WHAT ARE GRADINGS?
Gradings are a short practical test in which students train to achieve a new coloured belt. When a student achieves three stripes in lessons, our Instructors will present them with a ‘grading invitation.’ Gradings are held close to your training location and are led by our Regional & Area Managers. On the day, students are graded in front of one of our examiners and if they complete all of the moves required at a good standard, then a new belt will be awarded.
Gradings for lower belts are every 2 – 3 months. For intermediate grades they are every 4 – 6 months, and for the higher belts it can be 6 months – 1 year between grades.
The minimum time you can achieve Black Belt from the beginner stage is 4 years.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE GRADING DAY?
Gradings are usually taken at the weekend. Study your grading invitation letter carefully as it will tell you exactly what time to book in.
Once you have booked in, all students receive a pre-grade lesson. This is completed as a final run through and warm up.
After the pre-grade lesson is complete, students perform their set moves and katas in front of the examiner.
If they pass the grading, their membership card will be stamped and signed and they will be issued with a certificate and presented with a new coloured belt.
DO I NEED TO BOOK?
We have recently altered how our gradings run and pre-booking is now essential. Details of how to do so will be on your grading invitation.
CAN YOU FAIL A GRADING?
Yes, particularly with the higher level belts, students often fail the grading.
During a student’s first year with us, we focus on encouragement and take age and ability into consideration.
However, once you reach 2nd Blue level and are classified as a ‘High Grade,’ the standard is the same across the board. If students do not reach the standard required then they do not pass.
CAN YOU RE-TAKE A GRADE?
Yes, your Instructor will inform you as to where and when you can re-take your grade. You will be told what to work on and improve and we will ensure that you are graded again at the earliest opportunity.
GRADING RULES
Anyone taking a grading must be a member and their membership must be in date. A clean uniform is required for all members along with the correctly coloured belt.
Membership renewals and uniforms are available to purchase at the gradings.
CAN I WATCH THE GRADE?
Sadly, no, we do not allow this as parents can unintentionally distract their children. The Gradings are completed in front of the examiner. For lower belts, the grading test is simple and relatively short.
I can’t stay and watch, what if my child gets all upset?
If your child is shy or upset, then our excellent team will be on hand to help and encourage. Many of our team are Ladies who are always on hand to help and reassure our younger kids at anytime.
HOW LONG DO GRADINGS TAKE?
From White belt to Blue belt level, we aim to have you graded no longer than one hour after you have arrived. Remember this does include your pre-grade lesson time too. Higher level Brown Belts are done on a separate day, where gradings last longer.
EXAMINERS
We have two examiners: Shihan & Kyoshi. Together they travel to all areas of SAMA West Sussex, Surrey & Hampshire to grade all SAMA Karate, Kickboxing & Tai Chi students.
Chief Examiner:
David Jacobs (SHIHAN) 7th Dan.
Shihan is SAMA’s Assistant Chief Instructor and oversees many of the gradings across West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. He has been an examiner for 30 years. He is the examiner for: Worthing, Angmering, Chichester, Waterlooville, Portsmouth, Crawley, East Grinstead, Redhill & Cranleigh. Grading for Black Belts are in front of Shihan.
Senior Examiner:
Tim Klus (KYOSHI) 6th Dan.
Kyoshi has been grading in SAMA for 20 years and oversees gradings across many of the other areas, such as:
Horsham, Gosport, Bournemouth, Winchester, Southampton, Basingstoke & London.
Pictured above: Hanshi (Centre), Shihan (Right) & Kyoshi (Left)
GRADING FEES
LOCAL AREA KARATE GRADINGS:
CHILD (Under 16’s)
Grading for Red to 2nd Blue Belt: £25.00
(lesson, grading test & belt inc.)
Grading for Brown: £30.00
ADULT (16+)
Grading for Red to 2nd Blue Belt: £30.00
(lesson, grading test & belt inc.)
Grading for Brown: £35.00
WORTHING MAIN HIGH GRADES
(No Pre – Grade Lesson Available)
Belts are sold separately
Grading for Brown or 2nd Brown belt: CHILD £20.00 ADULT £25.00
Grading for Red/White/Blue Belt: CHILD £25.00 ADULT £30.00
Grading for Black Belt: CHILD £50.00 ADULT £75.00
Please note we have stopped accepting cheques as a form of payment.
Cash or card payments only.
SAMA West Sussex 