Testing for To-Shin Do Black Belt

 

To graduate to To-Shin Do 1st Degree Black Belt, you will complete a testing process with several sections.

 

1. Essay

Write a 1000-word essay on "What earning a Black Belt in To-Shin Do means to me."

Describe your impression of the techniques, history, philosophy, or practical application of To-Shin Do, with emphasis on its personal significance in your life. The Essay is graded on content and sincerity.

Turn in your essay any time prior to graduation, but bear in mind that your essay must be approved a minimum of one month prior to graduation. Start writing early - you may be required to rewrite your essay!

 

2. Written Test

Test questions are from An-shu Stephen K. Hayes' books and explore basic knowledge, application, and history of your martial art, and ways in which you have grown as a more successful person by studying To-Shin Do.

Each of the 25 question is worth one point, and you must have at least 21 points to pass. You may take the written test any time after reaching Brown & White-stripe Belt, and you may repeat the test if needed. Click here for the written test study guide.

 

3. Skill, Stress, and Spirit Test

Brown-Black Belt students will test skill, strive for success under stress, and explore To-Shin Do winning spirit by demonstrating precision (“I know this!”), effectiveness (“I can use this!”), and inner and outer strength (“I am a Black Belt!).

Can you live it? Recite the 3-part Student Creed and 14-part Code of Mindful Action in a precise, powerful and confident manner?

Can you do it? Demonstrate all elements and techniques with Black Belt precision and skill?
We are looking for:

Earth ability to stand your ground, defend with limited footwork, and correctly perform all Level 1 techniques

Water ability to move away from an attack at strategic angles, to use legs and knees to create distance and power, and correctly perform all Level 2 techniques

Fire ability to use forward movement to intercept an attacker's motion, to be "in tune" with what could happen, and correctly perform all Level 2 techniques

Wind ability to use light, circular footwork to slip and evade an attack, and to correctly perform all Level 3 techniques

Free response ability to correctly identify an incoming threat and deal with it in an appropriate and effective manner

Can you take it? The stress test simulates the stress and tension you would experience in an actual confrontation, and culminates with defending unarmed against random knife attacks. During this test the instructors will not be as positive and encouraging as they normally are in class - we will challenge your mental and emotional control to give you a chance to experience what it is like to keep cool and alert under stress.

 

Taking the Tests

At the end of each month of training in the Brown Belt levels, you will be tested on the material you have practiced that month. The study guide curriculum book for Level 3 Path of the Protector Martial Arts highlights the specifics to be tested each month.

• If you receive a black stripe around the end of your belt, you are cleared to move to the next training level.

• If you receive a blue stripe, your instructors will work with you to bring your skills and knowledge up to where you will be more comfortably qualified to advance to the next belt.

At the end of each 3-month period, you will most likely be ready to take a comprehensive test over the previous 3 months' material. If you successfully pass the 3 monthly tests, and receive a red stripe around the end of your belt, you will be invited to a graduation celebration where you will demonstrate some of your techniques and receive a new belt and diploma. Your instructors will be so proud to see you tie on your new Black Belt. Invite your friends to come and cheer you on!.

Our objective is to have you progress successfully from one belt to the next every three months; however, this is not always possible or the best thing for you. Realistically speaking, it is most unusual not to need additional months in Level 3. One of the biggest differences in Level 3 training is that you are now expected to demonstrate maturing skill , whereas in Levels 1 & 2 (White Belt through Red & Black Belt) you were working on learning demonstrable techniques . You want to be sure that you have successfully gained the skills expected at your belt level, especially during the months you spend in the 3 Brown Belt sections.

 

Black Belt Quality

Beyond "knowing" the techniques after approximately 4 years of training in the colored belt levels, do you consistently demonstrate the following key qualities required for passing your tests and achieving the privilege of wearing a Black Belt in the Quest Center?

• You understand the purpose of the technique - even if your exchange slides a bit off the standard form, you are able to maintain control of the situation and take things where you want them to go.

• You can demonstrate knowledge of technique details - all the crucial parts are in place, with balance carefully set, face safely positioned, hands covering upper targets, legs ready to move to protect lower targets. Your targets are difficult for the adversary to get, and at the same time, you are in perfect position to strike.

• You rely on unified body movement rather than individual limbs for power delivery - your legs are flexed for stability and "full body" power delivery, and your arms extend with your legs as your body moves through space. Such movement is one of the hallmarks of proper To-Shin Do technique.

• You retain control of your balance throughout each technique, and your hips, shoulders, & legs are aligned to throw off the adversary's balance; he in effect "allows you to defeat him."

• You demonstrate mental focus throughout the technique - absolutely in the moment , and at the same time setting up the conditions you need for the next moment.

• You exemplify concentrated "fighting spirit" throughout the technique - no fooling, no fumbling, no grinning, no groaning -- this is real!

• You are ever carefully observant of safe and controlled technique practice with partners - everyone seeks you out as their favorite training partner.

 

Get Ready To Test

Check the test list posted on the SKH Quest Center bulletin board and front door at the beginning of your 3rd month in each belt color. Your name should be on the list if it seems likely that you will complete 22 to 24 total classes (average 7 or 8 per month) by the end of your 3rd month of training.

To prepare for the testing process, turn in your $45 Advancement Certification (for Brown Belt and Brown & Black Belt; or $125 for Shodan Black Belt testing, licensing, and graduation process), Application for Belt Promotion sheet (and "Intent to Promote" sheet and Code of Mindful Action essay if you are a youth), and Brown Belt 1,000 word essay on the significance of To-Shin Do in your life.