Why We Test and Why We Test the Way We Do - Chief Instructor's Blog May 2012

Every martial arts club and school approaches testing differently. Some places formally test and others do not. For those clubs or schools that do not formally test, one night the Chief Instructor will just walk in and hand someone a new belt or rank and that is it. Other places test every couple months. These places usually charge for testing so the more often a person tests, the more money the school collects. I have heard as much as $5000 to test for a Black Belt.

Our Club formally tests approximately every six months and this has been the standard from the beginning. Since we formally test all in one night, it is not practical for the Chief Instructor to test each person individually, although the Chief Instructor has the final say in every rank So, we utilize judges who are all active Black Belt club members who are in good standing to be judges.

The judges are expected to be in good standing so that they have been to the classes enough to be aware of who the students are and have observed them during class to have a better appreciation of what their skill level is beyond just what is demonstrated the night of the test.

By formally testing, we are able to give students both specific feedback on each basic techniques and the demonstrated forms but also general feedback (such as stances, focus, grounding, etc) on what they are doing well and areas to improve upon. The feedback the student receives on their test form is very important. It provides a roadmap on areas to concentrate on to improve in the art form. Many students find test night to be stressful. In this case, test night is also a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to be focused and power up in a stressful situation. If you had to use your skill on the streets, you will want to be able to demonstrate and perform under stress.

At a cumulative whole, it also gives the Chief Instructor, Board Members in attendance, and Certified Instructors an opportunity to look at the Club holistically to see how well the art form and legacy of the art form is being maintained.

In addition, in my opinion by formally testing all one night, it provides camaraderie among the students as they prepare for the test and test day itself. This helps in the creation of the family and community that Mr. Kim and the founders wanted for the Club. Also, by holding the formal awards night and going out to dinner as a group, this reinforces that sense of family and gives an opportunity to talk about the history and the various experiences of the more senior club members.

Test night is a great opportunity to test under pressure, get specific feedback, and bond with other members of the club. Take full advantage of the upcoming test night.

Regards,
Kelly

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do