Exam Day Excitement
In approaching the subject of belt exams, do not try to reinvent the wheel. We are all raised through a school system in which we are dictated by tests and exams. Students must do whatever it takes to get ready, for example, by cramming, making up missed classes, seeing a tutor, or receiving special help.
The Martial Arts school is not a club or a studio, but a school and should be run like one.
There was once a day when a Martial Arts instructor would stand before his entire student body with great pride and announce that only one in a hundred students would make it to Black Belt in back, we call this a "Yellow Belt school" or a "Green Belt school" because most students drop out at this point.
The EFC approach incorporates the philosophy that this is a Black Belt school and that all students can achieve Black Belt excellence! It is our job as Martial Arts educators to provide superb student service and ensure student progress, thus motivating and leading all our students to do their best. This concept of a Black Belt school is the backbone of the EFC Management system.
The focus of this Eagle Express is to break down the pre-test and exam day procedure to make for an exciting exam day atmosphere in your school.
Why are exams important? Exams, "Tip/Stripe Testing" are an essential part of Martial Arts. Testing enables the student to experience the excitement of achieving their goals in a positive environment. Exams are an opportunity for instructors to monitor student progress and aid in student development. There is only one course in the school that is Black Belt, the colored belts are progress checks leading to Black Belt.
The Martial Arts Curriculum may be structured or the "A" Day or "B" Day concept: "A" Days - for form practice and line drills, and "B" Days - focus on self-defense and sparring. The curriculum may be divided into three monthly segments. Students may enter the cycle in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd period.
There are generally three tip/stripe tests between each colored belt. After the student successfully passes all pre-test requirements (forms, sparring, combinations, self-defense, and philosophy) they have to earn three stripes, which qualifies them for the graduation ceremony. During the final tip test, students turn in their qualification code.
The examines candidates are posted on bulletin boards two to three months in advance, and they are announced in newsletters and in class. The announcements should list all candidates per color belt, and inform the student of how many more lessons are needed to qualify for testing.
The exam ceremony should run from 45 minutes to an hour (i.e. 7:15 p.m. Thursday or Friday). All students are encouraged to attend, and examines are required to bring two guests as witnesses. Chairs are set up for sponsors and parents; typically an EFC school has approximately 100-200 spectators in attendance for every exam.
The Graduation ceremony showcases your school to the community while it motivates students to continue to reach their goals as well inspiring them to envision themselves becoming Black Belts. The excitement and student progress thrills the audience and becomes a speaking point in the community.
The student opens the ceremony by saluting the flag, and reciting the student creed. The Master Instructor welcomes the audience. The exam begins, the school's beginners demonstrate forms, self-defense, and combinations to music.
* Speeches and testimonials are given by pre-selected students. The demonstrations and testimonials can be repeated by intermediate and advanced students also.
(Note: You may want to require an essay, written test and/ or a philosophy Q&A. The higher the belt, the more stringent the requirements).
Academic achievers are announced. * The final graduation ceremony begins, and the instructor announces each student to receive a certificate.
* The instructor or SWAT instructor gives them their belt with a handshake and hug.
(Note; Awarding the belt individually with a hand shake and having the belt tied on in ceremonial fashion together should be accompanied with applause).
* Then the responsibilities of belt advancement are discussed.
