Promotions for Kyu rankings (i.e., colored belts) are done monthly at the Franklin school. You must pre-register for the promotion and meet all previous Kyu requirements. The promotion will be administered by the instructors and other senior black belts, and it will be given in an environment similar to a regular class.
During the promotion, each instructor will be evaluating the techniques you are performing. A typical promotion will open with basic techniques performed during the group lineup, such as punches, kicks, stances, and blocks. Then small groups of one or two levels will be called up to perform various technical requirements (e.g., kisos, kihons, etc.). The groups are called up in order from lowest ranking to highest ranking.
The higher your rank, the more that is expected of you. You should always relax, focus, and do your best, but as you test for higher ranks, you are expected to execute each technique more closely to the ideal. For the higher ranks, you must bring together balance, coordination, timing, awareness, and self-control with each technique you demonstrate.
Questions may be asked of students at any time by the instructor. The questions can be about required Karate terminology, the details and motivations for various techniques, moral or philosophical considerations (e.g., how did you show respect for your teachers today?), or anything else that the instructor feels you should know. You will not be asked questions about techniques or concepts that are beyond the scope of the Kyu you’re testing for.
The required kata demonstration is typically done last. Depending upon how many people are testing for the same rank, you may do your kata solo, or you may do it with two or three other people. When multiple people are doing the kata together, the instructor will choose one to be the leader, and the others should do the kata in sync with the leader. After the kata, the instructor may ask you additional questions.
After the exam, the instructors will compare their results and determine whether each student passed. The results of the exam are given the same night, and the new belts are presented then along with a certificate of completion.
Dan (i.e., black belt) tests are typically scheduled several months in advance when one or more students have completed the Kyu tests and declare that they want to test for black belt. An individual exam will last for several hours and requires technical demonstrations, a physical test, and a written test. They are physically and mentally exhausting. They're designed to push students past techniques and training and to force them to demonstrate their heart and show everyone why they deserve to wear a black belt.
The following links provide detailed breakdowns of some past 1st Dan exams:
| 1998 1st Dan Test | 2005 1st Dan Test |
Tests for 2nd Dan are usually shorter and more informal than 1st Dan tests. They are relaxed tests where the students demonstrate the new requirements before a panel of black belts.
There are no tests for 3rd Dan and up. While each higher Dan grade has additional requirements, the grades are typically more honorary than technical.
There is a $20 fee to test for each Kyu level. There is a $50 fee to test for each Dan level. The testing fee must be paid on the day of the test.