CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU'RE CHILD HAS WORKED VERY HARD TO COME THIS FAR.
The test is about effort and attitude. Students should give their best effort throughout the test with confidence. Mistakes are inevitable. Many people let mistakes distract them and ruin their experience. The test isn't about perfection. It's about the ability to stay focused and move forward with determination when a mistake is made or fatigue sets in. Perseverance will get your child to their goal!
Arrival and duration: Arrive about 20 minutes early to use the restroom, suit up, stretch, practice, and get focused. Late-comers will not be allowed to enter once the test begins. The test can last up to 2 hours depending on group size and performance.
Proper dress etiquette: White stripe requirements upon which students are graded include a clean and pressed full uniform with a proper colored and placed Level 3 patch along with a Level 3 T-shirt worn beneath the uniform. If your uniform is not up to Level 3 standards you may be required to purchase a new one before testing. Males should wear a groin protector and females, a chest protector. Gi sleeves must be rolled down. Your Gi pants should not be any longer than to cover the instep of your foot. Hem your pants if needed, rolled Gi pant legs are dangerous and not proper. No jewelry of any kind may be worn. Students with long hair must wear a pony-tail. As with any class students and uniforms should be well-groomed, healthy, and odorless.
Never refuse an invitation to test. Your child has worked hard to earn this opportunity. Prioritize this day and follow through. Testing is a very special earned opportunity not to be taken for granted. If it conflicts with other activities that day then cancel your other activities. This will help your child understand the importance and value of their training and will promote consistency and long-term thinking in their goal to achieve Black Belt or anything else in life.
Eat a healthy high-energy meal. Increase water intake the week of testing and bring a water bottle with to the test. Bring an electrolyte filled beverage (something like a Gatorade, Smart Water, etc...) for after-test replenishment. If needed bring any special medications along with instructions for application. The test is rigorous but we do take water breaks to ensure proper hydration and performance.
Don't forget these important items: Bottle of water, sparring gear, appropriate shoes and sunblock for potential outside training, medicines with applicators needed in case of emergency along with emergency contact information. If a child requires another person to administer medicine then the parent must be present throughout the entire test.
Testing is a private event. Full concentration and focus are required during this private event, so no spectators allowed until the promotional ceremony begins.
Your test fee will be charged automatically to your card on file the day of your test. Your test fee covers the certificate, belt, and the time of the testing procedure.
If you're unable to complete your test for any reason you will be eligible to attend the next test at no additional charge, assuming the required skills and performance has not regressed. It is possible to fail a test. But instead of seeing that as negative and quitting because of a small setback, we simply make adjustments, continue moving forward, and try again.
Celebrate your child's accomplishment by bringing flowers, balloons, or anything else with which you wish to reward them. We encourage photos with your new belt, family and friends once the test is complete. We usually post pictures and / or video clips at our LEVEL 3 FACEBOOK for you to share this wonderful achievement with your family and friends.
The week following the test we encourage our students to bring a buddy to classes for free to participate and learn more about our martial arts program!