When you train in martial arts, depending on the art, there will be testing. As you progress through the color belts, there is usually a test every 2 months. Once you get to black belt, all these changes.
At my previous school, once we got to deputy belt, we tested directly for 1st degree. Here at my current school, they test from deputy to black and then complete 2 tip tests before they are able to earn their 1st degree. Both are plausible and acceptable. So
So, what is tip testing? Tip testing can be described as mini quizzes up to the final. Depending on the school will decide if the final is comprehensive or not.
My 1st degree test was long and covered a lot of techniques. I mean it was a whole day event and it was expensive. I did not continue tip testing at my old school due to relocating. Tip testing at my current school, work’s the same though with the only difference being the first degree.
Each school is different on how many tips and cost, but there is a standard on how long you have to hold each rank.
1st degree to 2nd degree – 2 years
2nd degree to 3rd degree – 3 years
3rd degree to 4th degree – 4 years
4th degree to 5th degree – 5 years
5th degree to 6th degree – 6 years
6th degree to 7th degree – 7 years
7th degree to 8th degree – 8 years
8th degree to 9th degree – 9 years
Most schools will charge per tip test to break up and reduce the cost required for the final test, others will just charge for the final test. Either way, testing is a financial, physical and mental test. Now some people will take longer and that is perfectly fine. Unfortunately, there is no way to expediate the process.
Currently at my school we have quarterly tip testing. and from where I am right now as a 3rd degree, I need to complete 6 tip tests before I can make it to 4th degree, and I have 4 years to do it. I have already held my 3rd degree for about a year at the time of this post and it’s time to start testing. I can consistently test and get my 4th degree, without any pause for the timeline. As long as life is patient and I make the time, this should go off without a hitch.
Wish me luck and Keep Kicking.
