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Belt Testing Info

BELT TESTING

Welcome to Genbu Kai Florida – where tradition meets modern mastery. Our belt testing system reflects the essence of karate’s evolution, designed to assess and honor your progress while embracing centuries-old traditions in a contemporary context.

BELT TESTING SCHEDULE:

At Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Florida, we conduct belt tests three times a year, typically at the end of January, end of May and end of September. Stay tuned for specific test dates. For newcomers aiming for their initial belt, early testing might be possible based on the chief instructor’s recommendation.

TESTING CRITERIA:

Our tests evaluate your technical prowess and understanding of karate’s principles. It’s not about being perfect but measuring progress and proficiency. The evaluation includes kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). For 9th Kyu, the assessment focuses on kihon and kata, covering manners, attitude, and respect toward others and oneself.

We assess technical correctness, encompassing stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks, alongside attributes like speed, power, focus, and balance. Your test encompasses elements like kiai, rhythm, concentration, spirit, coordination, and control.

EXAM PROCESS:

Testing decisions are at the instructor’s discretion. The mentioned training times are minimum requirements based on regular attendance (at least 75%). Kyu exams are overseen by our head instructor, Sensei Keith Moore. For Dan (black/red belt) gradings, evaluations are exclusively conducted by senior Genbu-Kai black belts. All of whom have personally trained under the late Shihan Fumio, founder of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do International, for thirty (30) years or more, and continue to uphold his standards and values in traditional martial arts.

BELT RANKING SYSTEMS

DECODING KARATE BELT RANKS:

UNVEILING THE TRUE MEASURE OF STUDENT PROGRESS AND EXCELLENCE

The belt system serves as a valuable tool for assessing the progress and growth of students, both in terms of physical skills and character development.

Despite its significance, there are common misconceptions surrounding belt ranks. Frequently, individuals make the mistake of comparing belt ranks across different schools, giving undue importance to the color of the belt. This approach is misguided. While a belt does symbolize the dedication and hard work put forth within a specific school, it should not be the sole basis for comparing achievements between schools.

It’s essential to recognize that the requirements for each belt level vary across karate styles and individual dojos, aligning with the standards set by the Sensei. These standards reflect the level of perfection the Sensei strives for personally. Rather than fixating on the color of a student’s belt, the focus should be redirected towards evaluating their genuine skills, attitude, and overall improvement. This perspective ensures a more accurate assessment of a student’s progress within the unique context of their training environment.

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