Everything you need to know about UPGRADES

The focus of Karate Community is to progressively improve technique and character through diligent training and application of key principles and concepts.

Upgrade Tests are a great way to review, recognise and reward students. They help students develop emotional resilience, goal setting and working towards achieving milestones while overcoming fear and anxiety. They also:

1. Nurture students to overcome insecurities surrounding public demonstration.

2. Encourage students to positively recognise that it is ok to make mistakes and use them as learning experiences. 

3. Support and inspire each other to succeed.   

Sometimes I get asked “When am I being graded, sensei?”. Humorously, it’s the wrong question. "When am I being assessed?” is more appropriate, and the answer is - always.

Peter Zarb - sensei

How do i get UPGRADED?

We are constantly looking and assessing where students are at in their skill development. When ready, students will receive an invitation to present and officially be assessed. While not everyone is ready at the same time to be promoted, and that's ok, participating or spectating in the upgrade will help prepare students for future assessment while encouraging and supporting those presenting for upgrade. 

What type of grading will it be?

There are three types of assessment depending on the time of year.

• Upgrade events

• Small private group assessments

• In-class assessments

Upgrade events are large scale assessments which invite all students to participate in an upgrade seminar that witnesses those from white to black belt present ability befitting their milestones. These are great social occasions that enable all to view the enormous spectrum of skills and dedication from all levels of training. 

Small private group assessments are an intensive workshop hosted at our home dojo for a small congregation of similarly levelled students.

In-class assessments are ad-hoc upgrades that occur between Upgrade events as students demonstrate appropriate skill.

WHY PARTICIPATE in an upgrade event IF I AM NOT GETTING UPGRADED?

How do we properly prepare ourselves for anything? Exposure and experience.

Attending our Upgrade Event as a participant is a great way to feel out what is in store without the pressures of being officially assessed. You’ll go into your grading day more confident and prepared knowing what is in store.

UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS.

There are three A's of assessment that all students are measured against:  

• Attitude: Demonstrate good character and a determination to overcome challenges.

• Ability: Demonstrate competency in proportion to your assessed level. 

• Attendance: Turn up consistently, diligently and do the work.   

If you are unsure about what is required of you for assessment, there is a PDF of our Upgrade Checklist Overview attached, or ask sensei at your next class. 

HOW CAN I PREPARE?

Practice – a lot! In class and at home. Ask questions and seek answers. We want you to succeed. 
All upgrade material needed is covered in class - but it is up to you to practise it. We have many online resources found on our private Facebook members portal and YouTube channel to help you, including: videos, pictures and documents. If you need help finding them, please contact us. 

You can find a downloadable PDF of our Upgrade Competency Checklist here.

If you want to get as prepared as possible, you can book in for some Personal Training intensives with sensei Peter, either one on one or in a small group of up to 3 people [of the same upgrade level]. Contact us for prices. Limited spaces available.

Presentation for promotion is less about being tested to see IF you know the material and more about demonstrating to your peers and family that you DO know!

I've always found comfort in this.

Peter Zarb - sensei

WHAT DO YOU NEED if you are being assessed?

Students presenting for upgrade must ensure they:

• are at the dojo on time

• are at the appropriate standard for the desired rank

• have trained the minimum prerequisite of classes

• are holders of a current membership

• are up to date with all fees

• wear an approved full, clean, white dogi and their belt

• display the appropriate etiquette

• relax and have fun – you’ve got this… probably [there needs to be some pressure!]

When is the next upgrade?

We will contact you by SMS, flyer and email when we hold Upgrade Events. Please keep your contact information up to date with us so you don’t miss out. We also promote these via our Facebook page and Facebook members portal, and on our Events page here on this website, so keep on checking back.

Small private group assessments and In-class assessment candidates will be contacted directly by receiving a hard-copy invitation and Goggle calendar invite.

Successful adn unsuccesful upgrade applicants

Successful students will receive their Official Upgrade Certificate and belt, or stripes, on the day.

Those who do not meet upgrade requirements on the day will be given positive feedback and support. They will receive homework and be reassessed at their next class. 

All successful upgrades will incur an assessment fee which will be invoiced upon completion of the upgrade event. All our upfront costs can be found here.