Here are tentative (draft only) 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.
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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 brand new 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 the rest of the term 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 Brown advanced belt student assessment night on the 30th of May @ 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 or plan for the following one, approximately six months from now.We are running a Kumite Immersion Seminar from July 14 to July 18 (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).
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Hornsby Dojo are hosting a mandatory Brown advanced belt student assessment night on the 30th of May @ 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, approximately six months from now. -
Black Belt Information Session Q&A = via zoom only (Sensei Josh will be hosting the call from his home).
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.
12-1pm
Saturday July 19
BBMAH black belt zoom meeting
Join Zoom Meeting 12pm 19/7/2025
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85024618044?pwd=lZ7WUleuFuvu38eRWreV7DKepS0r6J.1
Meeting ID: 850 2461 8044
Passcode: BBMAH -
Formal Black Belt Induction Exam -Karate and Kickboxing
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 times for Saturday August 9, 2025
Session times:
- Kickboxing: 3pm start
- Candidates for Black Belt: 4pm start
- Candidates for Dan Grade: 5:30pm startPlease 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 August 11. It will run until Saturday October 4.
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, and
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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This is an indicative/draft schedule, for early planning purposes only. All dates may be subject to change.
CBBs must attend 2 Prep Cycle Classes per week, plus the weekly Prep Cycle class at BBMA Gosford, plus a weekly Fitness Session (usually held at Adcock
Park on the Central Coast)lAugust 9 - Black Belt Induction Exam, BBMA Gosford on the Central Coast. This is the formal entrance examination. Students must pass this exam before entering a Prep Cycle.
August 11 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
August 13 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
At GOSFORD Dojo on Central Coast:
Prep Cycle #1 Saturday 16th August. KB 11am; CBB 12.15pm; Dan Grade 1.45pm
August 18 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
August 20 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
At GOSFORD Dojo:
Prep Cycle #2 Sunday 24th August. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmAugust 25 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
August 27 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
GOSFORD Dojo:
Prep Cycle #3
Sunday 31st August. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmSeptember 1 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
September 3 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
September 6 - combined CBB & CDG Prep Cycle Class, 1:15pm at Hornsby Dojo
September 8 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
September 10 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
September 13 - combined CBB & CDG Prep Cycle Class, 1:15pm at Hornsby Dojo
September 15 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
September 17 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
At GOSFORD:
Prep Cycle #4
Saturday 20th September. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmSeptember 24 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
At GOSFORD
Prep Cycle PRETEST
Sunday 28th September. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmSeptember 29 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
October 1 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
Prep Cycle REVIEW Sunday 5th October KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pm
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This is an indicative/draft schedule, for early planning purposes only. All dates may be subject to change.
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 (schedule TBC), Plus:
August 9 - Black Belt Induction Exam, BBMA Gosford on the Central Coast. This is the formal entrance examination. Students must pass this exam before entering a Prep Cycle.
August 16 - Prep Cycle Class at Gosford Dojo on Central Coast. Saturday afternoon.
Prep Cycle #1 Saturday 16th August. KB 11am; CBB 12.15pm; Dan 1.45pm (Kuro Obi Keiko kai Karate @ 3.15pm)
At GOSFORD Dojo on Central Coast:
Prep Cycle #1 Saturday 16th August. KB 11am; CBB 12.15pm; Dan Grade 1.45pm
August 18 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
August 20 - CBB Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
At GOSFORD Dojo:
Prep Cycle #2 Sunday 24th August. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmGOSFORD Dojo:
Prep Cycle #3
Sunday 31st August. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmSeptember 6 - combined CBB & CDG Prep Cycle Class, 1:15pm at Hornsby Dojo
September 13 - combined CBB & CDG Prep Cycle Class, 1:15pm at Hornsby Dojo
At GOSFORD:
Prep Cycle #4 Saturday 20th September. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmAt GOSFORD
Prep Cycle PRETEST
Sunday 28th September. KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pmSeptember 29 - CBB & CDG Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
October 1 - CBB & CDG Prep Cycle Class 5:45pm, Hornsby Dojo
Prep Cycle REVIEW Sunday 5th October KB 12pm; CBB 1.15pm; Dan 2.45pm
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Prep Cycle Fitness #1 Sunday 17th August. 7.30am Adcock Park - 2 groups split
Prep Cycle Fitness #2 Saturday 23rd August. 2pm Adcock Park - 2 groups split
Prep Cycle Fitness #3 Saturday 30th August. 2pm Adcock Park - 2 groups split
Prep Cycle Fitness #4 Saturday 20th September 2pm OR Sunday 21st September 7.30am. Adcock Park - 2 groups split
