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Friday, November 06, 2015

Old Times

Obviously tried and tested matters are the best way to find out what works best. I promised earlier this year that I would revert to having 4 regular gradings during the year and it has been done! In 2016 we have gradings in March, June, September and December. What does this mean to the TSKC student? Well, the cynical side of me already thinks that the idea of having 3 gradings a year would give students more time to prepare for their grading and give them extra time to reach the required number of lessons needed to grade actually meant it gave some students more time not to reach the required number of lessons required to grade.

The committed students didn't need the extra time and as a result of the change, they were the ones that were being made to wait. The students who didn't show the commitment in the first place still didn't reach either the required  standard or number of lessons anyway.

So what will these changes mean? Simple really. Nothing - to those students who are committed to their training already. It does mean that those students who aren't will not be in a position to fulfil the criteria for grading every three months.

What are those requirements? Well let me remind you.

10th Kyu (White Belts)
For novices, they need to have attended 12 lessons and have waited at least two months prior to the first regular grading to 9th Kyu.

9th Kyu - 1st Kyu (Orange - Brown/2White stripe Belts)
Students must wait a minimum of 3 months between gradings and attend 20 lessons. Additionally, they must also meet the required standard to take the next grading.

1st Kyu - Black Belt
There must be a minimum period of 6 months before grading, have attended 44 lessons, have attended at least 2 National / International courses - one of which within 12 months of the grading date. The course on the day does not count towards a course for that grading. Any student trying for their Shodan (first Black Belt) must also pass a Shodan Assessment which consists of a written exam as well as a practical test. 60% pass in each one is required to take your grading.

We will just have to see whether reverting to 4 gradings is the right thing to do. Personally, I think it is as it gives every student the opportunity to get the best out of themselves. Here's looking forward to a busy 2016.

Oss!