BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION

Basic Requirements

• The applicant must meet the minimum age requirement of 16 years old.
• The applicant must have taken a minimum of 300 Class hours.
• The applicant must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in learning martial arts.
• The applicant must have earned a brown belt prior to applying for the black belt certification.
• The applicant must submit a passport style digital photo to show the applicant’s face.
• The black belt test must be conducted by the applicant’s instructor and documented in video.
• The format of the test must contain demonstration of a martial arts form/kata/fighting techniques, self-defense applications or a sparring session, and a brief purpose statement of learning martial arts.

Form/Kata Basic Requirements

• Form/kata/fighting techniques demonstration can be a complete form or a combination of fighting techniques.
• The form/kata/fighting techniques must be performed with a minimum duration of 30 seconds.
• Fighting techniques can be standup techniques, ground techniques, or a combination of standup and ground techniques.
• The applicant must state the style and the name of the form/kata/fighting techniques before beginning the performance.

Form/Kata Evaluation Standards

• Proper sequence of movement and correct accuracy of the techniques.
• Showing the key elements of the form/kata: strong command of movements, whole-body coordination, speed, power, and fighting spirit.
• Following the proper course of direction and showing smoothness in the feet movements.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the meaning of each movement.
• Overall performance and illustrating the essential characteristics of the chosen form/kata.
• Proper use of stances and postures, and the ability to focus the mind.

Self-Defense Applications Evaluation Standard

• For self-defense techniques, the applicant must choose a minimum of 5 techniques from the form/kata, sequence of movements, or combination of techniques to show self-defense applications.
• Self-defense techniques can be hand-to-hand, hand-to-weapon, or weapon-to-weapon.
• The applicant must show strong command of the self-defense techniques and its effectively.

Sparring Session Evaluation Standard

• Instead of self-defense techniques, the applicant can choose to show combat skill by a sparring session.
• The sparring session must be 3 rounds, each round again different partner, with 2 minutes each round. The applicant must win 2 out of 3 rounds.
• The applicant must show effective execution of offensive and defensive techniques, and good control of range, reflex, and sense of timing.

Martial Arts Written Essay Requirements

• The applicant must submit a purpose statement in writing on the history and the unique characteristics of the techniques of the style or system.
• The purpose statement in written format must contain at least 300 words with a maximum of 2 pages.

Martial Arts Video Essay Requirements

• The applicant must submit a recorded video explaining the reason the applicant decided to learn martial arts, and how martial arts has shaped or impacted his/her life.
• The length of the video must be no less than 2 minutes and no more than 5 minutes.