Testing
Tests are hard, fun, sweaty rights of passage to new levels of training, responsibility
and community. On Test Day, students are reviewed by a Sensei—usually not their current instructor.
Each stripe and belt signifies a body of knowledge, level of skill and evolution
of spirit that any visiting instructor should be able to call
upon simply by looking at a student's belt. As such, students are individually invited to test when those attributes are
observed in daily training instead of after a certain number
of classes
attended
or amount
of dues paid.
A Cuong Nhu tester is more like a sherpa than a drill instructor. The tester fully expects that everyone there is fully prepared for the test
or their Sensei would not have sent them. The tester, therefore, acts as a guide, leading prepared climbers up the mountain. Tests are intimidating as they approach, exciting as they happen, and in hindsight,
fun and valuable learning experiences. Test
eligibility should never be presumed, and it is impolite
to plead with a Sensei to test. In Cuong Nhu etiquette, an inappropriate question would be, "Can I (or my child)
take the next test?" An appropriate question would be, "At
this
stage,
what can I (or my child) work on to become a better martial
artist?" Adult Testing
Adult
tests are held quarterly. Tests last 60-90 minutes for low-ranked
adults and about three hours for advanced adults. Black belt
tests are held over the course of a three-day event at the
International
Training Camp on
Memorial Day weekend or
at the Grand Master’s Winter Regional test in Jacksonville,
Florida.
Belt
tests are given by visiting
instructors and Masters to ensure national standards.
Unity encourages advanced students
to attend
regional tests at other Cuong Nhu dojos around
the country. Co-mingling ensures that
as students approach teaching and leadership roles within
Cuong
Nhu,
they are immersed in the culture of the style
and can develop relationships with Masters who will provide
life-long instruction and encouragement. Kids' Testing
Major tests
for kids are held quarterly; smaller tests are held as needed.
Beginners tests are
designed to introduce kids to the testing process and
to build self-confidence. As
they
progress, students test less frequently and are held to higher
standards.
Parents should attend to provide encouragement and to learn
more about our martial arts community. Tests last about 50 minutes for the youngest kids and 90 minutes for older,
advanced kids.
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