Do any instructors have any tips, procedures, or methods they can share in conducting a martial arts testing?
Joe asked: This would also apply to the pre-test. As well as the procedures for the promotion ceremony. ...
Joe asked:
This would also apply to the pre-test.
This would also apply to the pre-test.
As well as the procedures for the promotion ceremony.
i have never seen a pretest in martial arts. you walk into the dojo the instructor asks you some general questions: what kind of training are you looking for? what are you interested in: self defense or team tournament fighting? do you have any martial arts training? if he takes you as a student and most do he will explain the dojo rules. sell you a uniform if it’s required in the dojo. he may also ask your preference group lessons or Private lesson ( more expensive but you could learn at a faster rate ) promotion is based on learning kara or set movements against multiple invisible/ imaginary opponents. there are a specific number of kata’s you must learn for each belt and there are specific skills you must demonstrate. all will be explained by your sensai or instructor. i would start with tai chi chun or wing chun if available in your area. karate will only give you bad habbits to break when you learn a real chinese martial art. jujitsu is almost all ground work, joint locking and submission holds it is important to learn but would be better after you have mastered the first chinese martial art.
We test three levels during each belt rank. These test f comprise the pretest. The final test is more formal and is done with more than one instructor grading. We do not charge for each test, only the final test for each belt rank. The fee is just enough to cover the belt and certificate. We have a ceremony for each advancement. We invite friends and family to attend. At the ceremony the student is required to demonstrate their Kata, Self defense drills and spar. At the end we Hand out the certificate of rank, the belt and have everyone kneel before their new belt and bow. Pick up their new belts,bow to the master and instructors, about face and change their belts. They than turn and fold carefully their old belt. Attention, than are dismissed. For black belt it is similar. We add the ceremony we call “The Ceremony of the Rose”. With each new belt a rose is given. At the end each black belt is to give the rose to the one other than the master that supported them the most as a symbol of gratitude. After everyone is dismissed we usually have a party with food buffet style and a cake.
One of the high points of my life was when a student gave me a rose. This was just before I became a certified instructor. I always encourage everyone I train with. I hadn’t realized till then how much it can mean to someone.
I’m no trainer and do not wish to disrespect trainers here – But could I suggest that testing includes conditioning to make a belt before they are tested on technique?
My past testing included:
- 20-60 minute exhaustive conditioning (pushups, burpees, skipping, sprinting, situps, etc…) – Student should be exhausted. Time frame depends on belt level.
- 2 minutes to stretch – Then technique – 7-20 minutes
- 60 second break – Then 3 rounds of at least 1 – 5 minutes of sparring 3 different people. (20-30% speed/power at lower levels) – This works well in Muay-Thai but not sure about other arts.