With the test looming, this workout was definitely geared towards preparation. I didn’t get to work out too much during tonight’s class, as the black belts were told to help correct during the first class, and the second class was very sparring oriented and I am still on the disabled list due to the ear damage.
On average, the class is looking very good… there are high points and low points, but its very apparent that its been awhile since our last test. This test marks the beginning of our new youth rank system, adding the stipulations of a “C Level” and the requirement that youth progress through each level (the B and A levels) to get to their next belt.
The aim of this new system is to slow down youth and with our current testing schedule I figure that this makes a junior Shodan impossible for any youth starting at white belt.
(3 ranks required per belt * 6 months == 1 belt rank per 1.5 years, times 10 for all kyu ranks == 15 years)
I think that this is a good thing. I realize that I was testing for a junior Shodan two out of my three times and getting to that point before your training has matured to that level is very hard to get your brain around at that phase in life. It feels somewhat like a glass ceiling, and I’m all for anything that lets kids grow into their skills instead of being driven for a belt rank. The different levels within each belt will give kids enough of the positive reinforcement they need to keep coming. IMHO, its a good plan.
I think that the test fee increase isn’t a bad thing either… it will drive parents to be a little more involved in determining when the kids test, and compared to other schools/styles its still bargain basement pricing.
Being generally opposed to change, I was surprised as anyone to find that I really welcome these changes. I think it will be good for the kids to mature and actually improve the skill within their rank. I’m sure I’ll have more thoughts on this later after we see it in action for the first time, but I’m curious to hear the thoughts of my black belt brethren.
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