have been achieved. Generally
promotions are every 3-4 months until you reach blue belt level
if you maintain regular training. After that you will grade every
6 months. Grading dates are listed at reception and if you feel
you are ready to grade, add you name to the list and an instructor
will inform you if you are eligible. It is possible if you attend
regularly and meet all grading targets to achieve black belt in
3 ˝ years. In reality this is usually 4-4 ˝ years.
Grading will generally consist of the
following:
You may be asked to warm yourself up
or an instructor will perform the warm up as in a general lesson.
You will then be asked to stand or sit to the side of the training
hall and numbered positions on the mat will be pointed out. When
a student is called to a position, the student should answer clearly “yes sir” and proceed to the position as quickly as possible.
The student will then be asked their name and grade, they should
raise their right hand to head level with the palm facing forward
and clearly state name and grade. It is important to arrive early
for the grading as a late arrival will be marked down and also
it gives you time to relax slightly to overcome any nerves. Grading
will normally start with some simple line work, turning into more
complex line work, followed by patterns or drills then sparring
and self defence. Towards the end of the grading you will be tested
on your theory and you should know the meaning of belt colours
and patterns up to your grade together with the names of the various
stances, blocks and techniques. You will be told when you are
dismissed from the grading and would normally hear the results
of your grading after, if successful you will
be presented with a certificate and your coloured belt in your next class.
