Gallatin Martial Arts Center 
TAEKWONDO,  HAPKIDO  &  GRACIE JIU-JITSU 

 

What is belt testing?


Answer: Our professional belt testing assists in building confidence, discipline, manners, school grades and improving self-defense techniques in all students; it also gives students a “personal” challenge. At the same time, it gives the grandmaster, masters and instructor an opportunity to see a student under pressure and to understand what areas a student needs to improve on.

Unlike many academies that have testing fees, they do not give awards or new belts or even belong to an accredited organization, and some academies sell privates and then require students to test every month, which we feel is just too quick to advance and does not give the student enough time to learn and improve on the basics of each level.

Our students are not pressured to test and are not required to test; however for students to maintain motivation and to advance in their training and curriculum, testing is advised.  All students must meet all requirements to be eligible to test. All Testing Dates are posted online www.gallatinmartialarts.com one year in advance.  (dates may change and will be posted)

As with most styles, we have the same amount of belts, since belts help separate individuals for competitions and experience level. The only difference is for the little lion kids program they have several more levels added because they have a different curriculum from Adult and Junior program.  

Our students are graded at testing (45  to 90 minutes per belt level - 30 Minutes for belt ceremony) based on an A to F scale and on their curriculum knowledge and testing performance; no student will advance to black belt, unless they can meet the requirements and pass the 1 or 3  day black belt examination. We do not fail students infront of others and we do not embarrass students, so please read testing day procedures. (Below)  

 

We test student on their own individual improvements and merits.  Just like a tournament, there is a fee for awards and other operating costs.  There is also a small fee to cover the extra cost for testing materials, guest masters, certificates, awards, patches, belts and extra class time.  This fee is small in comparison to all the benefits gained from testing and learning martial arts. Students and parents also have an opportunity to meet fellow students at the after testing party. Two weeks before testing all students may attend 2 extra classes per week to prepare for belt testing at no extra cost - that is included with your test fee.

 

Note: Please set aside the time needed to attend testing. We ask families and parents to please attend testing and support your family members. We feels once every three months is not too much to ask of parents and family members. This personal support is highly appreciated and we thank you for showing courtesy, loyalty and support to our academy and all family members.


Exciting Testing Day – Testing, Demonstrations, Awards, Prizes and After Testing Party.  Don't miss the challenge and the fun.

 

Testing Pointers - Procedures
  • Increase your training to prepare for your test.
  • Please do not be late to testing it sets a bad example to others.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your testing for warm-up and stretching.
  • Please invite your family and friends
  • Arrive early limited seating. (10 Students = 50 Spectators)
  • Lower Belt Testing can range 30 to 60 minutes
  • Higher Belt Testing can range from 60 to 90 minutes
  • Testing happens 4 times per year so have patience with the testing process
  • Testing times are posted at the school and online. (parent zone)
  • If  there is a mistake with your belt or on your certificate, we ask that you do not get upset
    we will try our best to have it fixed within a couple of days.
  • Every testing is a learning day for everyone; we constantly strive to improve the experience and organization.
  • Register Online: Click Here to see your test scores, upload report cards or martial art pictures.
  • Note: When you refer a friend and they join you will receive $50.00 off the following month’s tuition.
    (Just ask your instructor)
  • If you miss classes you will not be eligible to test, every student needs to meet the class time requirements, curriculum, basic proficiency for their level and the mandatory waiting period.

You must know your curriculum and meet the required classes:

White Belts: 14 to 18 Classes 
Beginner Levels: 18 to 20 Classes
Intermediate Levels: 22 to 26 Classes
Advanced Levels: 26 to 32 Classes
Testing For Black Belt: 4 Pre Tests = 96 Classes
Testing For 2nd Dan Black Belt = 192 Classes
Testing For 3rd Dan Black Belt = 288 Classes

We do not make any guarantees or promises that you will receive your Black Belt or any belt, especially if you miss classes and the needed requirements are not meet.  You can schedule private classes at $30 to $50 per hour - One Private Class Counts as 2 Class Credits) to make up for missed classes or assist in achieving superior techniques.