Black Belt Testing Traditions

[Zanshin]

Our Dan gradings are always very open,

For all of the reasons mentioned above, but also because spectators are effectively "witnesses" to the standards of the candidates that are passed or failed.

This works well, not only to provide future candidates with an idea of the standards that are expected of them, but also to ensure that standard of the test itself will hold up to external scrutiny (ie national and international level comparison).

[Shotokan-kez]

We are allowed friends and family for support, i was watched by loads of people on my black belt grading and the sound of them clapping and cheering when i got a pass was fantastic. We are allowed camera's and videos but no flashe's/

I'm not sure why, maybe one of u guys could answer this. If a student is taking a 3rd dan or above no-one is allowed in the room?

[A_Train]

Our third dan testings were open to everyone to attend, and it is encouraged, not only to support those testing, but to see what could potentially be in your own martial arts future. It is especially a treat to see something like a third dan testing, as they are not a frequent event.

[bushido_man96]

...It is especially a treat to see something like a third dan testing, as they are not a frequent event.

Agreed. And anything above is even better...

[Montana]

I'm not sure why, maybe one of u guys could answer this. If a student is taking a 3rd dan or above no-one is allowed in the room?

Of course this varies from dojo to dojo, but probably because at that level most non-martial artists can't stand the sight of that much blood all at once.

[SBN Doug]

...It is especially a treat to see something like a third dan testing, as they are not a frequent event.

Agreed. And anything above is even better...

I'll be starting that in about another year.

[gamedweeb]

Of course this varies from dojo to dojo, but probably because at that level most non-martial artists can't stand the sight of that much blood all at once.

Hahaha, at my instructors 3rd Degree Test he had to explain he favorite technique in detail to the panel. When got a to a point he said something along the lines of "and here you break the elbow." Master Lawrence came up to him after the test and told him "We don't say 'break or snap' it's 'hyper-extend!'"

[bushido_man96]

I'm not sure why, maybe one of u guys could answer this. If a student is taking a 3rd dan or above no-one is allowed in the room?

Of course this varies from dojo to dojo, but probably because at that level most non-martial artists can't stand the sight of that much blood all at once.

[IcemanSK]

In the organization I belong to, BB tests are usually open. The exception is for senor instructors (school owners) & masters. Those are closed to the public. The reasoning is the expectation on them is higher than it is for students. If a senior instructor struggles under the stress (& there is more stress for senior instructor tests) they do so in the company of other senior instructors.

I wasn't sure it was a good idea until I went through it myself. It was appropriatly challenging (without being overly harsh) & a worthwile experience.

[Shotokan-kez]

Hah funny you should say that...it was the fighting part we wasn't allowed to watch

Their Kata's were awesome. One guy grading for his third dan was lucky cos sensei allowed him 3 chances because he kept kia'ing in the wrong place, bless him he was shattered after that.