Kenpo - Belt Testing Philosophy (Kelowna & Winfield)

The belt promotion philosophy at Avatar is markedly different to the promotion systems used by many other clubs. We are not a "belt factory", cranking out belt promotions, as long as the student pays and shows up. We don't promote kids to advanced ranks.

We don't break kiln dried pieces of wood, which, for reasons unfathomable to me, are associated with an increase in martial arts skill. We don't have a ridiculous "Black Belt Club" where you pay extra money, which as far as I can understand, practically guarantees you a black belt. We don't have "stripes" as demarcation points between testings, for more money of course. We don't have formal gradings, where the Grand PooBah sits gravely ata table, and dozes off while you test for an extra fee, of course. In fact we don't actually have belts for you to wear.

Consider your testing to be the equivelent of a year at university, college or high school. You learn, you practice and you study. If you fufill the requirements for the rank, you are promoted. If you don't, you do it again. Just like in school, you have to aern the rank, no one "gives" it you. You have to get into better shape, learn maor and actually advance your skill. Being as kenpo is a PRACTICAL and REALISTIC self defense, the testing is done the same way, No wandering around, waving your limbs about, simulating martial arts technique; it is all hands on.