Pre-Grading:

· The instructor will inform when you are ready to grade.

o For kids/juniors/girls, this is shown by 4 black tapes and a red tape on the belt.

o For adults/teens, the instructor will inform you.

This process is followed to reduce chance of failing and knocking of confidence as you are generally grading when ready. But of course, anything can happen on the day, and there is always a chance of failing the test.

· For Kids 3-6, when they receive 4 black tapes and a red tape, they are ready to receive their next belt – they do not need to do a grading.

· Some students receive the opportunity to attain a higher level of belt depending on previous experience, talent etc. This can happen at any point of their journey. This should not be asked for, only instructors decide.

o For Kids 3-years class, if they receive a double red tape, they will automatically receive the new level as chosen by the instructor.

o For Kids 7-10yrs/juniors/girls, if they receive a double red tape, it means they have the opportunity to grade for a higher belt and will have to grade for the next level and the one they are being put forward for.

Expectations for gradings and grading ceremony:

· All students must wear their Gi (uniform) and their belt.

· All students must follow the Nodoka Martial Arts Etiquette Code

Administrative Details:

· At Nodoka Martial Arts we generally have Gradings every 3 months at Nodoka Studio, but this does not mean you will grade every 3 months.

· There is no fee to do your grading, which means you can re-test at no extra cost.

· There is a fee only if you pass, to receive your new belt, certificate, and admin fees behind this. The prices vary depending on the age group of the class and this information will be shared with you prior to grading.

· There is a different belt system for kids/juniors/girls then there is for adults/teens, therefore the certification is different. Only adults/teens receive a BMABA record book.

Assessment Criteria:

· We mainly look at Technique, Application of Technique, Physical Conditioning, and Discipline and Attitude.

· Depending on a person’s medical condition, we look to adapt where appropriate to support inclusivity, but still keep these main areas of assessment.

Decisions:

· Decisions will be made fairly, without discrimination or bias.

· For adults/teens class, there is a marking sheet. You are marked with the expectation of your belt level and if there is any adaptation needed for you in mind. Adults/teens need to attain 75% to pass.

· There will generally be an Instructor/Sensei and an Assistant Instructor/Volunteer present to run the grading; the latter will do the scoring while the Sensei/Instructor runs the grading. There will be a discussion post-grading on how each person did. The Sensei gets the final say.

· The Instructor/Sensei will let you know if you have passed or not, and feedback can be provided if requested. If you would like to appeal this decision, this is an informal process where you can speak to the Sensei and say the reasoning behind this. Again, the Sensei gets the final say.

Grading Ceremony:

· The Nodoka Martial Arts academy comes together to celebrate each other.

· The students kneel on the mat (unless there is a medical condition that prevents this) and if you are receiving a belt, waits for their turn to go collect the belt from the Sensei. You will be shown how to collect your belt.

NODOKA MARTIAL ARTS’

Grading Policy

Learning martial arts is learning a life skill. It is more than a belt, but the belt shows the progress made which should be held in high regard.

Individual grading expectations is 3 months minimum for each belt, and then increases to 6 months – 1 year minimum depending on the belt level. The pace of the belt grading also depends on the experience, talent, discipline etc. of the student.