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On Saturday, I conducted rank testing for my entire Martial Arts School. 17 students ranging in age from their mid 30’s all the way down to the tender age of 4, were put to the test. The ‘tiny ones’ were ask to display such basic moves as simple foot work and falls, while the adults were ask to demonstrate full force self defense tactics.
Starting at 10:00 in the morning, three adults were ask to demonstrate skills in Kata, (set patterns,) Randori, (freestyle,) and Self Defense. Then at noon, the teens arrived, showing off skills similar to the adults. Then came the kids, who were ask to show off their skills in the air against imaginary opponents. The tots and the tiny ones arrived at 2:00, working skills in hand-eye coordination, and simple training patterns.
My condolences go out to one adult student who got his collar bone broken during the test. His doctors say the break should heal well, but it will be a couple of months before he can “return to the mat.” I also want to thank my top ranked student, who came to Salt Lake from Southern Utah to sit on the judge’s panel, and provide the students with an “outside” perspective.
Congratulations to all these students! Sometimes it takes more courage to face a rank test in front of parents and judges than it does to face a bully on the playground. Good luck to you all, and keep training.
