Testing
Testing is usually possible every three months. If a student practices three times per week they should be ready to test for the next level at testing time, but always check with your sensei to see if you are ready. Students should train “on their own” as well. A few minutes every day goes a long way.
Normally every three months, February, May, August and November, testing and special training happens. Frank Woon-a-tai Sensei, an 8th level black belt, now living in Toronto, visits Winnipeg at least twice for these sessions and other instructors are invited to participate at for the other sessions.
Certificates are presented to passing students at the end of the next class they attend after testing. Belts are pre-ordered and can be purchased from Sensei Ron.
Grading regularly helps set achievable goals towards a higher objective – a black belt – but this again is just a step toward the regular training for the most noble cause – health and well-being.
Special classes are similar to regular classes, but other clubs from Manitoba may participate, and there could be as many as 100 students in a class. Most classes are broken up between white to purple belts and brown to black belts. All students are encouraged to attend the seminar but it is understood for the younger and newer students up to orange belt level that the benefit is not great and they can just attend testing if they wish. All brown and black belts must attend every seminar, even if they are not testing.
Achieving a new rank includes more than showing the proper techniques at testing – spirit, respect, commitment, and personal improvement are all considered.