Pre-Exam Checklist: Before the martial arts belt exam, parents must submit Intent to Promote forms to affirm their child's readiness for progression. Students should arrive in pristine condition, wearing clean, pressed uniforms with belts properly tied and school patches displayed. It's essential for students to also bring a gym bag equipped with personal items required for the exam, such as clothes, shoes, and water bottles, ensuring they're fully prepared for the physical activities.
Exam Requirements: The exam includes a variety of disciplines:
- Pad Power, Air Force, and Padded Weapons: Students will engage in exercises that involve hitting bags, mitts, and paddles, along with performing jump kicks. While padded weapons are part of the curriculum, they may be excluded from the test as the bag work and jump kicks sufficiently demonstrate the students' skills.
Teamwork and Execution: The essence of this exam is teamwork. Students must be adept at holding pads correctly and executing line drills dynamically and efficiently. They should be able to perform the required jump kicks as a class, demonstrating cohesion and discipline, often without direct guidance from the instructors.
Public Speaking Component: A unique aspect of our exam involves public speaking, where one or more students are selected to present a piece of the curriculum, such as the student creed, highlighting their understanding and confidence in applying martial arts principles verbally.
Approximate Test Timeline:
- 2 minutes: Students line up and bow in to begin the exam.
- 10 minutes: Teams work on striking the bags, mitts, and paddles.
- 7 minutes: Execution of jump kicks.
- 5 minutes: Public speaking presentations.
- 2 minutes: Final wrap-up.
Total Duration: 26 minutes
This structured approach not only tests physical prowess but also reinforces the values of martial arts, including respect, teamwork, and leadership, crucial for students' development both in and out of the dojo.
