Testing – Why, How, & When?
Why should I test?
Thousands have chosen to learn IKCA Kenpo for various reasons. Some are folks that have always wanted to study a martial art. Some studied as a child and want to go back and finish what they started many years ago. Others are concerned about their personal need for self-defense. There are others who have experience in other martial arts and want to add Kenpo to their skill set. The IKCA Kenpo system serves all of these needs quite well.
Regardless of your reason for choosing IKCA Kenpo, there will come a point when you are ready to move to the next level in the material. That means it’s time to test. If you feel you are ready – Go For It! Check out our pages on Recording Your Test and Submitting Your Test.
Sometimes people don’t want to test. Various reasons include: they are nervous about filming themselves; maybe they are afraid of failing; maybe they just don’t care about belt ranks.
That’s all well and good, but there are two reasons why you should seriously consider sending in your test:
You do want everything we can teach, right?
SGM Chuck Sullivan clearly states on the videos the truth of the matter. What you see being taught on the videos is roughly half the system. The rest is taught to you as you progress through the system. Our CVIs present further information as you demonstrate your knowledge and skill with the components taught via the videos.
Getting it right.
An experienced set of eyes will see things you do not. You’ve committed to learning this terrific art. Isn’t it worth knowing whether or not you got it right?
When should I test?
Watch the videos, practice along with the videos.
Practice by yourself.
Find a partner and practice with a partner.
When you have the movements down where you can do them with minimal prompting – it’s time to watch yourself.
We call this “Pre-testing”.
Film your test using the prepared script, and watch it carefully. Are there any obvious mistakes that jump out at you? Is there anything that you execute ok, but you know you can do better? Take the information you get, and go back to training. Do this as many times as you feel it’s necessary.
How do I test?
When you are satisfied that you are consistently “getting it right”, it’s time to submit your test!
Before you begin filming what we will see, it’s important to review the following pages. This will make sure you have a test that we’ll be able to evaluate properly.
Once you’ve submitted your test properly, you’ll receive your Evaluation Package (pass or fail):
–Video Critique
–Written Critique
If you passed your test, you’ll also receive your promotion package.
If you are unsuccessful. your CVI will tell you what to do next.
Repeat with the next level.
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