Black Belt Testing with the Uechiryu Butokukai(tm).
The Black Belt Testing with the Uechiryu Butokukai(tm) is a six-step process that spans for nine months and includes.
BLACK BELT TESTING CROSS TRAINING and select dojos in the association open their classes to all the candidates. While we are asking all candidates attend ten “foreign” classes (i.e. at dojos other than their home dojo), candidates who participate in as many as feasible find the experience very rewarding.
BLACK BELT TESTING PREVIEW for all candidates Sandan/Level Three and below. During this preview, candidates will be performing in front of a panel of senior judges. In the days following the preview and the review, all the candidates will receive detailed feedback from the judges.
BLACK BELT HISTORY AND TERMINOLOGY Test; Uechiryu has a long and detailed history, and - as such - it is important for its representatives (Black Belts) to have a solid working knowledge of it. The written portion of the Black Belt Test is a History and Terminology Test, which is administered at the candidates’ home dojo.
BLACK BELT TESTING REVIEW is where the candidates get to demonstrate their IMPROVED skill levels. With the intense training from both their home dojo and the many available opportunities at the select dojos across the Association, combined with the feedback from the preview - the candidates demonstrate how far they have come. For those who need a little extra work, a BLACK BELT TESTING POST-REVIEW.
BLACK BELT PROVISIONAL STATUS is the final phase between the REVIEW and the GRADUATION. Traditionally, the title is “HO” (i.e. Shodan-Ho, Nidan-Ho), where the candidates demonstrate that they will continue the lifestyle of the rank that they have worked up to.
BLACK BELT GRADUATION CEREMONY is where they receive their belts and diplomas. This is held in conjunction with the ANNUAL UECHI CONVENTION.
During these nine months the expectation of all candidates in performance, attitude and commitment will be especially high.