what is on your test for black belt. include one steps ,etc.

[AngelaG]

At my club there is a set syllabus, but the likelihood that it will be stuck to is very slim. Basically black belts need to be prepared for anything, need to be adaptable, need to be thinking for themselves. Black belt is about reaching a certain level of maturity within the martial arts. Going for black belt you may have anything thrown at you and you are expected to cope, with the spirit of "Never give up" behind you.

No two black belt gradings are the same, and the only thing that is clear is that you WILL be tested

[Fairfax_Uechi]

For Shodan, most Uechi dojos require Sanchin and Seisan kata, Sanchin testing, Seisan Bunkai, Kotkite, Hojo Undo exercises, Dan Kumite, and questions about Uechi including history. A test board of higher ranked black belts will evaluate the canidates and all judges must pass the canidate for a student to earn his/her Shodan. The tests are similar for higher ranks with Seisan being replaced for the appropriate kata for the higher rank. Uechi students learn the first four kata as colored belts and the remaining four kata as black belts.

[Sensei Rick]

that's great, anyone else?

[jaymac]

Our Dan testings are also confidential and each one I have attended was done differently by the head instructor. We do not share any information of the exam to any student. However, each person testing is responsible for knowing everything in their syllabus from white to their current rank, including word for word definitions and japanese terminology, all kata and performing every kata well. They are required to defend against several punches and kicks and grabs. A physical test is also given (mainly to exhaust them) i.e. push ups, sit ups, bag work out, running, etc... and kumite. Hope this is helpful without giving out too much info on our testing.

[Rick_72]

Our Shodan test is brutal. It starts off with 30 continuous minutes of free sparring. No points, just continuous kumite. A fresh opponent is rotated in every 2-4 minutes. The testee never stops. This is done first to make sure the testee is good and worn out prior to demonstration of their kata and technique's, this ensures they really know the kata's because their usually too tired to really think about them. Followed by perfect (meaning no mistakes in technique, also must understand the bunkai) execution of all 13 empty hand kata's from Fugu Gata Ichi to Pinon Yondan. Since we practice Kobudo in conjunction with our empty hand, the test then proceeds on to 5 Bo kata's, 4 Sai kata's, and one Kama kata. Then all blocks must be demonstrated, followed by self defence techniques and Tuite.

The entire test takes between 2-3 hours, depending on how many mistakes are made in the kata's. When mistakes are made, a set or two of push ups, crunches, or squat's gives the student time to think about the mistake made in the kata. Then the kata is performed again, usually right after the thought session haha.

I've only seen two Shodan test's so far. As I understand it, you can fail it (which would stink haha), but Sensei doesn't usually recommend anyone to take it that isn't ready for it.

A question for a couple that stated their testing is confidential. I guess I don't understand the need for confidentiality on the composition of your testing. If I were to want to train at your school, couldn't I walk in and ask about your training syllabus? If not, how would I know that your school was right for me? BTW, test's beyond Shodan I can understand confidentiality, but Shodan is that first step that anyone walking into the dojo is aiming for, they should know after years of training what they're in for at their test, at least I think.

[daizyblackbelt]

our shodan test has gone through some changes to be much more difficult since i took it myself. (my nidan and upcoming sandan have/are making up for it....)

currently it includes:

10 one step basics

20 two step basics

some indeterminate number of kicks (spinning side-kicks).

10 self-defense techniques

10 katas (kyoku katas 1-5, 5 others)

~30 bunkai for those kata

5 bunkai sets for the 5 kyoku katas (1 each)

and then at the end they are told to do some sort of workout (eg crunches) while the grading sheets are collected

beyond shodan the test become more free-form depending on the individual.