Adult Test Preparation

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACHIEVEMENT! YOU'VE WORKED VERY HARD TO COME THIS FAR.

Testing to graduate level 1 / achieve Blue belt is average 2 hours.

Testing to achieve brown belt is average 4 hours.

Testing for LEVEL 3 / Black Belt is undetermined.

Test duration is never predictable. Large test attendance and / or poor test performance can lengthen the process. If we cannot accomplish what’s required then the student(s) will be dismissed and invited to the next test, assuming their skills stay test-ready, at no additional charge. We do our best to ensure every student succeeds but ultimately that is up to you. Practice and prepare accordingly using the tips below. Good luck!

The test is about effort and attitude. Students should give their best effort throughout the test with confidence. Mistakes are inevitable. Many people let mistakes distract them and ruin their experience. The test isn't about perfection. It's about the ability to stay focused and move forward with determination when a mistake is made or fatigue sets in. Perseverance and positive attitude will get you to your goal!

Arrive at least 20 minutes early to use the restroom, suit-up, stretch, practice, and get focused. Late-comers will not be allowed to enter once the test begins.

Proper dress etiquette:  Wear a clean and pressed full uniform with a proper colored and placed Level 3 patch along with a Level 3 T-shirt worn beneath the uniform. If your uniform is not up to Level 3 standards you may be required to purchase a new one before testing. Males should wear a groin protector and females should wear a chest protector.  Gi sleeves must be rolled down.  Your Gi pants should not be any longer than to cover the instep of your foot. Hem your pants if needed, rolled Gi pant legs are dangerous and not proper.  No jewelry of any kind may be worn. Students with long hair must wear a pony-tail. As with any class students and uniforms should be well-groomed, healthy, and odorless.

Never refuse an invitation to test.  You've worked hard to earn this opportunity. Prioritize this day and follow through. Testing is a very special earned opportunity not to be taken for granted.  If it conflicts with other activities then cancel your other activities. This shows you value and understand the importance of your achievement and promotes consistency and long-term thinking in your goal to achieve Black Belt or anything else in life.

Eat a healthy high-energy meal.  Increase water intake the week of testing and bring a water bottle with to the test.  You may want to bring an electrolyte-filled beverage like Gatorade or SmartWater for after-test replenishment.  If needed bring any special medications along with instructions for application. The test is rigorous but we try to take water breaks to ensure proper hydration and performance.

Don't forget these important items: Bottle of water, sparring gear, appropriate shoes and sunblock for potential outside training, medicines with applicators needed in case of emergency along with emergency contact information. If you require another person to administer medicine then they must be present throughout the entire test.

Never discuss testing with other students.  Your experience will always be unique.  Testing is not a spectator event.  Full concentration and focus are required and can only be maintained when spectators are not present.  Spectators can be present for the final portion of the test which of course includes the promotion ceremony.

Your test fee will be charged automatically to your card on file either the week preceding test-day or on test-day. Your test fee covers the certificate, belt, and the time of the testing procedure. You must be an active member and your account must be in good-standing in order to attend testing. If you are unable to complete your test for any reason a new test will be scheduled at no additional charge.

If you're unable to complete your test you will be eligible to attend the next test at no additional charge, assuming the required skills and performance has not regressed. It is possible to fail a test. But instead of seeing that as negative, learn from it, make adjustments, continue moving forward, and try again.

We encourage photos in the Dojo with your new belt, family and friends once the test is complete. We usually post pictures and / or video clips at our LEVEL 3 FACEBOOK and Instagram @level3karate for you to share this wonderful achievement with your family and friends.

The week following the test we encourage our students to bring a buddy to participate in classes for free so they can experience the LEVEL 3 Martial Arts Performance family that brings our amazing program to life!