What is Belt Testing?
Belt testing is a process in martial arts where students are evaluated on their proficiency in the art and awarded a higher belt rank if they pass. Belt testing typically involves a demonstration of techniques, drills, sparring, and other aspects of the martial art being studied.
How often does Infinity MMA offer Belt Testing?
Lower level belt testing happens every 8 weeks or at the Instructing Team’s discretion. As a student rises through the ranks the testing gets more difficult, and it takes more time to master the advanced moves and techniques. High belt testing is held twice a year (May and October) to give our students time to learn and master the more difficult techniques as well as become mentally ready for the next step in their training.
What are students being assessed on?
Students will be assessed on endurance, skill level, ability, confidence, and leadership. The belt criteria sheet lists all of the criteria that students will be tested on. The higher the belt level the more strenuous the assessment is. We want our students to understand a belt is not a right, it is a privilege and our instructors are watching to ensure each student is both ready and worthy to receive the honour.
How Can I Prepare For Belt Testing?
Come to Class – Kickboxing classes are not only about learning new moves but about showing respect, commitment, and perfecting the technique you have learned. Higher level belts are expected to show leadership to the lower level belts in class by demonstrating, correcting, and supporting the lower belts’ training. Instructors are looking to see the higher level students are role models for the lower level students. If a student fails to arrive to class on time, shows poor conduct, or disrespect, our instructors will take that into consideration when deciding if they are ready to test.
Practice your Technique and Sparring – The requirements of each belt level can be found on the Belt Criteria Sheet. Students are expected to know what techniques they have to master to make it to the next belt, and should be practicing their technique to ensure they are ready and prepared for assessment night.
Book a Private Lesson – For those who are not confident they are ready for their next belt level a private lesson may be useful. This one on one time with an instructor will allow the instructor to help the student finetune their skills and technique. It will also allow them the opportunity to practice sparring with someone who is already a master. Students often find one or two private lessons will give them the improvement they need to make it to the next level and are often glad they put in the extra effort.
Talk to your Instructor – Once you are confident you are ready to challenge for your next belt, talk to your instructor. They will do a quick assessment of you in class and let you know if they think you are ready or if they think you need to do some more work before you are ready to test. Our Instructors want our Students to succeed and they will be honest about whether or not they think you are ready. The sooner you speak to them the more time you will have to improve if needed.
Prepare yourself Mentally and Physically – A martial arts belt is about more than just a pretty colour. The belt represents the commitment, hard work, self-discipline, determination, and accomplishment of the wearer. It is not only a physical accomplishment but a mental one and wearing the belt is a privilege and something to be respected. The higher the belt the more responsibility the wearer holds, and this responsibility should not be looked on lightly. In the days leading up to belt testing, make sure you are treating your body well. Eat healthy, get adequate sleep and take some time to be mindful and mentally focussed. Try to minimize the stress in your life if you can so you can prepare yourself for the test.
Belt testing is an essential part of the martial arts journey. Belt testing provides recognition, motivation, goal-setting, feedback, and opportunities for personal growth and development. With belt testing, we recognize the students’ hard work and inspire and motivate other students to improve their techniques.
To Book a private lesson please go to the following link:
https://infintymixedmartialarts.as.me/schedule.php
