Testing

Eligibility

SFMA's belt system and rank requirements are designed to develop a student’s sense of accomplishment and progress through the ability to test up to three times a year. Time in rank, along with the ability to demonstrate the rank requirements (that includes the new requirements as well as all previous requirements) and showing constant effort during each class is necessary to be promoted to the next belt rank. Students will be reminded continually that a new belt is not necessarily a reward for what is known but a challenge to fulfill the new requirements and responsibilities of the new rank just received. The received belt has yet to be grown into and earned.

Years of experience in working with many students demonstrates that the rate that a beginner student learns Karate is quite unimportant in the long run. Many students who were slow starters have later grown to be fine young adults and black belts. Students are reminded continually that Karate requires only two things from them; Showing Up and Working Hard. It is through small steps with much encouragement and a genuine sense of accomplishment that success and successful training experience will be achieved.

Dates

• Kyu Ranks: formal testing dates are always posted in the dojo. Students may be tested for Kyu Rank in any class without prior notice.
• Dan Ranks: tests are held annually and as qualified.

Time Frame (minimum training time between ranks)

• Attendance to 20 classes (approx. 3 months) is required before first test (8^th Kyu rank).
• Attendance to 30 classes (approx. 4 months) is required between each test from 8^th Kyu to 3^rd Kyu rank.
• Attendance to 60 classes (approx. 8 months) is required between each test from 3^rd Kyu to Shodan Ho rank (probationary black belt).
• 1 year of training (min. of 100 classes) is required between Shodan Ho rank and 1^st Dan rank.
• Training required between Dan ranks is 2 years or more.