One of the significant factors that sets martial arts training apart from other types of group exercise, such as dance or yoga, is the rank system. Ranks, or belts, signify steps in our training. They provide a concrete goal to work toward and physical representation of our hard work. As a general rule, everyone wants to get better at whatever activity they are doing. However, when it takes years to fine tune a skill, such as learning a new language or mastering Taekwon-do, progress checks and plaudits along the way make the journey more rewarding.
When will you be ready? There are many factors we consider and every student is evaluated individually.
*Regular attendance is key. We expect a minimum of 30 classes at each rank, but cramming in a bunch of classes right before a test is not as beneficial to your progress as coming consistently.
*You must know your pattern, and that means more than memorization. What are the stances and techniques? What are they designed to do? Are you generating power with each movement? You must retain all your previous patterns as well.
*Has your technique improved since the last time you tested? We are comparing you to the previous you, not to the student next to you.
*Are you ready for the next level? Will you benefit from more practice on the current skills?
And finally, keep in mind that your goal should not be to get to the next rank quickly, but to be the best you can be at whatever level you are.
When will you be ready? There are many factors we consider and every student is evaluated individually.
*Regular attendance is key. We expect a minimum of 30 classes at each rank, but cramming in a bunch of classes right before a test is not as beneficial to your progress as coming consistently.
*You must know your pattern, and that means more than memorization. What are the stances and techniques? What are they designed to do? Are you generating power with each movement? You must retain all your previous patterns as well.
*Has your technique improved since the last time you tested? We are comparing you to the previous you, not to the student next to you.
*Are you ready for the next level? Will you benefit from more practice on the current skills?
And finally, keep in mind that your goal should not be to get to the next rank quickly, but to be the best you can be at whatever level you are.