Karate Group/Level Upgrade at Hornsby Dojo
What is a Group/Level Upgrade?
A Group/Level Upgrade is a mandatory formal exam, which eligible students must attend and pass if they wish to upgrade to the next BBMA program level:
Basic to L1 - Green Advanced belt students, upgrading to Blue Belt
L1 to L2 - Purple Advanced Belt students, upgrading to Gold Belt
L2 to L3 - Orange Advanced Belt students, upgrading to Red Belt
This event is NOT for Lil Dragons :)
Program upgrades represent a significant belt promotion at BBMA, and the belt testing process is therefore more challenging.
The Group/Level upgrade is a centralised testing event, which means it may be attended by students from any/every other BBMA School.
The testing is conducted by a panel of senior Teachers - from Hornsby Dojo and from other BBMA schools - including Kyoshi Liz Mahler herself (BBMA Founder and Master Teacher).
A Group Upgrade is designed to be challenging
The testing becomes increasingly difficult (we set higher standards) for entry into each consecutive level. These standards are challenging but also achievable, for the vast majority of students, with consistent attendance and applied effort.
Not everyone will pass their Group/Level upgrade test, and that’s ok.
It’s normal, and to be expected, that students will slow down in their belt progress (by staying on their current belt level for another term or two) at various stages in their journey to black belt. This happens for a variety of reasons and students may choose this for themselves (for example, during a busy work or family period), or we may make the decision - based on our assessment of what is best for the student in the longer term.
Who is eligible to attempt a Group/Level upgrade?
Students are eligible to attempt a BBMA Level Upgrade if they have…
Attended enough classes by the end of the current/testing term (at least 16 classes by the end of term).
Demonstrated a history of regular training (at least 2 classes per week)
Completed all sections/activities and challenges within the Level Upgrade Journal - either in hard copy or online via the mobile app
Demonstrated the required skills for their program - including kata/forms
Consistently demonstrated the required level of effort, training intensity and ‘coachability’ in regular classes (ie have shown effort and a desire to learn/change/improve).
Have not been on hold (or suspended their membership or tuition payments) for any part of the testing term.
Zero $ outstanding/overdue tuition. Must be completely up to date with all payments.
Paid their Group/Level Upgrade Fee.
Own all the necessary kumite (sparring) safety equipment. For Karate students this means gloves, shin guards, mouth guard, groin guard (male), chest guards (female), body guard (all) and head guard (children under 14 years).
A word about online training…
We do NOT recommend online training for students attempting a group/level upgrade, except as an ADDITION/supplement to your regular in-class training.
We recommend students attend 2-3 classes per week at the Dojo, and also participate in regular ‘at home’ practice (with the support of the Online Academy). You’ll need to demonstrate a consistent pattern of attendance before attempting a Group/Level Upgrade test.
We strongly advise against cramming classes during makeup class weeks just prior to testing. Cramming = a last minute rush to catch up on missed training, in attempt to meet the minimum attendance requirements.
In Martial Arts, sustainable )and safe) skills development requires ‘slow learning’; a history of regular, consistent in-Dojo learning, over an extended period of time.
The upcoming Group/Level Upgrade for Karate students will be held on Friday June 19:
These are ESTIMATED times, and will be confirmed closer to the date…
Basic to L1 - for current Green Advanced belts - 6:30pm Start
L1 to L2 - for current Purple Advanced Belts - 7:30pm Start
L2 to L3 - for current Orange Advanced Belts - 7:30pm Start
Grading Tips
Bring all your sparring gear (including correctly fitted mouthguard)
Wear a correctly fitting (not too big or too small) Karate Gi and your Belt
Your Gi must be clean, undamaged and free of stains or wrinkles
Hair must be neatly tied up away from your face
Gi must be worn correctly (not gaping or open at front)
Belt must be tied correctly (knot correct etc)
Bring a big drink of water
Arrive 15 mins before your session start time
Jewellery and watches (including ‘fitness’ watches) are not permitted on the mats
Parents - we recommend you stay for the entirety of the Group/Level upgrade test. A group upgrade exam is a formal testing event, and not all students will pass successfully. Some students will be asked to ‘re-test’ (try again), and some students will be asked to wait on their current belt for another full term. If your child does not pass the test, they may naturally feel upset/disappointed and appreciate additional support and encouragement from you. Please be assured - we make all testing decisions with the very best interests of your child in mind. Your child already receives regular personalised feedback in their regular classes. We will ensure they understand why they may not be ready for a belt promotion, and exactly what is required of them to pass the Level Upgrade exam next time.