During the belt testing and promotion process the candidates will participate in several activities designed to educate and challenge them. There are portions of this process that are designed to be open to the candidate's family and friends. We encourage family and friends to support the candidates during each activity marked with F&F.

​

Black Belt Technical Test: F&F

The Black Belt Technical Test is designed to assess the Black Belt Candidate’s knowledge and ability to perform the structured required material required for rank certification. This happens at the beginning of the Belt Testing and promotion. This is the final time Candidates can fail their test unless they exhibit behavior unbecoming of a Black Belt during the remainder of the promotion process.

​

Black Belt Achievement: F&F

The Black Belt Promotion consists of the public recognition of the Black Belt Candidate’s efforts and skill. Candidates will be awarded their black belt at this point and have the chance to get pictures with friends and families. During the remainder of the promotion process the Candidates will officially be, and be expected to behave as a Black Belt.

​

Basics And Fundamentals:

The candidates will go back to their foundation of their art and perform fundamental basic building block stances, strikes, and movements. The senior black belts will provide constructive feed back with the intention of encouraging the new Black Belts to recognize that we all need to constantly examine, maintain, and refine the building blocks of our art.

​

Pad Work:

Pad work is the first step to kinetic application for any martial artist. The candidates will work pad work one on one with a senior black belt. The candidates will receive constructive and educational feedback on how to improve their application of the basics as they actualize the knowledge into kinetic reality.

​

Written Test:

The Black Belt Written Test is designed to test the Black Belt Candidate's knowledge of history and standardized Kenpo information. After having a chance to complete this test a senior black belt will go over the test with everyone and provide feed back on questions they struggled with. 

​

Black Belt Interview:

The Black Belt Interview is designed to gauge the intellectual and ethical knowledge of the Black Belt Candidate. This is normally an individual discussion with a board of senior ranked black belts.

​

The Physical Workout: F&F

The Black Belt Physical Test is designed to push the Black Belt candidates to the point of exhaustion. As the candidate reaches the point of exhaustion they have to rely on their force of will and willingness to continue and press on especially when things become difficult. Though this is a physical activity it is the mental fortitude that becomes apparent and is being observed.

​

Awarding Of Diploma: F&F

At the closing of the Black Belt Testing and Promotion process the candidates will be awarded their rank certificates. Candidates will then have the opportunity to thank those that have helped and supported them on their journey to their Black Belt.

​

Optional Activities:

in addition to the above listed activities, depending on many variables candidates will also have the opportunity to participate in these activities:

• Rank based right of passage challenges.

• Hands-on Technique challenges.

• Sets and Forms Challenges.