Gradings are the only times I allow parents to watch their children perform their martial arts. Reasons for this are outlined in the student textbook.

Bring as many family members as you like to watch the grading process.

Most gradings are 60min-75min based on the number of students testing at this particular test.

I ask that parents reserve their photos for times when only your son/daughter is on the floor.

Children perform differently when they know they are being recorded/photographed, and I am looking to avoid the privacy issues of a family recording/taking photos of other people's children during the group elements of the test.

You are more than welcome to take a photograph with me and your son/daughter after the grading for your family photo album

Promotion does not happen on the day of the grading. This is the most common question I get asked by parents. promotion is intentionally scheduled at a later date as a lesson for the student in the martial arts virtue of patience. Promotion dates are set and emailed out about a week after the grading. Promotion is a 15min event, usually at the same location as the grading. 

• After a grading, the results are sent out by email to families with students testing

• For students who have been promoted, I set aside the last 5-10 mins of class depending on the number of students who were promoted

• Parents are welcome to spectate and take pictures of their son/daughter during the promotion

• Parents please leave your shoes (if you are able) at the door to the dojo please and thank you

• Students are to arrive in their full gi wearing their previous colour belt

• If parents would like a photo with me and their son/daughter after class, they are more than welcome

• If your student has a parent report sheet where any category was marked as "FAIR" or below, the parent will need to re-assess their child's performance in each of those categories

come to class anyways. you will be lent a white belt for the day as a reminder of the importance of being responsible for your posessions

a mouth guard is not essential when you star your training, but it will be required soon after. I do not promote a specific brand of mouth guard, so it is up to you, your dentist, orthodontist, etc!

notebooks and water bottles are welcome in class. Keep them at the back of the dojo please and thank you.

Sometimes I will host our gradings outside. As for uniform details, please see below.

Please have your child in their gi bottoms and belt at the very least. If it is cold when we start, of course a hoodie/sweater is ok for upper halves. It might be wet, so athletic shoes are best for the grassy area.