BLACK BELT TEST PREPARATION FORM
Under the Rules and Regulations of anyone who is a Sankyu, Nikyu, Ikkyu, Shodan-Sho, Shodan, Nidan & Sandan are to test as MANDATORY whenever there is a Black Belt test. This is a time for re-evaluation, certification, and demonstration of physical, mental, spiritual skills as a continued on-going study of the Martial Arts.
There should be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.
If the above ranks fail to show up for this re-evaluation test;
then they lose all titles and honors. Such as no more Sensei title, no Sempai, No teaching Credentials and no privileges to teach at all, until they get back into shape as a Black Belt should.
Testing for Black Belt by anyone of Sankyu Rank and above, should start NO LESS than 6 months in advance to prepare.
This is a check off list to see where you think you are in the preparation for a Black Belt in the Japanese Hard Style of Martial Arts.
___ Have you been attending classes for twice a week without fail for the past 15 weeks ?
___ Have you trained and studied the Belt Rank Promotion sheet up to and two ranks above the rank you desire ?
___ Have you been practicing the Weapons as required for testing ?
___ Do you have a Self-Defense partner of equal rank or close enough in your skill area, for the test ?
___ Do you have physical limitations, injuries or ailments that are going to slow you down or become a problem during the test ?
IF SO, then you are to be an EXPERT in two other fields of training or study to cover for your handicap. Such as Self-Defense, Weapons, Kata's, History, Written History of your Credentials of what you have accomplished, certifications in life experiences, etc. We are talking about accomplishments such as Scuba Diving Certification, EMT, Private Pilot, Amateur Radio, Paramedic, Engineering Degree, PHD, etc.
___ Can you do the sweeps ?
___ Can you do all the rolls and falls of a Black Belt ?
___ Can you do the Kata's in any direction and perfect ?
___ Can you do all of the exercises as a Black Belt ?
___ Can you do your Weapons, demonstrate, use, history and command them as a Black Belt should ?
___ Do you have the Stamina and Endurance for a 6 to 8 hour test ?
___ Do you have the flexibility and coordination of a Black Belt ?
___ Do you have the DYNAMIC TENSION of a Black Belt ?
___ Do you have the speed and power of a Black Belt ?
___ Do you have the timing and focus of a Black Belt ?
___ What have you done around the school consistently to help out or do you have to be asked to help most of the time ?
___ What and how often have you assisted in the teaching of classes for children as a Brown Belt ?
___ You must be able to do 5 of the following exercises to pass for Black Belt and do them well:
_____ Mountain Climbers (20 at a set of 4 for 1)
_____ Pullups or Chinups (5 below 32 & 2 over 32)
_____ Pushups (20 on your fist and all the way to the ground)
_____ 3 Skin the Cat with FULL extension of the legs.
_____ 100 Situps with crossed legs and crossed arms. Arms as crossed, must touch the knees each time.
_____ Frog Stance for 1 full minute. Head Stance for one full minute.
_____ Backwards crab crawl twice around the Dojo under 2 Minutes.
--- EXPLAIN TO THE HIGH DAN BOARD:
___ How have you developed Spiritually in the Martial Arts.
___ What have you done with Mental Discipline.
___ How is your character development in your life.
___ Have you or are you currently doing drugs.
___ What are you doing currently to develop your life skills.
___ Do you blame others for getting fired, quit things, can't ever say your sorry, give example's.
___ Do you always argue with everyone or most everyone.
___ What is Discipline in the Martial Arts to you ?
TRAINING AGENDA FOR SHOTOKAN
AND NINJUTSU BLACK BELT TEST
EVERYTHING IS DONE, (15) FIFTEEN WEEKS BEFORE THE BLACK BELT TEST ( Considering that your already an active student attending classes all of the time)
_____ Do 15 Minutes of Exercise on your own twice a week for 15 weeks before the test.
_____ Do 15 Minutes of Stretching on your own twice a week for 15 weeks before the test.
_____ Do three Kata's every week twice each. One at Medium speed and the 2nd time at full speed.
_____ Be able to do hard falls and leaping rolls. Know all rolls and falls at the skill level of a Black Belt.
_____ Know all sweeps, takedowns, 85 or more in Self-Defense Techniques for Ninjutsu.
_____ Know the Ninja History and Samurai History for Ninjutsu.
_____ Know all instructors history. Soke, Sensei, etc.
_____ Have the DYNAMIC TENSION down.
_____ Demonstrate Control, Coordination, Flexibility of a Black Belt.
_____ Cover all kicks, punches, blocks, stances and rolls once every two weeks on your own at medium and full speed.
RECOMMENDED PHYSICAL TRAINING SCHEDULE:
___ 50 Front kicks every third day of the week. Both legs each.
___ 25 side kicks per leg as above.
___ 25 lunge punches per week
___ 15 spinning techniques each week
___ Make sure you do all Kata's required and two ranks above your rank currently.
ATTITUDE / DEMEANOR TEST:
I can't stress the importance of proving in a one (1) year time period that you have proven that your not having any problems in these area's:
___ You have to wear a White Belt for punishment.
___ You argue with people, do you ALWAYS have to be right.
___ You have not been actively involved in class for the ENTIRE year. Attendance for a year is necessary to show that your mentally stable and ready and not just getting ready for the Black Belt test in the last few weeks or few months before the test.
___ You argue or make nasty comments towards others at activities.
___ You fail to volunteer around the Dojo, unless asked.
___ You fail to consistently attend Senior Belt Wednesday Classes.
___ You fail to consistently attend Iaido Classes, which are REQUIRED AND MANDATED TO ATTEND, FOR NINJUTSU.
___ You fail to consistently attend Kobudo Classes, which should be attended by all Ninjutsu Students.
___ You demonstrate an attitude, where you have to win at all cost and forfeit your sportsmanlike conduct by arguing with others about rules and such to cover your shortcomings.
It really does not matter what your thoughts, opinions and or likes or dislikes are towards Soke Steve A. Bennest. He is the Master Chief Instructor of the USKKF and the High Ranking Black Belt Dan Board Tester. His opinion of your attitude, demeanor and handling emotional content is essential in decision's being made for your ranking to Black Belt.
If you have several problem area's above, it is most likely you will NOT be promoted to Black Belt rank. You need to train for another year and conquer your emotional baggage, problems, or bad traits and get them under control.
I consider Black Belt rank important and we can not have people who have bad emotional problems or are lazy to have this honor. Physical skill alone is not enough !!!
Everyone makes mistakes.
It is how you recover and move on that counts !!!
Soke Steve A. Bennest
