YOUR GRADING.
BE PREPARED.
A grading is an opportunity to demonstrate the progress you've made through training. This guide explains how to prepare, what to bring, what to expect and what happens afterwards — so you can arrive ready and focus on doing your best.
OVERVIEW
PREPARE
YOUR GRADING STARTS BEFORE GRADING DAY.
Being invited to grade means your coaches believe you are ready to prepare for your next stage of progression.
Continue attending classes and practise your current syllabus. Focus on correct technique rather than simply memorising it. Ask your coaches about anything you're unsure of before grading day.
- Attend consistently
- Practise your syllabus
- Listen to feedback
- Ask questions
- Work on weaker areas
- Don't leave preparation until the final week
PREPARATION BUILDS CONFIDENCE.
WHAT TO WEAR
ARRIVE READY TO TRAIN.
Attend in your TKBA training uniform or suitable plain black training clothing unless your invitation says otherwise.
- TKBA uniform or plain black clothing
- Current belt where applicable
- Clean and presentable
- No jewellery
- Hair secured where appropriate
- Follow normal TKBA training/footwear instructions
If your invitation gives different instructions, ALWAYS follow the invitation.
WHAT TO BRING
KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Bring what you normally need for a focused training session plus anything specifically requested for your grading.
- Water bottle
- Current belt
- Training/protective equipment where required
- Any grading-specific equipment requested
- Essential medication/personal items normally required
- A positive attitude and willingness to give your best
If unsure, ask your coach before grading day.
ARRIVAL & TIMINGS
ARRIVE EARLY. ARRIVE PREPARED.
Your grading invitation will confirm:
- Grading date
- Arrival/check-in time
- Start time
- Booking deadline
- Special instructions
Arrive early enough to check in, prepare and settle before the grading begins.
YOUR INVITATION = YOUR GRADING-SPECIFIC INFORMATION.
WHAT TO EXPECT
YOUR GRADING.
A CHANCE TO SHOW YOUR PROGRESS.
Every grading varies by age, programme and grade, but candidates should expect a structured assessment appropriate to their level.
01 — CHECK-IN
Arrive, prepare and listen to instructions.
02 — WARM-UP
Prepare physically and mentally.
03 — TECHNICAL WORK
Demonstrate appropriate syllabus techniques, movement, combinations and defence.
04 — APPLICATION
Where appropriate, demonstrate skills using partners, pads or other training methods.
05 — EFFORT & CONTROL
Show concentration, effort, control and appropriate technical consistency.
06 — COMPLETION
Listen to final instructions and finish professionally.
Little Samurais follow their own age-appropriate progression pathway.
Junior, Teen and Adult students follow TKBA's structured belt pathway.
Higher grades require increasing technical understanding, consistency and experience.
DO NOT invent techniques or syllabus requirements.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
PROGRESS — NOT PERFECTION.
A grading isn't about being perfect. Coaches assess development appropriate to the grade being attempted. We consider:
Appropriate fitness/conditioning
Standards increase as students progress. A beginner attempting an early grade isn't expected to perform at the same level as an experienced student approaching black belt.
SHOW US WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED.
SHOW US HOW YOU HAVE GROWN.
PARENTS & SPECTATORS
LET THEM FOCUS.
Grading sessions are assessments. The right environment helps candidates concentrate and perform independently.
Follow the spectator arrangements in your grading invitation. Where spectators aren't permitted during the assessment, this helps students focus without unnecessary distraction or pressure.
Families can celebrate progress at our dedicated Graduation Evenings.
AFTER YOUR GRADING
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Completing your grading is the assessment stage — not the end of the process.
TKBA grading results are NOT announced immediately on grading day. This allows our coaching team to complete the assessment properly rather than rushing results and presentations.
Approximately two weeks after each grading period, candidates are invited to a dedicated TKBA Graduation Evening. Details are communicated separately.
GRADING = ASSESSMENT
GRADUATION = RECOGNITION
GRADUATION EVENINGS
RECOGNISING PROGRESS PROPERLY.
TKBA holds dedicated Graduation Evenings following grading periods.
Separating assessment from celebration creates a more meaningful opportunity to recognise students' work, development and achievements while allowing families to share this part of their journey.
Graduation may include:
- Grading results
- Recognition of progression
- Belt/grade presentations where appropriate
- Celebration of individual development
- Recognition alongside fellow students
- Photographs and shared moments
Dates and timings are communicated separately.
YOU DID THE WORK.
NOW WE RECOGNISE THE PROGRESS.
THE BIGGER JOURNEY
ONE GRADE.
PART OF A MUCH BIGGER JOURNEY.
A grading is a milestone — not the destination. TKBA provides a structured pathway for continued learning and development.
For some students, progression continues into leadership, advanced development, black belt and opportunities through TKBA's Junior Leadership Academy (JLA) and Instructor Training Programme (ITP).
Competition is an OPTIONAL pathway for students wanting an additional challenge.
Not everyone follows the same journey or has the same goals. Progress means different things to different people.
KEEP LEARNING. KEEP GROWING.
SEE WHERE YOUR JOURNEY TAKES YOU.
LEARN • GROW • EXCEL
READY FOR YOUR GRADING?
Prepare properly, listen to your coaches and arrive ready to give your best.
You don't need to be perfect. Demonstrate the progress appropriate to the grade you're working towards.
Questions? Speak to your TKBA coach in class.