Respecting the past, Creating the future!
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General Testing Guidelines for Dan Rank Exams
The exam may be completed in person or by videotape.
1)Submit a videotape clearly marked with your name, agent identification number, and the rank for which you are testing.
2)Part one of the test is the introduction. State you name and current rank and tell us why you are testing. Next, perform two advanced kata/hyung/forms. Forms from any system may be used. You must convince the viewer that you are fighting for your life. Be intense!
3)In part two of your exam, perform 15 skills (reversed punch, back fist, jab, hook, round kick, spin kick, etc.) while striking a focus pad. The pad must be no more that two feet wide and two feet tall. All strikes must be at your chest level or higher. Strike as hard as you can, each time with complete focus and power. Do your best skills. This is the most important part of the 2nd/3rd dan exam. The skills include: jab, cross; hook, cross; uppercut, hook; jab, cross, hook; backfist, spin backfist; any combination of 1-5, plus a front kick; and combination of 1-5 plus a round or side kick; right front kick, left front kick; right round kick, left round kick; front kick, round kick, side kick; any three kicks in your system (including spin kicks); any three kicks in your system including one or more jump kicks; any four kicks; and three kicks, plus three punches.
Note: Like a demonstration of breaking, focus pad strikes are graded on focus, accuracy, power, and smooth transition from one strike/kick to another. To borrow a line from Carlos Santana, “Make it real, or just forget about it.”
4)In part three, demonstrate sparring in three one-minute rounds of high-intensity, high-energy sparring. Go all out for one minute! Be sure to emphasize your defense, foot work offense, strategy, and intensity. You must spar at least two black-belt adults, preferably from outside your school.
5)In part four, demonstrate the fourteen self-defense applications of your art. Once again, as you perform self defense, be intense, be practical, and emphasize safety. Let’s see you put your art to work. Your demonstration must appear to be spontaneous – not “one, two, three – kiai!” The 14 defenses include: front facing – one-hand grab to wrist; one-hand grab to lapel; two-hand grab to wrist; two-hand front choke; bear hug, arms free; and bear hug, arms not free; rear facing – one-hand grab to neck; one-hand grab to shoulder; air choke/blood choke; bear hug, arms free; bear hug, arms not free; Full Nelson; head lock; and defense from a mount on the ground.
6)Conclude your tape with an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses. Only submit a tape when you’re sure that you have earned a new rank. Be positive. Do not simply submit a tape to see what happens. Please do not add anything else to the exam other than parts 1-4 covered on this form.
7)We will keep your tape, but there is no charge for the exam or for the certificate once you are promoted. Within two weeks after submitting the tape, call us for an evaluation.
Judging Criteria:
1)Concentration You must focus on your skills. Be positive and practical;
2)Balance Demonstrate your ability to use both your right and left sides. Flexibility, timing, rhythm, strength, and speed should be equally displayed;
3)Knowledge You must display knowledge of your art in kata and sparring. Demonstrate proper etiquette and courtesy. Learn the black belt-level skills or your art and apply them in your performance;
4)Function In demonstrating basic skills (focus pad) and self-defense, be practical. Use what works. Don’t use any skill which you have not mastered. If you fall or get out of position, erase that part and try again. We want to grade the finished product, not the first effort;
5)Mobility/Intensity Move! Demonstrate foot work and the ability to move around your opponent in sparring. Above all, be intense. Train until you can perform one-minute rounds of continuous, high-energy sparring. Get in shape;
6)Preparation Demonstrate that you have taken your test seriously and be prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually to perform at your highest level;
7)Defensive control When you strike, snap your punches and kicks. Always regain a defensive posture.
Other comments:
Black belt instructors are eligible to advance according to the following years in grade: first to second dan, two years; second to third dan, three years; third to fourth dan, four years; and fourth to fifth dan, five years. All other dan ranks require five years in grade between promotions. At fourth dan or higher much emphasis is placed on teaching and participating in the AIKIA program.
Candidates for fourth dan or higher are required to complete an “in-person” exam (at a summer camp, a seminar, etc.). Fourth- and fifth-degree black belts must perform the same test (minus sparring) and demonstrate achievement at regional and state levels. Fourth and fifth dans must be successful teachers with skilled students.
Ranks of sixth dan or higher require superior teaching and superior knowledge of skills. Feel free to contact us to discuss any areas concerning rank and how to achieve it at (540)381-2025. There is no charge for dan rank exams for active instructors. If you are not a participating instructor you may request an exam for a fee of $100 per dan level.
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