Grading Information and FAQ's
With our Spring Gradings approaching we just wanted to provide some information and answer some FAQ’s in advance.
What are the gradings?
This is a tested opportunity for students to take their next belt. Our Coaches will put you through all the elements of training and assess your ability. If you pass you will be awarded your next belt in classes in the following weeks.
How do I know I am ready to grade?
Kids and Juniors operate on a stripe based system. Kids require 8 coloured stripes, and Jnrs 4 black stripes. We will send out an invitation to book in once they are close to this point.
Adults are invited to grade whenever they feel ready to take on the challenge of the event. Speak to your Instructor for guidance on if they feel you are prepared and what you need to work on.
When are the gradings?
Saturday 16th March
Grading times will be confirmed closer to the date but as a rough guide:
Pre-Grades - 11.00am
Red, Yellow, Orange (Kids) -11.30am
Green > Purples (Kids) - 12.30pm
Red, Yellow Orange (Jnrs) - 1.30pm
Green > Purples (Juniors) - 2.30pm
Adults (All Grades) - 3.30pm
Where are the gradings?
Warrior Martial Arts,
Baptist Church Hall,
Gravel Road,
BR2 8PE
How much does the gradings cost?
The cost of a colour belt grading is £32
What about students Grading to Brown Belts and Above?
We will send out separate information for these gradings shortly after this. But in short, these are held at a separate event. This now includes Purple/Whites grading to Brown.
What will I need for the gradings?
If it is your first grading you will just need your Warrior MA uniform, your white belt and your own pair of boxing gloves.
If you are a Red Belt you will also need a Headguard and Gumshield
If you are a Yellow Belt you will also need Footpads and Shinguards
Detailed information on the required sparring gear and uniform can be found at the link below:
Equipment
https://www.warrior-martial-arts.com/equipment
Uniform
https://www.warrior-martial-arts.com/uniform
What if I can’t make the grading date?
We hold gradings 3x per year, so there is always the option to wait. There will be an alternative date for those who miss the gradings, this will be announced closer to the time. Speak to your Instructor if this is the case.
Are Gradings Compulsory?
No, however they do provide a great way to structure your training and provide a worthwhile goal to train towards. Whilst being completely optional, we highly recommend taking part.
How do I book in for the gradings?
We will send out a grading invitation once booking opens that will include a link to book in via our website.
My WAKO Student Licence has expired
If you have trained for over one year, your student licence may have expired. This will need to be renewed in order to take part in a WAKO grading. This can be done via your Instructor and costs £20.
What is the Grading Practice session?
This session is an optional additional practice class that specifically focuses on running through a mock grading. Whilst running through this, coaches will provide detailed information on what grading Instructors are looking for when marking. Whilst not compulsory it’s highly recommended, those who attend often perform better at the grading event. This can also be booked in via our website store.
What Do I Need To Practice For The Grading?
We recommend taking a look at our Syllabus that is linked below. This is what you’ll be tested on during the Grading Event. This is all stuff that we will have been training in classes.