Black belt requirements

The following guidelines MUST be adhered to if you wish to be considered for the following grades:

Black belt requirements

Integrity Martial Arts is known for having the highest of standards. Students are excpected to know their martial art well, and even though every student has different abilities, strengths and weaknesses we will not lower our standards for those who are not prepared to work hard.

We do not cut corners in either time or standards, attitude, effort and commitment are a must for us. If you decide to join and your goal is to be given a black belt because you've never had work hard and earn the coloured belt grades, then perhaps we're not for you, as unlike others we see the black belt as 'Just the beginning'

It will take a minimum of 3 1/2 years to gain black belt status. Some students take twice as long. Remember it's not a race. Some of the senior black belts have been training since the 80's and are still learning.

'YOU DON'T STOP TRAINING WHEN YOU GET OLD, YOU GET OLD WHEN YOU STOP TRAINING'

How are we different?

As stated we are not in the business of false promotions. All our students are thoroughly tested, and sometimes they are not successfull. Of course not everyone is capable of doing high kicks and having the most most amazing movements.

But everyone is capable of working hard.

'HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD'

STRIPES

For the

Black Stripes

To attend minimum regular training, plus extra classes with different Instructors in your area.
Should concentrate and focus on their training and practise at home.
Need to have a positive helpful attitude, assisting in the class to aid personal development.
Learn that whatever day you’ve had, you’re always upbeat and positive in class.
Should have good technical knowledge, good etiquette and an above average fitness level.
100% effort is a must at this level.

Degrees

For the

1st Degrees

Regular training must be maintained at all times.
Becoming a 1st Degree does not give you the right to ‘Lord it up’ over fellow students. In fact humility is key.
Understand that everybody is different, and should always treat people with respect and courtesy.
Re- inforcing the 100% effort required at each session as you are now considered as a role model.
Need to have a greater understanding of all techniques learnt.
Improving your knowledge and gaining experience by attending seminars.
Various courses, i.e. assistant instructors, first aid and umpires should be considered. Help at gradings and demonstrations is actively encouraged.

Degrees

For the

2nd Degrees

Necessary attendance at tournaments to assist.
Improved technique and understanding.
Must have a presence at activities such as gradings and demonstrations.
More knowledge of philosophy and history.
Continue with qualifications i.e. Instructors and referees courses.
More responsibility in the class.

Degrees

For the

3rd Degrees

Being involved in teaching and having a willing attitude to teach and pass on knowledge.
Expected to support and attend Integrity events, never think of it as a chore.

Degrees

For the

4th Degrees

To help at camps.
Visible support for Integrity.
Be an ambassador for Integrity rather than just at club level.
Have emotional maturity.
Not to be selfish in your own training, in other words improving other students ability is just as important as your own.
Have a spirit of giving and understanding to others.
Should be known by their presence.

Degrees

For the

For 5th Degrees and Above

Living and breathing Taekwondo/Kickboxing and it’s philosophies.
To be approachable.
To be a source of inspiration.
To continue learning and passing knowledge to others.

So in conclusion

These are guidelines to help you grow in Taekwondo/Kickboxing. Without these guidelines Martial arts and indeed Integrity will not be able to grow and be passed on through the future generations. We also need to preserve the Martial way, which unfortunately has been heavily commercialised with 10 year old 3rd degrees the norm.