Gradings are held three times a year, usually on the 1st Sunday of March, July and November. Dates can be subject to change however and students should consult the club Diary for full details. With enough class attendance and practice students should be able to grade every three months up to 4th Gup (green belt). After that, the times between each grading usually increase as things get harder. The belt system is in place so students can set targets and measure their progress, but maximisation of potential is more important than acquiring the next belt.
Grading rules
1. Correct uniform must be worn and it must be clean and ironed, including belt and club badge. Shoes are not permitted unless there is a medical condition that dictates it. Club t-shirts can be worn underneath.
2. Any outstanding membership fees must be paid.
3. Students must have been seen and given permission to grade by an instructor (those seeking promotion to 4th Gup (green belt) and above by a Chief Instructor), as evidenced by the appropriate signature on the grading form.
4. The grading fee and a completed form must be handed in to an instructor two weeks before the grading date (unless a concession to this deadline has been specifically agreed by a Chief Instructor).
5. Students should train as often as they can in the months leading up to the grading (see the recommended minimum classes per week under the Membership and Training Record section).
6. Students must have read and understood the criteria for grading and the marking guide (see the Grading Marking Guide section).
7. Students and spectators should take care not to disturb the concentration of those grading.
8. Loss of temper, swearing or any disrespect to any student or official may result in an immediate fail.
Grading Marking Guide
This guide is designed to help give students a clear understanding of the marking system that the grading panel use.
The grading consists of five sections:
1) Forms
2) Basics
3) One Step Sparring
4) Attitude (those grading for up to 6th Gup orange belt) or
Free Sparring (those grading for 5th Gup orange belt / green tag and above)
5) Breaking
A total of 50 points are available. Each section is marked out of 10, although bonus points are available, as explained later.
50% of the marks are awarded provisionally by the student’s instructor and / or Chief Instructor prior to the grading, based on performance in class in the months leading up to it. Because of this and to ensure thorough preparation for the grading, regular attendance and maximum effort is essential during this time.
The physical and mental capabilities of the students are taken into account when awarding marks, including any disabilities and age considerations.
The points interpret as follows:
0 - 5 Poor
5.5 - 6 Below Average
6.5 - 7 Average
7.5 Good
8 - 8.5 Very good
9 - 10 Excellent
The marks themselves are not usually made public. Feedback on performance may however be given by the Chief Instructors and can be sought from them.
Pass marks are as follows:
To obtain up to 8th Gup
(yellow belt):
1 to 24.5 – Fail
25 to 39.5 – Pass
40 to 44.5 - Pass with merit
45 and above - Pass with distinction
To obtain up to 5th Gup
(orange belt /green tag):
1 to 29.5 – Fail
30 to 39.5 – Pass
40 to 44.5 - Pass with merit
45 and above - Pass with distinction
Those grading for 4th Gup
(green belt) and above:
1 to 34.5 – Fail
35 to 39.5 – Pass
40 to 44.5 - Pass with merit
45 and above - Pass with distinction
We only accept a superior standard from 4th Gup (green belt), hence the pass mark increases significantly and the students must obtain points which interpret to high average / good.
Students who fail are able to re-grade when they are ready to at no extra cost. They will also be invited to attend a feedback session with the grading panel.
Attitude points
Students who attend one class per week and are well behaved and courteous in class will score 7 out of 10 in the Attitude section (where applicable). Those attending two classes per week and are well behaved etc. will score 8 points, three classes and above 9 points. Helping other students in class, attending club events and supporting the club may also result in extra points.
Time between gradings
As a rule if a student trains at more than one class a week they should grade every 3 months up to 4th Gup (green belt). If a student is putting the classes in and working hard, supporting the club events and classes they can be fast tracked, but only providing the club standard is obtained. Students who put in the time and effort will be rewarded. The biggest mistake students make is upping their game to grade and then relaxing and taking it easy afterwards. The momentum must be kept going.
Double promotions
A double promotion is given when a student scores 45 points or above (distinction). Double promotions can only be achieved up to orange belt green stripe (5th Gup). After that, students can only be promoted one Gup at a time, although their achievement will be recognised with a pass, merit or distinction on their certificate.
Red belt black stripe 1st Gup
Three months prior to grading for black belt 1st Dan, students will be invited for an interview with the Chief instructors (juniors with their parents), to discuss the grading, health and safety and the way forward if they achieve their promotion.
Master class
All students should make a point of attending the Monday Master class as often as possible.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR GRADES
In addition to seeking to perfect the techniques required of them within their respective syllabuses, all grades should seek to assist their fellow students to improve their own techniques and assist the instructors in any way they can. As well as helping other students / instructors, this also benefits the student as teaching helps to enhance individual awareness. Such assistance is vital in a club environment, where the individual can only thrive if there is adequate support from those above. As students gain seniority therefore, the responsibility increases to support the ever greater number of students below them. For senior belts, such help is so important that it is formalised and to be eligible to grade the following is required:
Blue belts: Students must endeavour to attend all gradings and club events, train at least one class a week with a Chief Instructor, arrive early at class to help set up and help others.
Red belts: As above plus to gain black tag status students must have instructed in class for a minimum of six months. Students must also demonstrate a clear understanding of all the syllabuses and club rules and pass an interview with the Chief Instructors. From gaining black tag status students must additionally train for a minimum of six months unbroken at a minimum of three classes a week. Fewer classes may result in a longer qualifying time period before a student becomes eligible to grade for black belt.
(N.B. For newly promoted 1st Dans, the first six months following promotion are classed as probationary. If a student stops training prior to this, their grade may be suspended or even annulled.)
Black belts: Qualifying criteria are as follows before students are eligible to grade / be awarded the next Dan grade:
1st to 2nd Dan: 2 years unbroken training and having a supporting role in producing a black belt student.
2nd to 3rd Dan: 3 years unbroken training and having a leading role in the production of 2 black belts.
3rd to 4th Dan: 4 years unbroken training. Awarded for showing complete commitment to the club, making a positive difference to the club’s overall progression and having a leading role in the production of 4 black belts.
4th to 5th Dan (Master): At least 5 years unbroken training. Master status is awarded only after years of exemplarily commitment to the club and the production of a number of black belts and 2nd Dan grades.