Traditional Testing
At this level students learn basic offense and defensive Karate techniques, Katas and sparring. Testing ensures that the student knows and executes these skills to attain ever higher belt levels.
Advancement
Advancement in the Traditional Martial Arts program is achieved by a demonstration of skill in basic Karate techniques, Kata and sparring.
Tests are scheduled every three months. The actual test date and time are announced in class. Test forms are available at least one week before the test. Those desiring to test are to fill out a form and return it to the Head Instructor (sensei) along with the test fee before the test date. Tests cost $35 and up depending on the belt level; confer with Sensei Valvona for the specific cost for each situation. Cash or checks (payable to Tony Valvona) are acceptable, no credit cards.
On the day of the test no class will be held. Students should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled test start time to warm-up and receive a test number. Generally 3 - 5 students of similar belt level will test simultaneously beginning with the lowest belt level. After a student has completed the test he/she can leave or remain to observe the higher level belt tests.
Test results will be discussed with the students individually the following week or as soon as possible. Students that passed to the next belt level will receive a certificate and a new belt (new kyu belts are included in the test fee).
Karate Belt Ranking and Requirement
White Belt
- Beginner rank, no requirements
Yellow Belt (Kyu: 8c, 8b, 8a)
Orange + Letter B and A (Kyu: 7c, 7b, 7a)
Green + Letter B and A (Kyu: 6c, 6b, 6a)
Blue + Letter B and A (Kyu: 5c, 5b, 5a)
Purple + Letter B and A (Kyu: 4c, 4b, 4a)
Brown belt (Kyu: 3c, 3b, 3a)
Brown with one black stripe (2 Kyu)
- Six months of training at 3a kyu. (skip one test)
Brown with two black stripes (1 Kyu)
- Six months of training at 2 kyu. (skip one test)
Black (1 Dan)
- Six months of training at 1 kyu. (skip one test)