Rateh

Welcome to the forums!

Thinking about what Patrick said, we don't actually have a line in the sand that says "here is the age that you must be". But realistically based on the mental and physical requirements to gain 1st degree, I don't see anyone under the age of 12 making it. Yes we have a few 12 year-olds, who have taken the same test as the rest of us. Last year it was 9 hours over the course of 2 days, so no gimme belts. We do have a minimum age of 18 for 3rd degree however.

We also use the plant growth analogy. White Belt (11th Kup & 10th Kup) - Brand new seed Yellow Belt (9th, 8th, & 7th Kup) - Seed is beginning to grow and sprout Green Belt (6th & 5th Kup) - Seed is growing into a tall tree with green leaves. The tree begins to provide shade and protection for the seeds below it. Purple Belt (4.5th Kup) - Tree begins to grow fruit. The fruit provides nourishment for others. Blue Belt (4th & 3rd Kup) - The sky is the color blue and provides oxygen for all living creatures. Red Belt (2nd Kup, 1st Kup, & Red/Black Belt which is black belt candidate) - The sun provides heat and life to the whole earth; however, the sun can be very dangerous as well (There tends to be a vast amount of knowledge and technique but little control with Red Belts). Black Belt - The universe. The possibilities are endless and the expanse of the universe is limitless. There is room for creation and innovation. At this rank students must give back to others what they have been given. Black belt means teacher. This is quoted directly out of our curriculum. (Although I added the kup numbers for everyone's benefit). Students testing for purple belt are expected to be able to explain what each color represents, as well as how that applies to their training. I know there has been debate in other threads about whether black belt = teacher. In our system students are taught how to teach and become assistants starting at purple belt. Students are not tested to black belt unless they are also able to and regularly teaching. So the statement "black belt means teacher" applies for us. White-green belts spend most of their time learning material. Purple belt they go back over everything they have learned and try and take it to a new level of technical ability. Blue belts they learn more material again but keep that higher level of ability. Red belt they really refine their techniques to prepare for black belt. We also have a temporary black belt. Which isn't a kup, and isn't a dan. All students, adults and juniors, must spend 1 year as a temporary. These students further refine themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually before testing for their 1st dan. They also have a few additional forms that temporary black belts do not test on. Edited for spelling

Our tests have 7 sections, 8 if you are advanced. Mental (general knowledge and oral questions) Basics Sport combinations Forms Self Defense Weapons (Advanced students) Sparring Board Breaking All areas are given equal weight, though we don't use percentages. If you fail 1 or 2 sections, you get a conditional pass, which means you must re-test on those sections in private with your instructor in order to receive your rank. If you fail 3 sections then you fail the test and must retake it. Unfortunately I had to fail a student on 5 sections at the last test, I hate having to do that. Black belt tests are judged differently, I'm not sure how the sections are broken down specifically because I do not judge at black belt tests. I personally think that whatever areas of training are done in ones particular style, they should all be given equal weight in testing. If it is not important enough to hold equal weight, why test on it?

When I was 5 my brother took a few daddy and me classes. I wanted to try it out but for some reason or other I was not able to. After that I always had some interest in martial arts but my parents could not afford it. When I was 12 my mom signed me up for a community program. I fell in love and it has been a major part of my life for the last 13 years now. I cannot imagine my future without it.

I agree with Lupin1. It depends entirely on the type of training you are doing in class, and the particular situations you encounter. You could train 2 hours a day 5 days a week for 5 years, but if your training is ineffective then it wont make one bit of difference.

Yes, welcome!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Students under 8 have their own rank system (they graduate to yellow belt when they move up into the regular program) and do their testings in class. For the regular program, the first two ranks are done in class. All other ranks are done in front of a panel. Testings are held every three months. All black belts and red/black belts are required to be at every testing to judge and assist.

Here's a question. Would you try out a school or club that had no students? Where you would be a member of the first class, possibly the only student? I ask because I have been trying to start a club at a rec center since April, and only now have I finally gotten 2 students. When people call and ask about the program, they always ask how many students are currently in the class, and when they hear none, there is always a pause on the other end of the line. It seems no one wants to be the first one to try the program, and that they would all rather wait until it is more established.

Welcome to the forums!

We do concrete breaks at black belt tests. Everyone gets their wrists taped. I never asked why, I just assumed it was to add stability. And having it done, it DID add stability to my wrist.

Sticks and bo staff are started at green belt. Purple belt is a review belt and students are introduced to sai, chucks, and tonfa. At red and black belt students must have a "specialty weapon" this is either a weapon from the color belts in which they are highly skilled and have gone above the color belt curriculum in, or a weapon from outside the color belt curriculum. Red and black belts are encouraged but not required to find a mentor for their specialty weapon.

Congrats, Yay 9 years!

Yes, welcome!

After earning my 1st degree 6 years ago, 4th degree has been my next "big" goal. Somehow it just seems like the next major point along the line... Also I want to own my own school.

Welcome!

Welcome to the forums!

Congrats!

Very nice article!

Welcome!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Welcome