As I explained in Part 1 of this multi-part column, our Black Belt tests are very large rank-requirement classes filled with students from Green through Black Belt. There is much hard work, fun and sweat during our Black Belt tests. The tests take an entire evening, but they are not rigid, discipline-driven events; and they are open to spectators.
There’s an old saying: “A rising tide raises all boats.” Simply stated, people tend to perform better as a group when there are high expectations and an example to follow. During these tests, Black Belt students are the standard of performance to which the other students aspire. When the Black Belts are exhibiting complete effort at a rank test, everyone does better. It is precisely because of this phenomenon that we do our upper belt tests in this fashion.
When all our Black Belts are present, regardless of whether they will be testing, it motivates all other students to perform at a high level.
If all the Black Belts sweat with the candidates, giving their best, then the Black Belts show that they care about their classmates and that progress is important to everyone in the dojo. In a sense, our Black Belt students consider it their personal responsibility to mentor and support those who will be testing. Our dojo thrives on synergy. It grows when we support each other and look beyond immediate self-gratification to the greater needs of others.
Finally, it’s a good idea occasionally to jump into the pressure cooker. During Black Belt tests, our students have the opportunity to show how sharp they can be under pressure. It’s a time for “sharpening the saw” or “honing the edge.”
In our Judo and Jujitsu programs, Green Belt is immediately before Brown, of which there are three levels before Black Belt. In our Taekwondo program, Green is the beginning of the intermediate ranks, followed by Blue, Purple, Brown and Red, before reaching Black.
This is the timeline we use to coordinate and promote this rank test as a major event among the students.
Four months in advance: Advertise testing date (late March or early April for the spring and late October or November for the fall). Send letters to Black Belts and Black Belt candidates. Note: We operate in a university town, so we are constrained by the university calendar.
Three months in advance: Prioritize lesson plans, according to the needs of the testing group.
Six weeks in advance: Encourage the development of after-class and weekend groups. Start reminding students during class.
Two weeks in advance: The program manager talks with all Black Belt candidates, individually.
Day before test: Meet with the program manager and grading board to make sure that everyone knows his or her job.
Night of test: Since we teach with a rotating curriculum, everyone performs the entire syllabus. All Taekwondo students perform all the basic techniques, but only perform to their required rank form. All Judo and Jujitsu students perform all throwing and grappling requirements, exceptions being made for age limitations. Only the Black Belts will demonstrate forms. Award ranks and distribute belts and certificates. Take group photographs. Go to a restaurant for a meal.
Following day: Send a press release to the local newspaper and highlight special achievements. Send congratulation cards to the new Black Belts.
Next instructor’s meeting: Review the test, highlight what needs improvement and develop lesson plans to fill the gaps. Discuss specific student cases, as necessary.
Dr. Chris Dewey is a university professor and martial artist. He holds Black Belt ranks in Judo, Jujitsu, Taekwondo and Hapkido, and has been training for more than 30 years. He is the owner of the Starkville Martial Arts Academy and is Chair of the United States Judo Association Coaching Education Committee.
