Exam Fail...

[Kodakmint]

I've personally never seen anyone fail, but I've heard of it.

[Zaine]

I've seen people fail, but I have never failed.

[DoctorQui]

A grading is ultimately to see if you know what you are doing and are competent at the required stage.

Making a mistake in a grading (unless its persistent and shows lack of focus) should never result in a fail imo. If the examiner is happy that you are competent and know what you are doing, then that is all that is needed NOT perfection. Noone is expected to be an expert Karateka after all!

[FangPwnsAll7]

Our dojo is really strict. If you make even one mistake, you fail. But that usually doesn't happen, because my instructor doesn't allow you to test until they think you're ready.

[DoctorQui]

Our dojo is really strict. If you make even one mistake, you fail. But that usually doesn't happen, because my instructor doesn't allow you to test until they think you're ready.

I think it depends on what you mean by mistake. Are you talking about a blatant error or simply having your foot at a wrong angle or may be doing a wrong block or maybe a kiai in the wrong place.

Even the most experienced instructors make mistakes, ie slip into a move from another similar kata etc. My own Chief Instructor made a slight error this evening and corrected himself (he is 8th Dan and 45 years Karateka) so to fail someone for making even one mistake seems unrealistically harsh and would put undue and unwarranted pressure on the student imo.

Its not really about someone being ready, you can be absolutely ready and still make an error, noone is perfect and mind blanking happens to the best.

[FangPwnsAll7]

Our dojo is really strict. If you make even one mistake, you fail. But that usually doesn't happen, because my instructor doesn't allow you to test until they think you're ready.

I think it depends on what you mean by mistake. Are you talking about a blatant error or simply having your foot at a wrong angle or may be doing a wrong block or maybe a kiai in the wrong place.

Even the most experienced instructors make mistakes, ie slip into a move from another similar kata etc. My own Chief Instructor made a slight error this evening and corrected himself (he is 8th Dan and 45 years Karateka) so to fail someone for making even one mistake seems unrealistically harsh and would put undue and unwarranted pressure on the student imo.

Its not really about someone being ready, you can be absolutely ready and still make an error, noone is perfect and mind blanking happens to the best.

I mean like when you are doing a form, you do the wrong form or do something completely different. Like when you're supposed to turn right you turn left by mistake. If you do this, they most of the time fail you. Especially if it's a higher belt.

[bushido_man96]

If there isn't a possibility of a failure, then I don't think it could be called a test. I think its important that a test produces some pressure on the students, and makes them nervous. I still get nervous at my testings, I know that, and I know there is the possibility of failing.

[DoctorQui]

If there isn't a possibility of a failure, then I don't think it could be called a test. I think its important that a test produces some pressure on the students, and makes them nervous. I still get nervous at my testings, I know that, and I know there is the possibility of failing.

I don't look at it as a test. To me, gradings are the formality and end result of months (or years) of training and are a demonstration of your abilities. Basically, if you are grading then you shouldn't be failing. Nobody imo should be graded unless the examiner knows they are ready. Yes there is the possibility of failure but it must be a very rare occurence!

[yamesu]

As with the above posters - our Shihans dont really let anyone attempt the gradings unless they feel that the student is ready for it.

[DWx]

If there isn't a possibility of a failure, then I don't think it could be called a test. I think its important that a test produces some pressure on the students, and makes them nervous. I still get nervous at my testings, I know that, and I know there is the possibility of failing.

I think this is it. You can't call it a test if you can just show up and pass. You could be having a really bad day and perform badly and I think you should fail for that. Even if your sensei thinks you're ready, there's no guarantee you'll perform on the day.