Evaluations

American Kenpo Karate Students Evaluation

Student advancement is very important to both students and AKKA staff. Progress in Kenpo Karate is necessary to maintain high levels of interest and motivation. The belt is a sign post on the path of development. Proficiency in the technical aspects of the movement and an understanding of the animal-element metaphor (see links at right) is required for a student to be given the opportunity to test for any particular belt.

Evaluations consist of the following procedures:

• Every student must complete the basic requirements of a belt level before he/she is allowed to test. Belt progression is gold, orange, purple, blue, green, 3rd brown, 2nd brown, 1st brown, black.
• ln order to be eligible to test, students must be current with their account and have a good attendance record. Gold belt candidates must fulfill additional requirements (such as at-home 'to do' list, street-smart program, drug-free program).
• Other belt levels are required to complete a pre-belt test which includes: community service project, calisthenics and all relevant chart material.

If a student passes the pre-belt test, he/she is ready for the formal test for advancement to the next level. Promotional belt tests are held monthly for all ranks through 1st brown. This formal testing is witnessed by advanced-degree instructors.