Test?

renketsu · Orange Belt

My association has never done written or verbal tests at the gradings but a test of knowledge is done over the whole grading period (the time between your last grading and the next one - years for dan grades). This is only done for kyu grades to see if they are listening and progressing but for Dan gradings it carries more weight as knowledge is very important to go with physical ability.

I am considering introducing written tests to my senior students (4th-1st kyu) for forthcoming gradings and was wondering what students who have taken tests at this level think of them and their relevancy. Also are they multiple choice or written answers and are there different tests for different ages at the same grade?

Andy.
_________________
Andy Wilkinson (Sandan)
Renketsu Karate Club Senior Instructor
(http://www.renketsu.org.uk)

monkeygirl · KF VIP

This isn't exactly the same thing, but it was interesting to me.

After the first night of my Black Belt testing was over, I was sitting down in the parents' area, with my feet up on the waist-level divider. My instructor came up and started talking to me (pretty much asking me why my kata portion looked so bad). Then, he swiped away these two crayons that some kid had left on the divider. He's like: "what color are these crayons in my hand?"
I said "pink and white", correctly. He was shocked.
It may sound pretty dumb (that's because it is!), but it made me feel better. Even though I didn't do as well as I could have during testing, I got the crayons right. I felt like an alert and aware ninja

It all ended well: the rest of my testing was good and I passed on Saturday

But, strange as it may sound, whenever I remember my testing, I remember those silly little crayons too. It reminds me that even when I feel really down in the dumps, I'm not a hopeless case.

Bring on the corniness

_________________
1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003

No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard.

KickChick · Black Belt

Our school does not incorporate a written or verbal test but I am personally in favor of testing not only the students physical abilities but also knowledge of their martial art and the positive effects it has (which would be a personal essay).
I would imagine that if you do decide to test in such a way that you will have to gather up a syllabus for all of your students with criteria necessary for them to accomplish in order for them to earn their next ranking..... (for example) which would include pattern/kata, basic technique, sparring, breaks (optional), self-defense, terminology and/or theory which would include general knowledge, etiquette and history.

kchenault · Black Belt

Our school requires a written portion for anyone testing for blackbelt or higher. So far the theme has been, "What do you like about TKD and what has it done for you?" Can't wait 'til I get my chance. Just a couple more years I think.
_________________
Ken Chenault
TFT - It does a body good!

ZeRo · Black Belt

i think thats a very good idea. its good to know if you have a sharp student. they need a strong body and mind

SaiFightsMS · KF VIP

We have a written test for black belt. It is done once as a brown belt and redone right before the black belt test.

LeaF · Black Belt

We have a written test for every belt grading, it must be 100 % correct in order to pass the grading. But if it is not right when handed in sensei will hand it back and we will have to correct our mistakes. He will tell us how many are wrong but not which ones, A very good system I think. As long as we eventually get them all right it will be ok. I do not know of a situation where it had to be handed back twice

btw we also are asked several oral questions at the day of the grading
_________________
Goju Ryu Karate-do and Okinawan Kobudo, 17 Years Old 1st kyu Brown Belt in in Goju Ryu Karate-do, & Shodan in Okinawan Kobudo
Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the result.
I AM CANADIAN

G95champ · Black Belt

Kickchick

I had thought about making a syllabus. However I find myself teaching history between sets. I guess thats me being a history teacher. As soon as we finish a kata or a set of basics while the class is catching their breath I will go on about some aspect of karate. Could be our history, my training history, how certin techinques are taught and are differant. ETC. Then when it comes test time I think of the stuff I talked about the last few weeks. That way I know they are listing and paying attention at all times. However I always ask certin questions that everyone should know.
_________________
(General George S. Patton Jr.) "It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory."

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