KENSHIN KARATE SCHOOL
A TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KARATE DOJO
12944 Travilah Road, Potomac, MD 20854
(301)926-8339
renshi@kenshinkarate.com
Kickin' Kids Korner
Advancement in the martial arts is the goal of most who study. However, advancement for the sake of advancement is a shallow goal and reflects a lack of character development on the part of the karateka. The attainment of knowledge and the physical development necessary to implement that knowledge is the objective of martial arts training. After all, despite the fact that people study the martial arts for a variety of reasons, the ability to protect oneself must be viewed as the ultimate achievement in pursuing the martial arts. For that, belts and stripes mean nothing - knowledge and ability are the keys.
Nonetheless, awarding of stripes and belts create a system whereby the martial artist can gauge his/her success in achieving short term goals on the path to a more comprehensive objective. For that reason, the following requirements are provided as a guide to assist the martial artist in reaching their objectives:

1. Stripe/belt testing is at the sole discretion of Renshi. Students are invited to test based on their performance, attitude, dedication, and attendance in class. Renshi may require that a candidate's readiness be endorsed by one of the other black belt instructors. Nevertheless, the decision whether or not a student is ready for testing is solely Renshi's to make.

2. Stripe testing week and belt testing days are identified on the monthly calendar only as a guide to assist students and their parents for planning purposes. Renshi may chose to test students at other times or to not test anyone at all.

3. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of all material learned to date not just that associated with their most recent belt/stripe level. To that extent, testing is cumulative each time.

4. Students are strongly urged to invite one or more witnesses to their exams. Parents are expected to witness their child's exam.

5. To advance in karate, one must not only demonstrate proficiency in physical and technical matters; his or her character must also broaden accordingly. A key measure of character in the dojo is one's ability to set their own ego aside. This is exemplified, in part, by the manifestations of all the formalities of respect. At a promotion exam, when one's actions are "under the microscope", it is absolutely essential to demonstrate the respect that has been learned through that level. At a bare minimum, never ever miss a bow nor give it less attention than it deserves on a promotion exam.