How To Be Ready For Your Mini-Kids Grading
Here are some tips for parents and kids that will be especially useful for those preparing for their first ever Mini Kids Grading!
The Mini Kids Handbook (pictured) has all the techniques and theory you will be tested on are in the White to First Green page in your Mini Kids Handbook and the homework page that needs to be signed off off by your parent or instructor in advance of the grading. You will learn all the techniques in class.
Homework and Theory
In the lead up to a grading you will need to do the following:
- Complete the home sheet in your Mini Kids Handbook for the rank you are grading for
- Learn the theory in your book to be able to answer oral questions at the grading
- Have your own uniform
- Ask your instructor any questions you might have
- Keep practicing at home
Pre-Grading Period
The two weeks before a grading are known as the pre-grading period. During that time instructors are assessing to see whether your are ready to grade and will give important feedback to you on what to improve. Factors taken into consideration in deciding whether to put a student forward for grading include attendance and behaviour in class over the whole term, as well as your Taekwon-Do techniques.
If you are not approved to grade, don’t be disheartened. It is not a race to get through the stripes and it is important to be comfortable with your current level before progressing to the next. We always encourage our members to use the Taekwon-Do tenet of perseverance – keep at it and you will achieve your goals.
Completing Registration
If you’re approved to grade you will receive a slip with a link to the online grading registration form. You will then need to:
- Complete the online grading registration form
- Pay the grading fee by the deadline
- Diary the date and time of the grading
- Keep working hard toward the grading
At The Grading
The grading is a formal event, with the dojang setup with an examination table and marshals at the front who help you find your place on the mats and demonstrate the techniques you will be asked. The examiner will be asking the grading applicants what they know – they won’t be trying to “catch you out”.
At the end of the grading the kids are presented with their grading certificates and stripes representing their new rank and we have a group photo.
Remember that gradings are just one part of Taekwon-Do. We encourage you to get involved in other events that will help you to grow and develop in Taekwon-Do and as a person throughout the year besides gradings including pee wee tournaments, club events, special training and kids camps.
