We recently had our very first belt test as Grand Valley Taekwondo. It was very exciting! I have to confess, I think I was even more nervous than the kids were! I have been teaching taekwondo for eleven years now, but in the past when I have tested students it has always been under the auspices of my master instructor. So this was the very first time that promoting my students was all on me.
As the test approached I found myself really pondering my philosophy when it comes to belt testing. These were thoughts that I shared with everyone on testing day but I felt like I should share them here for posterity.
It is very important to me that every student who gets their black belt at GVT knows with certainty - and everyone around them knows with certainty - that they have earned it. I am not in the business of being a belt factory. If all that matters to you is the belt, you can go buy yourself one off Amazon. Becoming a black belt should really change a person.
To that end, our belt testings are by invitation only. I extend those invitations only to students who are truly ready. I never want a student to come to testing unprepared and fail. That only leads to discouragement. I would much rather that a student take a bit longer to get ready so they can feel confident at testing.
The things I look for as we approach testing include: focus in class, steady improvement of technique, consistent attendance, and a great attitude. My expectations differ based on a student's age, rank, and personal abilities. Yet I would always rather err on the side of a student being more prepared, than less.
My master instructor likes to say, "Black belt is not a destination, it is a journey." Each time students test for a new belt, they are taking another step on this wonderful journey. It is my hope that our belt tests will be empowering for our students and prepare them to become truly amazing black belts.
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