jdinca
Master Black Belt
First of all, I tried a search to see if this topic has already been discussed and couldn't find one. If it exists, sorry!
It appears that testing procedures are as diverse as the systems represented here. So I'm curious, what process does your school use to test for advancement? What are the general requirements? Can a single instructor test and pass a student, or is it done by a board (some only have one)? Is the student presented with their next belt immediately, or is there a set time for the ceremony? There's no right or wrong way, and many ideas on how elaborate or simple the process can be. It would be interesting to know what others do.
We're a pretty large school with a lot of students and a lot of instructors. Our tests involve all material for the belt (of course), kicks, techniques and katas. I can test and pass a student by myself up to orange belt. At that point, we usually have at least two additional instructors watching the test, with the students private instructor running the test. At the blue belt level, the test will have several black belts present. Above that, there will be plenty of of black belts and the school's Master.
In addition, we have a monthly "Belt Board". The students test in a group by belt rank. Black belts and instructors are seated in the front of the room. It can be intimidating to the students but it can also provide a great deal of benefit. We try and test as much as possible on these occasions and there are very few tests above blue belt that aren't done at the belt board.
Testing once you have become an instructor is a different process. Testing for your black belt is a whole 'nuther ball game.
Belts are presented immediately after a successful test. Black Belt ceremonies are a special event, as they happen very infrequently, with everyone from the school and their families invited.
It appears that testing procedures are as diverse as the systems represented here. So I'm curious, what process does your school use to test for advancement? What are the general requirements? Can a single instructor test and pass a student, or is it done by a board (some only have one)? Is the student presented with their next belt immediately, or is there a set time for the ceremony? There's no right or wrong way, and many ideas on how elaborate or simple the process can be. It would be interesting to know what others do.
We're a pretty large school with a lot of students and a lot of instructors. Our tests involve all material for the belt (of course), kicks, techniques and katas. I can test and pass a student by myself up to orange belt. At that point, we usually have at least two additional instructors watching the test, with the students private instructor running the test. At the blue belt level, the test will have several black belts present. Above that, there will be plenty of of black belts and the school's Master.
In addition, we have a monthly "Belt Board". The students test in a group by belt rank. Black belts and instructors are seated in the front of the room. It can be intimidating to the students but it can also provide a great deal of benefit. We try and test as much as possible on these occasions and there are very few tests above blue belt that aren't done at the belt board.
Testing once you have become an instructor is a different process. Testing for your black belt is a whole 'nuther ball game.
Belts are presented immediately after a successful test. Black Belt ceremonies are a special event, as they happen very infrequently, with everyone from the school and their families invited.