Promotions

Modified June 1, 2005


Please read the following important information.

For the rank of 10^th kyu to 9^th kyu, (white belt to white belt black stripe), a student will be promoted to this rank after completing the 16 Introductory classes. For the rank of 9^th kyu up to and including 3^rd kyu there will be scheduled formal testings as explained below. For the rank of 2^nd kyu to 2^nd dan (brown belt through 2^nd degree black belt), the process and dates will vary slightly.

The Instructor will do an unscheduled testing of the student previous to a testing date (For ranks of 2^nd kyu through 2^nd dan a student will undergo an unscheduled, Formal Testing.). This testing will include all the items that are required with the exception of Tameshiwari (breaking), Kata (forms), and Kumite ( free-sparring). There will be NO FEE for the Informal/Qualifying Testing. If a student passes the Informal/Qualifying testing, he she will then be tested at the next closest Formal Testing. A student will not be notified as to whether he/she passed an Informal/Qualifying testing, but will only know the day of the Formal testing.

For lower ranks, the Formal testings will be held more often, while for higher ranks they will be held less often. When the day of the Formal Testing arises a student will know if he/she is being tested simply by the instructor or the instructor's representative notifying him/her. If a student undergoes Formal Testing (whether he passes or fails the testing), he/she will be expected to include the testing fee with the next dues payments. If unable to do so, he/she should notify the instructor to make arrangements.

Another change in the requirements fulfillment obligations updated from the latest Qualifications for Grade Promotions booklet be that, with the exception of 9^th kyu, there will be no minimum number of classes for a student to reach a next rank. So if a student tests for one rank on a Formal Testing date and the instructor deems that the student is ready to be tested for his/her next rank on the next Formal Testing date the instructor may at his/her discretion test that student.

Because of the frequency of Formal Testing dates, after each student completes his her current rank requirements he/she will no longer have stripes on his/her obi. This is being phased out because of the potential for a rapidly accelerating student to have 3 stripes placed on his/her obi three times in a two month period.

Please check the website for the next upcoming Formal Testing dates

Please remember that any full instructor (2^nd kyu and above) may continue to promote any student at any time as he/she sees fit, but that the Formal Testing as listed above will be the normal situation for most every student.

*Please also remember that if you are not able to pay the testing fee at the time the fee is due to let the head instructor know so that you and he can make arrangements. Not paying the testing fee should never interfere with the student's progress. Keep this in mind.

If a student is under age 16 when he/she achieves the rank of Shodan, he/she will be awarded a Jr. Blackbelt, but will still be addressed as Sensei. This student will continue to train as normal with the class until the age of 16, at which time he/she will undergo another, modified testing to achieve the full rank of Shodan, with all rights, responsibilities, and privileges.

Students achieving the rank of Shodan and aged 16 will have several options at the dojo.

Training	Teaching	Monthly Dues
Unlimited	No teaching	Normal Fee
Unlimited	Teach 1 scheduled class per month	90% of monthly dues
Unlimited	Teach 2 scheduled classes per month	70% of monthly dues
Unlimited	Teach more than 2 scheduled classes/mo.	40% of monthly dues

The teaching referred to above will be for teaching a scheduled class. The Branch Chief Instructor will schedule teaching assignments with you if you would like to teach classes. The Branch Chief may be present during some or all of the classes you teach.