Here are the details for the upcoming Black Belt Preparation Cycle - for Candidates for Black Belt (CBBs) and Candidates for Dan Grade (CDGs).
This information applies only to students enrolled at Black Belt Martial Arts Hornsby.
Please pay for your Prep Cycle & Grading Fee HERE Payment is due on February 2nd, 2026.
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Advanced Brown Belt students are encouraged to train as much as possible between now and Induction (the entrance exam to Prep Cycle).
We have organised two classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings (5.45pm) specifically designed to help give you more focussed attention. If you can make it to these sessions they will be aimed at covering key areas you need to be able to do for black belt.
2. We would like to offer you unlimited training for Term 4 2025 - in level 2&3 classes (at no extra cost). Please, take this opportunity to train as much as you can.
3. We are holding a mandatory Karate Brown advanced belt student assessment night on Friday the 12th of December @ 6pm - 7:30pm (at the Hornsby dojo). The assessment night is designed as an opportunity to review your progress in karate and determine your eligibility for the next induction. Depending on the outcome, we will be able to let you know if we should aim for the upcoming induction in January, or plan for the following one.All students under 50 are encouraged to start a regular, safe running program. Track your runs and results using an app eg. the Runkeeper app, so you can share your progress with us.
We are running a Kumite Immersion Seminar from Monday January 12 to Saturday January 16 (5 x kumite deep-dive sessions). Potential candidates for Black Belt and Dan Grade promotion should consider these sessions mandatory.
Additional costs apply ($99 for all 5 sessions).Hornsby Dojo Candidates are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible during the January holidays - starting on Monday January 5. Please speak with us if you are unsure which sessions are best for YOU.
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Hornsby Dojo are hosting a mandatory Brown advanced belt student assessment night on Friday December 12 @ 6pm - 7:30pm (at the Hornsby dojo).
The assessment night is designed as an opportunity to review your progress in karate and determine your eligibility for the next induction.
Depending on the outcome, we will let you know if we should aim for the upcoming induction or plan for the following one. -
Black Belt Information Session and Q&A.
Friday December 12 - from 7:30pm until 8:30 or 9pm. At Hornsby Dojo.
Mandatory Info session for any student wishing to attend the October grading, AND for PARENTS of students under 18 years.
We will tell you everything you need to know about Induction, Prep Cycle and Black Belt Testing.
We’ll also provide lots of time for ‘Q&A’ to discuss anything on your mind related to the Black Belt Grading.
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Formal Black Belt Induction Exam -Karate and Kickboxing
2:30pm CBBs, 4pm Dan grades.
This event will be held at BBMA WEST GOSFORD - on the Central Coast
Induction Test for Candidates for Black Belt and Candidates for Dan Grade upgrade.
Eligible advanced brown belt students (testing for Black Belt), and eligible Black Belts (testing for an advanced Dan Grade) will participate in an ‘Induction’ Test.
If this test is passed, candidates will proceed through to the BBMA Black Belt ‘Preparation Cycle’. Cadidates who successfully complete Prep Cycle will progress to the formal Black Belt Exam.
Participants will be taken through a series of testing events, which will be assessed by a panel of senior teachers.
For example, Karate students will be tested on:
Kihon (basics)
Kata (all Kata for their belt level)
eg. Adv Brown Belt CBBs must confidently demonstrate ALL 5 ‘Heian’ KataKumite (sparring)
Students do NOT need to bring along any weapons.
Note for parents: This is a rigorous, formal testing event, which may feel stressful for some students. We expect some nervousness to start :) We set a high standard. Not all students will pass the Induction Exam this time. For those who do not pass (and are asked to try again next time) some level of disappointment, and possible upset, is to be expected. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. And we ask that parents/carers remain at the venue for the entire testing event - to provide emotional support and encouragement
Black Belt Prep Cycle and Grading FEE - $395
Your Prep Cycle and Black Belt Test Fee is due for payment immediately after passing your Induction Test.
Pay your Black Belt Fee HERE
Induction start times TBA (it will be an afternoon-to-early-evening session):
Session times:
2:30pm CBBs (Karate & KB)
4pm Dan grades (Karate & KB)Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your session is due to start. Allow extra time for bad traffic and unforseen events. You cannot be late to an Induction Exam.
Bring your correctly fitted mouth guard and all your sparring equipment
Ensure your hair is tied back neatly. No hair hanging in your face (if you have a very long fringe it must be tied up out of your face)
Ensure your uniform fits perfectly and is white, clean and fresh
Bring your current belt (previous CBB applicants should wear their black/white CBB belt)
Jewellery and watches (including ‘fitbit’/garmin/fitness watches) are not permitted for safety reasons
Bring a big drink of water
Pls note, actual times are ‘fluid’ as we put the student group first, and need to allow additional times for some student groups.
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When does Prep Cycle run?
Prep Cycle is currently expected to start on Monday February 2nd. will run until Monday March 23rd.
Candidates must attend a minimum of 80% of ALL sessions, during the Prep Cycle Period.
CBBs attend
Twice-weekly CBB Prep Cycle classes at Hornsby Dojo (these replace your previous regular classes), and
Weekly Prep Cycle sessions at Gosford Dojo, and
Weekly Fitness sessions on the Central Coast.
Any specialist seminars, workshops or information night events put on specifically for CBB and CDG candidates
In addition, you may also be invited to attend a Sparring class at Hornsby Dojo. .
Please bring your sparring equipment to every CBB/CDG Prep Cycle class.
Candidates for Karate DAN GRADE upgrade
You will attend your REGULAR classes during Prep Cycle, in addition to:
The Saturday Prep Cycle sessions at BBMA Gosford
All the Weekly Fitness Sessions on Sundays
You may also be invited to attend the Sparring class at Hornsby Dojo.
Please bring your sparring equipment to every CBB/CDG Prep Cycle class.
Kickboxing Candidates
You will attend your REGULAR classes during Prep Cycle, in addition to:
the BBMA GOSFORD Prep Cycle Sessions on Saturdays
All the Weekly Fitness Sessions on Sundays
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CBBs must attend 2 Prep Cycle Classes per week at Hornsby Dojo, plus the weekly Prep Cycle class at BBMA Gosford, plus a weekly Fitness Session (usually held at Adcock Park on the Central Coast).
The Black Belt Belt Prep Cycle for the March 2026 Grading starts on Monday February 2nd:
Mandatory Weekly CBB Prep Cycle Classes at Hornsby Dojo:
Mondays at 5:45pm, AND
Wednesdays at 5:45pm
Mandatory Prep Cycle (afternoon) Classes at Gosford Dojo:
Sat Feb 7
Sat Feb 14
Sunday Feb 22
Sat Mar 7
Mandatory PRE-TEST: Sunday March 15
Session times Vary. Please refer to your prep cycle calendar.
Mandatory Fitness Sessions - 7:30am start - at Adcock Park in Gosford:
Sunday Feb 8
Sunday Feb 15
Saturday Feb 21
Sunday March 1
Sunday March 8
Please note: the session starts at 7:30am (eg if you are running, all runners will start their timed run at 7:30am). Please arrive EARLY - to find parking (it’s a busy park!) and warm up.
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Black Belt Candidates for Dan Grade must attend at least 2 x regular Black Belt classes per week at Hornsby Dojo, plus the weekly Prep Cycle Fitness Sessions, Plus the weekly scheduled Prep Cycle Classes at Gosford Dojo.
See CBB Prep Cycle Schedule for Gosford Prep Cycle Sessions and Fitness Session details.
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During Prep Cycle, Candidates attend weekly fitness sessions on the Central Coast.
Fitness Sessions will be held at Adcock Memorial Park in Gosford:
Sunday Feb 8
Sunday Feb 15
Saturday Feb 21
Sunday March 1
Sunday March 8
Wear running gear, a BBMA-Branded t-shirt and your karate/KB belt. Proper running shoes must be worn.
Wear a hat and sunscreen, and a towel. We recommend bringing a yoga mat if you have one.
A BBMA-branded t-shirt is MANDATORY.
It’s mandatory to wear your BELT (Karate/KB).
Please note: the Fitness Sessions all start at 7:30am SHARP.
If you are running, ALL runners will start their timed run at exactly 7:30am.
Please arrive EARLY - to find parking (it’s a busy park - our advice is to get their early to secure a spot) and warm yourself up properly before your run/workout.
To qualify to enter a Black Belt Preparation Cycle, Candidates under 50 years must demonstrate they can achieve the following fitness requirements:
Please note:
Squat kicks = a low squat followed immediately by a chest-high front kick
Sit-ups = hands/wrists must pass over knees. Focus on squeezing abs and not ‘rocking’. Partner assistance (eg. someone holding your feet) is NOT permitted.
Push ups = on toes, straight back, chest down to the floor (a ‘fist’ distance from chest to floor).
Older students and those with injuries under management by a heath care professional are encouraged to work with Sensei Josh to ensure all movements are performed safely (with appropriate modifications).
