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Chendokan Aikido Belt Test Requirements

You will be notified by your instructor that you have been selected to test. On the
test slip, you will be notified of the testing fee. The testing fee must be paid no
later than 24 hours before the day of the test.
Be at least 15 minutes early to warm up. You are not guaranteed warm up time
during the test. Cold muscles are more likely to be injured. Take the time to
warm up and you'll do better.
You must wear your full uniform and the proper uniform for the art you are testing
in. The school/art patch must be on your uniform in the correct location. (For
example, if you are testing in Aikido, you must wear a white gi uniform with the
blue Chendokan Aikido patch on the left chest side.)
Testing begins as scheduled. (Aikido usually tests at 6pm, Jujitsu usually test
starting at 5:30.) Check with your instructor to be certain you know when the test
begins. If you are late, you will not test.
If you are testing, you'll be asked to present your 'book'. This is a notebook of
some kind with your personal notes in it. Your testing sheet (list of the things you
are supposed to know for your test) should be included. Everything else is up to
you. You may have as little or as much as you'd like. These are your notes.
Once the test begins there are no water breaks and no bathroom breaks. Be
sure you are well hydrated and that you've had a chance to use the bathroom
before you test.
If you are injured or need to stop for any reason, immediately notify the instructor
leading the test. You are not required to continue if you are injured. But, if you
have to stop the test for any reason, you are not eligible for your belt. Safety first,
however. You can test next time.
When testing, listen carefully to what the instructor is asking you to do. Do it the
best you can. If you are confused about what you are being told to do, ask for
clarification. But, this is not teaching time. You can not ask how to do
something. This is a chance to show what you've learned.
Remember that instructors have seen you do these katas and techniques
hundreds of times in class. They want you to succeed and you wouldn't be
testing if they didn't already know you know the material. Remember that and try
to relax. If you do make a mistake your instructor may ask you to repeat the
technique. Don't worry, this is a chance to recover. There are no grades here.
Even if you slip up, it will just tell the instructor where to work with you when
testing is done.
Don't turn your back to the instructor if possible. If you need to turn around to go
get something, take at least one step back while facing the instructor, then turn
around.
Try to do katas together with the group. Katas are not a competition. You are
there to show what you know. Everyone's kata will look better if you do them
together and time them the same. This will be easier if you practice with the
people you'll be testing will ahead of time.
Remember during randori that we are practicing. The person doing the randori
is showing what they know. It is not competition or a real fight. If you are the
person doing randori remember to be considerate of your uke's. Don't execute
techniques on students who will be unable to ukemi or otherwise protect
themselves. You are being tested on your ability to control yourself, the group,
and individual uke's. Control is the key word.
If you are observing testing, be quiet and respectful. Be on time so you don't
disrupt the test. You may take pictures if you wish, but avoid flashes in the eyes
of the people testing. You may also take video. If you wish to use a tripod you
may, just set it up before the test. You may not step on the mat at any time
during testing. Do not step on the mat to get a better shot. Do not step on the
mat to offer encouragement. You are welcome, however, to clap or offer
encouraging comments during randori.
If you are a student who is not testing and you are assisting with the test by being
an uke for someone, behave as if it is your test. Be on time. Don't disrupt others
testing. Follow instructions given to you by the instructor. Wear your proper
uniform. The instructor will tell you when they want you on and off the mat. If you
are off the mat, stay warmed up and stretched so you are not injured.
At the end of testing, the instructor may have students line up at the front and give
you a critique of how you did. This is to help you identify what to work on next
time. It doesn't mean that you failed the test. The instructor will tell you if you
passed or failed. If you have any question, see the instructor after the test and
ask for clarification.
If you have any questions or concerns about how something was handled during
testing, discuss it with the instructor privately after testing.
You will not be given your belt on the day of testing. There will be a belt
ceremony a week or so after testing. You will be presented your belt then.
If you have any questions about testing, talk to your instructor ahead of time.