Congratulations to those candidates who are eligible to attend the belt rank testing, Saturday, December 3, 2011.  We mindfully select students for testing based on the following,

• Date of last promotion
• Attendance records
• Minimum technical skills acquired
• Effort and attitude
• Participation in class and events hosted by the dojo
• Ability to meet or exceed individual potential

Once eligibility is met, invitations to candidates are sent by US Mail, then other items are reviewed - The Home Report and the School Report.

Candidates attend testing time based on their rank and age.  Please review your scheduled time and attend accordingly.

Students who have not been identified as candidates for this testing time period are being assessed for stripes on their belt.  If a student normally attends the 11 am class and are not testing this Saturday we recommend that you attend the 10 am class this week.

Testing and rank promotion days are appropriate for parents, friends, and family members to observe their karate-ka in action.  It is also one of the few times during the year that picture taking and videography are allowed in the dojo.

We are looking forward to celebrating the success of those who have progressed and learning from the test itself for further development in the future.

Nearly 25 testing candidates have been identified for belt test and promotion scheduled to take place Friday, June 3, 2011 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Parents, family members, and friends are welcome to observe the testing and cameras as well as video filming is approved.  The Black Belts of USA Karate Academy are requested to provide assistance for grading.  Good luck to all of the candidates.  Please follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful experience in testing.

We encourage all testing candidates to do do the following:

• Review the WELCOME PACKET concerning testing, progress checks and evaluations.  Go over dojo etiquette, guidelines for safety, and the principles.
• Complete and turn in to the office the testing registration packet along with registration fees no later than 2 days prior to the test date.
• Arrive to the dojo and be on the dojo mat for warm ups 15 minutes prior to the established start time of testing cermonies.
• Bring a notebook with your testing outline along with all other karate documents that you have received since the inception of of your training.
• Wear a clean, pressed, complete karate gi and obi.  
• Yellow belts and above must bring all of the sparring equipment as prescribed.

 Complete safety gear is mandatory for all candidates, yellow belt and above. Youths 18 & under are required to wear an approved helmet with a face shield.  (For those who do not have one yet, the has a few of these helmets to borrow on on hand)  Other safety equipment that is required inlude mouthguard, naughahyde fist pads, and groin protection for males.  USA Karate Academy normally has the required equipment in stock and if the item is not currently available, an order may be placed with a 50% deposit and the balance paid at time of receipt of ordered items.

The dollars spent on a retail item directly supports the dojo.  We thank you in advance for purchasing all your martial arts equipment and uniforms directly from USA Karate Academy.

This Wednesday and Thursday, December 8th and 9th is an all dojo Progress Check.  The students who have been attending regularly, meeting their basic minimum requirements, and presenting a postive attitude in their homes, schools, dojo, and the community will be evaluated for their progress. Some students will be recognized with a new color of rank.  Other students who have not yet met all of the requirements for their next grade will be eligible to earn a black stripe on their belt which signifies the completion of meeting attendance requirements for the previous 4 – 6 weeks.  During the holiday season, we combine the progress checks and belt promotions into the regularly scheduled class times. Students who miss these dates, may be eligible for the next progress check and belt grade promotion on the first or second week of February 2011.

September 11th is the makeup testing date. Blue Belts and Under will be from 1-2:30 and Purple Belts and above will be from 3-5. Feel free to bring your family and friends to enjoy this experience with you and to cheer you on!