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A belt test is an exciting event at Shinjin Karate. More than just a test, it is also a right of passage, a graduation, and a time for family and friends to celebrate the achievements of our students.
We make no secret of the fact that belt promotions do not come easy at our dojo. When a student earns a new belt, he or she can be confident that something worthwhile has been achieved and that the belt was truly earned.
Our belt tests are carefully designed to reward respect, ultimate focus, and hard work. We have also planned the preparation process in order to help our students achieve maximum success at their tests.
We believe that our belt test preparation process will help our children and youth learn valuable lessons and gain important life skills that will benefit them in school and in the rest of life. That is why we also reward initiative, responsibility, following instructions, careful study and preparation (rather than last-minute cramming), promptness, dedication, healthy competition, fitness, good manners, and more.
Belt tests are usually held on Saturday mornings, but may also be scheduled for Friday evenings. Tests for green, brown, and black belts must be scheduled well in advance, since Sensei Gilliland needs to make arrangements to be there.
How should you prepare for your next belt test?
- Three to six months before -- In order to be fully prepared for your belt test, especially if you are testing for orange belt or above:
- Attend as many Fight Classes as possible. This will help you improve your fighting ability, fitness and endurance, and it will prepare you for the sparring and grappling portion of your test.
- Attend as many Test Review classes as possible. Attending just one Test Review class immediately prior to your test may not adequately prepare you to do every technique correctly and with confidence.
- Make sure you are not missing too many core classes.
- Practice, practice, practice! Take advantage of open gym times and any time before or after class.
- Prepare for the fitness portion of the test.
- Compete in at least one tournament. Competition training, and the tournament experience itself, is invaluable in preparing you for your belt test. If you are unable to compete in a tournament prior to belt testing, make sure to attend a Competition Class in order to be prepared to present your kata formally, as well as to be comfortable with ring strategy and etiquette.
- Remember that part of what you will be graded on during your belt test is how well you prepared for the test beforehand, and the attitude and effort you have been showing in the dojo.
- At least one month before the test -- Whether you are testing for your striped yellow belt or for your brown belt, or any belt in between, the following will help you be fully prepared to succeed at your best test:
- Read the articles on belt testing on our dojo blog.
- Make sure to order the proper uniform (see "About your karate-gi") and any needed gear or equipment well in time for your test.
- Attend as many classes as possible.
- Practice, practice, practice!
- If you are testing for yellow belt or above, make sure you will have an uke or workout partner available at your test.
- Fill out the Belt Test Application and turn it in, at the latest, by the Test Review Class prior to the test.
- Invite friends and family members to your test and plan to celebrate afterwards!
- One week prior to testing --
- If you have not yet done so, turn in your Belt Test Application.
- Make sure to attend the final Test Review Class before your test.
- Review the articles on belt testing on our dojo blog in order to make sure that you are fully prepared.
- Make sure your best uniform is clean, pressed, and ready for the test.
- Remind your friends, family members, and dojo-mates to be there for your test.
- The day of your test --
- Arrive early in order to warm up and review before the test begins. Make sure you bring everything needed for your test.
- Be prepared to work hard and to impress the testing panel with your attitude, skill, technique, and knowledge. Convince us that you are ready and eager to wear that next belt!
Formerly "Five Cities Keichu-Do"
720 S. Frontage Rd. #106
Nipomo, California 93444
805-931-0683 |
