*Effective 5/14/21, sparring is required on all video tests for green belt rank and above.
*Effective 5/14/21, Jujitsu is required on all video tests for brown belt rank and above.
*Effective 5/14/21, all video tests must be submitted as a YouTube link. No other formats will be accepted.
Part 1: How to create and submit your video
What to record
During the COVID-19 pandemic, partner work was not possible due to distance learning. All students testing for green belt rank and above should carefully read the information below to make sure they meet all requirements for testing.
Make sure to read the testing scripts verbatim when recording your test. It is very helpful if a parent or friend reads the required elements in the script with good pacing so that the student can focus on demonstrating the required elements without having to stop and check what is on the list.
1. Tang Soo Do Techniques (Testing for Green and higher)
2. Pad Striking (Testing for Green and higher)
3. Sparring with a partner (Testing for Green and higher)
*We suggest recording this part of the test during class time at one of our weekend classes
*2 matches, 30 seconds each
*Required as of 5/14/21
4. Master Form (Testing for Purple and higher)
5. Jujitsu with a partner (Testing for Brown and higher)
*Required as of 5/14/21
Where to record
Choose a location that gives you enough room to perform all of your techniques without bumping into nearby objects. Ideally, the location will be quiet & you should have an uncluttered background so that there aren’t any distracting sounds or visual elements in your video. Good locations might include a basement room, spare bedroom, garage, school gym or cafeteria. If you don’t have access to a good location at the moment, don’t worry, just make sure that we can clearly see your entire body from head to toe, and hear the snap of your gi.
How to record the video
If you appear very far away in the video it will be difficult to evaluate. Similarly, if you are too close to the camera some of your techniques might take place outside of the video frame. Place the video camera at head height, and a distance so that you are centered in the frame with some space between your body and the top and bottom of the video frame as pictured below. This will give you room to fully extend your kicks, punches and blocks while remaining on the screen.
If you are recording with your cell phone, please remember to turn your phone sideways so that the video is captured in the correct orientation. Also, using a tripod (or placing the camera on a still surface) will reduce motion and shaking, and make the video much easier to review.
How to submit your video
ALL videos must be submitted by posting the video file to YouTube as a private video, and then sending directly to Coach V at coach.v@kaizenkaratemd.com. NO videos will be accepted as large attachments on emails. NO EXCEPTIONS. Check out the following video on how to upload a video to YouTube:
What to expect after you send in your video
Reviewing and grading submitted videos is a very time consuming task.
In general, feedback is returned to students within 1-2 weeks, but in times of high demand it may take longer than this. We thank you for your understanding during these times.
Part 2: Content required for each belt
Section 1: Tang Soo Do - Techniques (required if testing for Green Belt or higher)
All Tang Soo Do techniques should be performed facing the camera 3x and then again for 3x facing your left (if you are right handed) OR your right (if you are left handed). See each script for details. Record all of the techniques that are listed in the relevant testing script.
Section 2: Pad Striking (required if testing for Green belt or higher)
Make sure to read the script carefully. All techniques / combinations should performed with power 3x each.
Section 3: Sparring with a partner (required if testing for Green Belt or higher)
This section of the test must be filmed during regular class time at one of our weekend or evening class locations under the supervision of a black belt instructor. The student who is testing MUST complete 2 matches that are 30 seconds each with two different sparring partners of equal or higher belt rank. The goal of each match is to score as much as possible without getting hit. We are looking at the students offensive & defensive skills.
Section 4: Master Form (required if testing for Purple Belt or higher)
The Master Form will be performed in 2 parts: Continuous moves & Individual moves.
For the Continuous moves, all required Master Form moves will be performed without stopping 1 time, utilizing the correct transitions from one move to another. The student will make a formal presentation, salute and begin the Master Form facing the camera, but the student will face in other directions during this portion of the test. This gives Coach V the opportunity to evaluate the student’s ability to correctly execute the Direction and Order of the Master Form.
The formal presentation reads as follows: “Judges, my name is <STUDENT’s NAME>, and with your permission I will be performing Master Form. May I please begin?”
For the Individual moves, only the newly required Master Form moves should be performed with the student facing the camera. For example, if testing for Red Belt, you would only perform individual moves for moves 31-40. No matter what direction the student ends up in at the end of the previous move, the student should reset their body so that they are facing the camera again before executing another move. This gives the instructor the opportunity to evaluate the student’s ability to correctly execute the Targets and Stances of the Master Form.
Section 5: Jujitsu with a partner (required if testing for Brown Belt or higher)
All Jujitsu Escapes should be performed facing sideways to the camera, just like you would when performing during a belt exam. Each hold will be performed 3 times, with a classmate (NOT a family member) acting as the “attacker”. The student will demonstrate 2-3 different Jujitsu Escapes for each hold (when applicable).