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The testing process for Black Belt ranks differs from standard color belt testing. For further clarification, please refer to this web page. Kindly be aware of all deadlines, as failure to meet the requirements within the stipulated time frame may result in your ineligibility for belt testing. Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to Contact Mr. Pilch if you have questions.

Next Black Belt Testing

Date

There is NO MAKE UP TESTING process.
All information contained on this page pertains to the next Black Belt Test.

Time In Grade

Kenpo is not a spectator sport. Black Belt candidates are obligated to actively participate in training to maintain their eligibility for advancement. The minimum requirements include attending two classes per week. Candidates are strongly encouraged to supplement their training with independent practice outside of the school setting. These are the fundamental requirements.

Additionally, the candidate must accumulate the minimum time in grade actively training to be eligible to initiate the Black Belt Testing Process.

Senior Ranks

Junior Ranks

1st to 2nd Degree: 2 years
2nd to 3rd Degree: 3 years
3rd to 4th Degree: 4 years
4th to 5th Degree: 5 years
5th to 6th Degree: 5-9 years

1st to 2nd Degree: 1 year
2nd to 3rd Degree: 1 year
3rd to 4th Degree: 1 year
4th to 5th Degree: 1 year

Important Note:
These are minimum time-in-grade requirements only. They do not guarantee the opportunity to test. Students must participate in classes regularly and demonstrate consistent personal growth in their martial arts training to be eligible for Black Belt testing.

Application

Candidates interested in testing for a black belt must submit an application. Payment is not due until the 2nd Prescreening is completed. By contacting Mr. Pilch, additional supplementary items may be added or removed at any time prior to the payment due date.

Complete & Submit Your Application

Applications must be submitted by the due date to be considered for the current testing cycle. Late submissions will not be accepted and candidates will need to wait for the next testing cycle.

Application Due Date

November 27th, 2023

Black Belt Test Application

1st Prescreening

All candidates will be evaluated by a qualified senior-ranking black belt. They will demonstrate and be evaluated on their knowledge of the required information, including all techniques and forms they have learned to date.

This educational session is not a pass/fail situation. It provides valuable feedback on current progress and highlights specific areas to focus on before the next phase.

1st Prescreening Date

November 27th - December 1st, 2023

2nd Prescreening

The techniques, forms, and sets for the current rotation being tested must be prepared for belt test presentation.

Note:
Candidates must meet the required performance standards to avoid being removed from the testing list.

2nd Prescreening Date

Jan 15th - Jan 19th, 2024

Payment Due

The payment for the Black Belt test is due. If the applicant desires to modify their Additional Belt Supplementary Test Item(s) list, this constitutes the final opportunity to effect such a change.

Effective from this date, no refunds will be processed for orders that have been placed. Payment at this stage ensures all supplementary items are ordered and received in time for the test and promotion date.

Payment Due Date

January 19th, 2024

Book Report | Senior Ranks Only

Black Belts should possess a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of martial arts. This knowledge enables them to comprehend the contemporary physical, mental, and emotional benefits derived from these practices, as well as how they have been applied throughout history. Candidates are not only required to read the specified books but are also encouraged to reflect on the lessons learned and consider how they can be applied to their daily lives with honor and integrity.

Additionally, candidates are required to compose a concise essay summarizing their insights gained from the read book.

Candidates testing for 1st Degree Black Belt:
Bushido by Inazo Nitobe

Candidates testing for 2nd Degree Black Belt:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Candidates testing for 3rd Degree Black Belt:
Meditations on Violence by Sgt. Rory Miller

Candidates testing for 4th Degree Black Belt:
The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

Candidates testing for 5th Degree Black Belt:
Book of 5 Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

Book Report Due Date

January 19th, 2024

Value Report

All Black Belts should possess a comprehensive understanding of traditional values. This understanding serves as a counterbalance to the potentially destructive knowledge they acquire. All candidates are required to submit a comprehensive report detailing their understanding of the value assigned for their rank.

The report should include a detailed description of the value from their perspective, explaining how they perceive it benefits others, and providing examples of how they have applied it in their personal lives.

Candidates testing for 1st Degree Black Belt:
Trust

Candidates testing for 2nd Degree Black Belt:
Perseverance

Candidates testing for 3rd Degree Black Belt:
Humility

Candidates testing for 4th Degree Black Belt:
Courtesy

Candidates testing for 5th Degree Black Belt:
Mastery

Value Report Due Date

January 19th, 2024

3rd Prescreening

The techniques, forms, and sets for the current rotation being tested must be prepared for belt test presentation.

Note:

Candidates must meet the required performance standards to avoid being removed from the testing list.

Candidates removed from the testing list at this juncture will not be eligible for a refund.

3rd Prescreening Date

Feb 19th - Feb 23rd, 2024

Promotion

Attend The Belt Testing & Promotion

Date

Candidates are required to attend the belt test to be promoted.

Note:

There is NO MAKE UP TESTING process. Students who are unable to attend the testing process for any reason will not receive a refund.

Black Belt Testing Activites

During the Black Belt Testing and Promotion process, candidates will participate in various activities designed to educate and challenge them. Certain portions of this process are open to the candidate’s family and friends. We encourage family and friends to support the candidates during each activity designated as “F&F.”

Black Belt Technical Test: F&F

The Black Belt Technical Test evaluates the Black Belt Candidate’s proficiency in the structured, required material necessary for rank certification. This assessment occurs at the commencement of the Belt Testing and promotion process. It serves as the final opportunity for Candidates to fail their test, provided they do not exhibit conduct unbecoming of a Black Belt during the subsequent promotion process. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Black Belt Achievement Promotion: F&F

The Black Belt Promotion ceremony serves as a public recognition of the Black Belt Candidate’s arduous efforts and exceptional skill. Upon successful completion of the promotion, the Candidate will be awarded their black belt and granted the opportunity to pose for photographs with their loved ones. Throughout the remainder of the promotion process, the Candidate will officially assume the rank of Black Belt and is expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Basics And Fundamentals

The candidates will return to the fundamental building blocks of their art, performing basic stances, strikes, and movements. Senior black belts will provide constructive feedback to encourage the new black belts to recognize the importance of constant examination, maintenance, and refinement of these building blocks.

Pad Work

Pad work serves as the foundational step in the kinetic application of martial arts for all candidates. During this phase, candidates will participate in comprehensive sessions with a senior black belt instructor. The instructor will provide constructive and educational feedback, guiding candidates in refining their fundamental techniques as they translate theoretical knowledge into practical, kinetic movements.

Written Test

The Black Belt Written Test evaluates the knowledge of history and standardized Kenpo information possessed by Black Belt Candidates. Upon completing the test, a senior Black Belt conducts a review session with all candidates, offering feedback on challenging questions.

Black Belt Interview

The Black Belt Interview serves as a comprehensive assessment of the intellectual and ethical acumen of the Black Belt Candidate. This is an individual discussion conducted with a panel of senior-ranked black belts.

Interview Preparation

Rights of Passage

Rights of Passage are physical activities designed to encompass the Value Report subject matter for each rank. These challenges provide candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the assigned value through action and reflection.

Rights of Passage

The Physical Workout: F&F

The Black Belt Physical Test is meticulously crafted to challenge the physical limits of Black Belt candidates, pushing them to the brink of exhaustion. At this juncture, the candidates are compelled to draw upon their indomitable willpower and unwavering determination to persevere, even in the face of adversity. Friends and family are welcome to attend and support the candidates during this test.

While this test is undoubtedly a physical endeavor, it is the mental fortitude that emerges and is meticulously assessed.

Awarding Of Diploma: F&F

Upon the culmination of the Black Belt Testing and Promotion process, the candidates will be presented with their rank certificates. Subsequently, they will have the opportunity to express their gratitude to those who have provided support and guidance throughout their arduous journey toward attaining the rank of Black Belt. Friends and family are welcome to attend this ceremony.

Black Belt & Promotion

June 21st, 2024

Testing Itinerary

Black Belt Test & Promotion Date:

June 21st, 2024

Time:

10:30am - Check in/School Opened
11:00am - Start. Please be on time
??:??pm - End at the completion of all portions of the graduation process

Black Belt Promotion & Graduation Itinerary:

Part 1 - Belt Test & Achievement
Part 2 - Frame Graduation Expectations
Part 3 - Basics & Fundamentals
Part 4 - Pad Work
Part 5 - Written Test
Part 6 - Black Belt Interview
Part 7 - Right Of Passages
Part 8 - The Physical Workout, Awarding Of Diploma

All parts excluding part 1 and 8 on the Itinerary are subject to change.

Details:

Students are required to bring their complete uniform to testing. Parents and family members are cordially invited to provide support during the testing process during:

Part 1 - Belt Test & Achievement
Part 8 - The Physical Workout, Diploma distribution

Note: Approximately 15 minutes prior to the commencement of Part 8, invitations will be extended to friends and family to attend and provide support.

Location:

American Institute of Kenpo

7320 N. La Cholla Blvd. #164
Tucson, AZ 85742

520-744-9004