Belt Promotion FAQ – Cho's Martial Arts - Greenfield

At Cho's Martial Arts, our belt promotions are a time to celebrate student progress and dedication. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our belt promotion process.

What is the belt promotion?

The belt promotion is your opportunity to progress to the next belt rank. It is a public event, making it a great time to invite family and friends to see your progress and hard work since the last promotion. Belt promotions are never mandatory, but are the only way to progress to the next rank in your martial arts journey. If you do not feel ready, or if you are unable to attend the promotion date, please speak with an instructor.

When and where is the belt promotion?

Our promotions are held once every 2 months, are are typically the second Saturday of that month. They are held at Saint Boniface School in Germantown. The event starts at 9:15am with our awards ceremony, where eligible students receive award patches based on milestones and performance throughout their martial arts career. Students will be notified through email and at registration when eligible for these awards. After the award ceremony, promotion groups starts with White Belt and ascend by current belt rank.

How long does the promotion take?

The promotion should take between 15-25 minutes depending on group size, age, and belt rank. Once your portion of the promotion is complete, you are free to leave or stay to watch and encourage your friends and classmates. During registration with instructors, you will receive a timesheet and map with specific highlighted starting times depending on age and current rank.

How do I know if I am ready?

Belt promotion applications are distributed to eligible students typically 10-12 days before the event date. To become eligible, instructors look at several factors including time at rank, attendance requirement for rank, and proficiency in belt material and curriculum. Students must have all required stripes before they can receive their promotion application.

• Purple (kicking and punching techniques)

• Gray (forms and blocking)

• Brown (board breaking)

• Orange (sparring) *High Green belt and up

What if I have not received my application yet?

Students have until the Wednesday before the promotion date to work towards earning their stripes and gaining approval from their instructor. There are several recourses outside of regular class to help students feel confident and ready for their belt promotion.

Super Saturday:

A specialty class held the Saturday before the promotion date. An hour and a half in length, this class covers techniques, forms, board breaking, helps students mentally and physically prepare, and is a great way to clean up performance and earn the last stripes needed.

Private lessons:

One-on-one training is available for students to get extra help and training outside of their typical scheduled class times. Private lessons are a half hour long, and offer a unique focus on personal improvement.

Pre-testing:

For students ranked Green - High Red belt, 7 years and older. The Wednesday before each promotion date is dedicated to helping students make the final decision to either attend the promotion or wait. The pre-testing times are always posted on our social media, emailed to students and parents, and available in our Kick'n Times Newsletter for that month.

Please note: Wednesday pre-testing is not a regular class date. If you have already received your promotion application, or do not plan on attending that months belt promotion, you do not need to attend. Pre-testing is designed to give students who are planning on attending the belt promotion a little extra time and attention to prepare.

For all students Deputy Black Belt and up, a mandatory pre-testing is held two weeks prior to the promotion date. Black Belt pre-testing and subsequent promotion are by Master Corey's invitation only. Eligible students will receive notification both by email, and personal invitation in class.

How do I register?

Please bring your promotion application and payment to the front desk. Your instructor will process your application, and answer any other questions you may have. If registering for a child, you will need to sign off on the application giving permission to attend the event.

The registration deadline is always the Wednesday before the promotion date. If you are unable to register before then, please speak with an instructor.

Please note: belt promotion registration payments must be cash or check only. Debit/credit payments are not accepted.

What should I bring?

All students must wear their full uniform (white pants only) and belt. Make sure your uniform is clean and belt tied correctly, as presentation is part of the martial arts discipline. All Black Belts should also make sure any patches they have are sewn onto their uniform in the correct areas.

All High Green Belts and up must bring their full set of sparring gear. Please make sure you have all pieces, including mouth guard, prior to the event. We also recommend marking gear with initials or name in case of misplaced gear, in order to help instructors return lost pieces to students.

A water bottle and snacks are a good choice to stay fueled and hydrated through the morning. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and finally bring a positive attitude and do your best! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out and speak with your instructor. We are all here for your success. Pil sung!