Students test at each of their scheduled test dates. Tests represent fixed, short-term goals that you want to successfully complete on time. As in the case of regular school exams, you should study diligently on a daily basis, cramming at the end if necessary to ensure you successfully pass the test.
Student exams are an essential element of any acquired skill. Much like climbing a ladder, exams are designed to help students prove to themselves and their peers that they have the knowledge and skills to move on to the next level. Periodic exams apply the necessary pressure to encourage students to reach their goals within a reasonable timeframe. The help instructors to get a feel for where a student might need some particular attention, while also helping the school to improve its program based on how they see students perform.
Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a Black Belt Academy. The goal, of course, is to help each student achieve Black Belt through a series of successful belt promotions. To break it down even further, belt exams are realized by successfully completing a series of stripe exams.
Keep in mind that no student will be given a belt. Showing up to class twice a week will not guarantee that you progress in rank. You must successfully pass your examination in order to move up in rank.
Stripe exams can best be compared to the ongoing exams students take in any semester course in school. Every 4 weeks, students who have attend the specified amount of classes; students will take a stripe exam that is based on the information covered that month. If they successfully pass the exam, they will receive a stripe. At the end of the semester, the students take a “final” exam, thus gaining their new belt rank.
Good attendance plays a crucial role in a student’s successful trip up the ladder. Stripes cannot be made up, so if a student missed a stripe exam that student must wait until the next exam to make it up.
