Recent Black Belt Test Thoughts

[Peter Salas]

I am extremely proud of everyone who tested on Saturday, August 25th, 2007. Personally, this is one of the best tests I have seen in awhile! The black belt test is not an easy test, and it is not meant to be. Simply finishing the test is an accomplishment by itself.

The goal of the test was to push each individual student both physically and mentally; each exercise and drill had a purpose. In the end, the ultimate question we are trying to determine for each individual is "do they embody all aspects of what we feel a black belt should have". Yes, part of answering this question is subjective, and based on personal experience and the number of years of training. However, for the most part, there are hard requirements that each student must at least meet.

With that said, a black belt test is not the same as an SAT. Yes, it is a proficiency examination, but the grades themselves should hold little value. If the grades are "PASSING", it merely shows how much you may need to work on that skill. Receiving a perfect grade should be particularly hard to receive; therefore, for those who may have received a "perfect score", be proud of yourselves, but do not accept that you still cannot improve. Maybe you can run faster, maybe you can improve on power and speed, maybe you can learn how to be a better leader....the improvements are endless.


For those that receive a "FAILING" or more correctly a "NEED IMPROVEMENT" score, please disregard the score and see it as "I still need to work on this and I can do better". They are in no way a reflection of you as a martial artist, nor is it a reflection of how far you are from passing. Simply put, you may be just a little bit shy of passing, even though you may receive a 50%. Just by changing one little thing, which could be as simple as point your toes (i.e for a round house kick), to change your grade to a 90% or even a 100%. Remember that as a black belt, you should at least be proficient in everything; at the end of the test, there should be no questions whether or not one is ready. If there are, then one should persevere until they get it right.

There is no such thing as FAILING in martial arts...at least that's how I feel it should be...the only way one can fail is to simply give up and accept that one cannot improve. I myself can admit that I can improve as a martial artist. Hopefully, several years down the road, each student can look back and see how much better martial artists they are since they passed their Black Belt Test. Even though they may not progress in rank and become 2nd or 3rd dan and beyond, hopefully they can still see their improvements. That is what makes a great martial artists. The continued eagerness to learn and improve. To always be content but never accepting that the training is over.

The following is a list of the different aspects of the test and the minimum expectations. There are other factors too that go into the grading of a student. Some of them include (1) Spirit and Motivation, (2) Leadership, and (3) Perseverance.

- Endurance

• 5-mile run within 60 minutes (approximately 12 minutes/mile)

- Kicks: proficient with basic techniques
- Sparring: good maneuverability and proficient use of techniques. This includes understanding how to fight against different fighting styles, one-against-one, and multiple opponent defense.
- Forms: reflects good understanding of techniques and stances. Can show the spirit of a martial artist.
- Breaks: Concentration, Distancing, Speed, Power, Balance, Aim....all of these are important,

Again, I am always here to discuss with you in private how you did on the test. Feel free to message me anytime.

Sincerely,
Peter Salas