Belt System & Testing
 
The symbolism of a “black” belt is that through hard work, sweat, and determination during practice, a once “white” belt will get darker and darker until it is black. The darker the belt, the more practiced the individual. Following the Asian custom of earning a Black Belt, all students begin at the white belt level. The color of the belt changes with each level of completion, until the child reaches the a Black Belt.
 
How to Earn a Test
 
Every student is always working towards a goal. In order to test for their next belt a student must have two things:
 
1. Parental/Guardian permission (requiring proper conduct outside of class)

2. Instructors consent (good effort during class and all of the movements needed for the next belt).
 
The Test
 
Parents and family members are encouraged to attend all tests. The test serves both as an opportunity for the child to demonstrate what they have learned, as well as an opportunity for the parents and the instructor to discuss the child’s progress. Each test is divided into two parts:
 
Part I - Parent[s] or Guardian does scoring
The Parent[s] or Guardian will score this mental part of the test. This part of the test reflects on the students behavior outside of the classroom (at school, home, etc.).

Students will receive a score from 1 to 5 (1 is low, 5 is high) in five categories. Every parent or guardian has 100% freedom in the mental scoring of their child. Below lists the 5 categories with a sample definition of each category.

Respect - Self respect and common courtesy towards others.

Effort and Determination - How hard the student tries; ability not to quit or give up.

Confidence - Belief in their ability, self esteem.

Patience - Patience.

Understanding - How well they do in school and how well they understand things you tell them or try to teach them.
 
Part II - The Instructor does scoring
Each student will be responsible to demonstrate their understanding of the movements required for their next belt level.
 
Commitment to Results (Child, Parents, Instructor)
Team Effort

While physical training can have a positive change in the strength and confidence that a child possesses, well-guided practice can work to improve a student’s patience, respect and attitude towards others, as well as their grades in school. By developing a system of open communication between parents, students and instructors we can better enable students to achieve their goals.

Team Responsibilities

I have an agreement with each of the students, that if they handle their responsibilities at home, school and inside the practice room that I will do my best to help them achieve whatever goals they may set. The role of the parent or guardian is crucial, as they must set the standards for the student’s behavior at home and work with their children to identify areas where improvement is needed.

During class, instructors will work with students on both their physical goals and the areas that the parents or guardian have identified. If students do not handle their responsibilities properly, they will NOT be given the opportunity to move up in rank (belt testing) and therefore, will NOT be taught new movements.

Inside the Classroom

Students who wish to train in the Kung Fu Program are asked to the following while in the school:

- at all times be respectful and courteous to those around them
- pay attention and listen
- try as hard as they can

Outside the Classroom

At the end of each test parents and students will choose areas of personal development for the student to work on. Parents have the freedom to set any criteria they wish for their children. I will, however, suggest that it may be beneficial to include schoolwork (effort and/or grades) in this area.
 
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