Rank & Promotions

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTIONS

The following contain the requirements for advancement in rank at Great Neck Martial Arts Center. These are general requirements and will be amended by the Chief Instructor according to the student's age and abilities.

Martial Arts is not a competitive sport as it is taught at The Great Neck Martial Arts Center. It is a personal struggle for each of you according to your merits. I will grade each student according to his/her achievements. For instance, karate is unlike any sport that you will take because your opponent is you. You are you worst enemy. You are also your best friend. Turn your weaknesses into strengths by recognizing them and taking advantage of them.

Your conduct outside of class will be taken into account. If you cannot finish your chores at home, if you are failing in school or if your are of low moral character, you will not be advanced, no matter how proficient you are.

There is a charge for your promotion. It is very possible to go to a school that charges you $75.00 to advance in the Kyu ranks. It is very easy to advance at these schools. If I were getting that much money for nothing, I would be inclined to advance students that are not ready to advance. In order to put things into perspective, consider what you pay hourly to a consultant or professional who has trained in school for 4 to 12 years. It will take some of you that long to reach the apex of your martial arts goals. You’ll then have a full appreciation of what a quality education costs. Incidentally, your instructors have not only collectively spent nearly 50 years preparing to train you but have also sought and received professional accreditation in numerous disciplines and pass that quality education on to you.

You will receive quality instruction from me and I will make no other promises. Karate is very hard and only the very strong, very motivated will make it to Shodan. You could be one of these. Our Job is to teach. Your job is to learn.

Promotions

A. Students must pass the test requirements posted in the handouts to go up in grade. Among other qualities, you will be tested on the following:

1. Mind: Knowledge in all aspects of the martial arts.

2. Body: Development, execution of technique, and stamina.

3. Spirit: Faith in one's technique and the will to continue.

4. Technique: All the techniques that you have been taught.

B. A student is evaluated in all these aspects and for meritorious services conducted for the Dojo.

C. Performance in school (academic and social) and adherence to household rules will be taken into account for the purposes of advancement for juvenile students. All juvenile students will bring a copy of their report card for review by the Dojo Headmaster.

D. Do not repeatedly ask the Dojo Headmaster if you can test. He will inform you when you are ready. Violation of this rule will cause you to wait an extra month.

E. There is a fee charged for promotions. This fee is due the night of the test. It must be posted prior to testing. If you do not pass, it will be refunded.