by Scott Knowles | Apr 26, 2018 | Gradings
Parents and club members, the spring youth grading is this Saturday!
Attached below is information about the event, and the information flyer that has been distributed at the dojo in class and over email.
1. Grading – The BKA annual Spring Youth Grading will be held Saturday, April 28th at Mother Margaret Mary School. We are going to try a new format this time, and have everyone begin the grading at the same time: 9:00AM. As the day progresses we will do three separate grading ceremonies, and upon completion of you son or daughter’s grading, they are free to go. You are also welcome to stay and watch the higher ranks continue their gradings!
- If your son or daughter is currently a white, white-stripe, yellow, they will begin their grading at 9:00AM, and finish by 10:30AM.
- If your son or daughter is currently a yellow stripe, orange, or orange stripe, they will begin their grading at 9:00AM and finish by 11:45AM.
- If your son or daughter is currently a green, green stripe, blue, or blue stripe, they will begin their grading at 9:00AM and finish by 12:45PM.
2. Promotion – Progress in rank in karate comes primarily through a combination of three things:
- Time – time is required to master techniques, improve timing, and build gross and fine motor skills. For the lower ranks, we outline the general minimum times where students can expect to remain at a given rank in the attached sheets. We do keep attendance, and look at this as we consider which students are likely ready for promotion.
- Skill – results from practice, which results from time spent on the floor. In general, we look at three aspects to karate training. The first is basic technique, in isolation, or in combinations. These need to be performed at a level of proficiency appropriate for the age and rank sought. The second is kata. Kata is good because it shows individual commitment to learning and mastering a specific routine. It is something your son or daughter could practice at home to improve. The last element is sparring, either with pads, the instructors, or against other students, according to their rank. This shows an ability to integrate basic technique into combinations in a random situation.
- Attitude – the general approach the student brings to class, and their supportiveness for other students as a training partner and in some cases, mentor.
- It is not uncommon for students at the yellow-stripe and higher ranks to need one year of training in order to advance. Where instructors have decided that a student would benefit from another term at their present rank, they are still encouraged to come and participate in the grading experience, but we try to let parents know in advance (by e-mail) so that you can best decided how to prepare your son or daughter. In some cases, decisions are made on the day, based on the opinion of other instructors present. Please realize that it does not do any favours to the student to advance them too fast, as they can become frustrated with the new material and overwhelmed with the experience if they are not ready. We explain it to the kids as being like skipping a grade at school.
See you Saturday!
by Scott Knowles | Feb 14, 2018 | Clinics, Gradings
With the Black Belt Grading in May closing quickly, the time has come for the annual Northern Alberta pre-grading. This year, the Bushido Karate Association will be hosting the event at The Derrick Club in Edmonton on March 18th from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. The dojo will be open at 9:30AM to allow students to warm up, as we will begin right at 10:00AM. Please bring snacks and other assorted drinks. There will be water breaks and break for lunch during the event to make sure you are well fuelled.
The pre-grading process is strongly recommended for all students looking to grade in May, so that they can be assessed by instructors outside their dojo, and received constructive feedback to assist in their success on grading day. This event will be open to all brown belt students and up. Southern Alberta
grading candidates are welcome to attend this event if they are unable to attend the grading in their region.
Action Item: If you are sending any students that are looking to be examined, please send their Name and Home Dojo to Sensei Scott Knowles (scott@edmonton-karate.com).
Action Item: If you or any of your senior students are willing to serve on the Joseki for the Pre-Grading, please contact Sensei Scott Knowles (scott@edmonton-karate.com). Ideally we would call for ranks Sandan or higher, but senior Nidans may be called on the day for extra assistance.
Download a copy of the PDF Flyer.
by Scott Knowles | Dec 7, 2017 | Gradings
Club members,
The BKA annual Spring Youth Grading will be held Saturday, December 9th at S Bruce Smith School. More information is available on the Event Flyer PDF, available in our Events section online.
The grading is split into two parts, to accommodate the number of students we have:
- a. If your son or daughter is currently a white, white-stripe, yellow, or is green belt or higher, then they are to arrive by 8:45 am for a 9:00 am start. For white, white stripe, and yellow, your grading will be done by 10:30, and you’ll be free to go at that time.
- b. If your son or daughter is currently yellow stripe, orange, or orange stripe, they should be at the venue by 10:15 for a 10:30 am start. Their grading will be done by 12:45.
by Scott Knowles | May 2, 2017 | Gradings, News
Students,
What an awesome grading yesterday! 90 participants, 10 helpers, and 12 black-belts oversaw a grading where 62 young people achieved new rankings.
I want to thank members of the teen and adult class for helping, parents who, throughout the year, got their kids to class, and instructors, who helped make the day special for many bright talents.
by Scott Knowles | Dec 10, 2016 | Gradings
Great grading this morning! 101 candidates, with 74 successfully morning to new ranks.
Thank you to the 14 black belts, 6 members of the adult club, and all of the parents, siblings, and supporters who came out to make the day special for all kids!
by Scott Knowles | Dec 8, 2016 | Gradings
Members,
On Saturday, December 10, the BKA will host its Annual Fall Grading for our Youth Members at S. Bruce Smith School 5545 184 Street NW.
9:00 – 10:30 White, White-stripe, Yellow
10:30 – 12:30 – Yellow Stripe, Orange, Orange-Stripe
9:00 – 12:30 – Green and Up
Adult members who would like to volunteer to help and see amazing feats performed by young people are welcome.
