Annual Black Belt Grading

Well, it's that time of year again. Time for those worthy karateka to challenge the grading for their black and dan belts. For those select few who are moving forward to try for their shodan (1st degree), this is a unique time in their life - the only time to experience something that only a few people in this world ever get to experience. According to some statistics, only 1 out of a 1000 people who start karate ever get to this level.

What's New This Year?

Grading fee increase. The costs for hosting a black belt grading have been steadily increasing while the fee charged for the grading has not changed in decades. In order to cover the increased costs and to bring the fee in line with most schools, we are ramping up the cost of the black belt grading to $500 in 2009. This year the cost of the grading will be increased from $374.50 to $400 - a meager increase for this year's candidates.

For the most part, the standards we set in the past will stay. Those who are grading for the 4th and 5th degree already are aware of the new requirements and everyone has had time to train to these standards.

Length of time. The big change will be the amount of time that the grading will take. We will not be restricted to the time in between fitness classes so we have the luxury of possibly running the grading from 2 PM through to 6PM. Please inform your support team, family or friends who may be waiting of this potential possiblity.

How do I Prepare?

Registration: You can register on-line or you can download and print out the registration document and give it to your sensei before October 11th.

First of all, don't think of this as a one hour workout, but more of a marathon. You will be pushed to your own individual limits. Do not plan any strenuous physical events in the two days leading up to the day - get plenty of rest and practice your forms and kata slowly and carefully. We don't want an injury to interfere with your performance.

The one challenge everyone has in the grading is forgetting a kata or form. Be sure to practice all of the material on a daily basis. Remember that the grading only comes around once a year and next June is a long time to wait. Put the time to practice over and over again until you dream each kata and form. The old rule of thumb is that a karateka should practice each kata 100 times before they are ready of the grading. How many times have you practiced 27 movements? Honestly.

The night of the grading, of course, get a good night's sleep of no more than 8 hours. Have a good breakfast and then have a snack before the beginning of the event.

On the day of the event, focus on stretching and relaxing your mind. Remember, we are all there to help you get your belt.

What to Bring

Your Registration Form if you have not registered on-line
White uniform (mandatory)
A towel
Sparring gear
Your weapons- if you are grading for a dan level
Your kata documentation if you are grading for the 4th degree
Water or a sports drink (1L)
Light snack (bananas) for the halfway break and another for after the grading
Camera

When? - Saturday October 25th, 2:00PM - ?

Where? United Martial Arts of Canada See Map

Cost? NEW $400.00- NOTE: If you fail to show up on the testing date your money will be sent back to you less an administrative cost of $100.00

YOU MUST REGISTER AND PAY BY OCTOBER 11 !!

You have two options - to pay on-line using PayPal™ or download the registration form and pay your sensei. No matter which way it is done, we need to get the payment and the form by Octiber 11th.

Download the registration form and pay your sensei