It may have been a smaller grading than usual following the summer holidays, but there was certainly nothing small about the effort, determination and standard on display from our Female Division students today!
Under the guidance of Female Division Senior Instructor and Grading Examiner Ruqayya Griffith, 12 students stepped onto the mats to be assessed for new grades ranging from Red Belt (1st Grade) through to Orange Belt (4th Grade).
After weeks of preparation, it was time to put that hard work to the test.
Candidates were assessed across the technical requirements of their respective grades, demonstrating their stance, guard, punches, kicks, defensive techniques and combinations, along with the focus, discipline and determination required to progress through the USKA grading system.
Following an examination lasting just under three hours, and almost four hours on the mats when including the pre grading warm up class, we witnessed some excellent performances and were delighted to see the majority of our candidates reach the required standard and earn their new belts.
Unfortunately, not everybody reached the prescribed standard required to pass their grade on this occasion.
Gradings at USKA are never compulsory, and students should only put themselves forward for examination when they genuinely feel ready to do so.
A grading is designed to demonstrate what has already been learned and developed through training. Attempting an examination knowing that the necessary work hasn't been put in, or while still struggling to consistently perform the required techniques and combinations, will inevitably make achieving the required standard extremely difficult.
There is absolutely no shame in failing a grading.
Sometimes disappointment can be one of our greatest teachers.
Not passing doesn't erase the progress already made, nor does it define you as a martial artist. It simply provides an honest assessment of where you are at that particular moment and, more importantly, shows you exactly where the work needs to be done.
Take the feedback. Accept the disappointment. Learn from it. Then get back on the mats and turn those weaknesses into strengths.
A belt earned a little later is worth far more than a belt awarded before you are ready for it.
Among some excellent performances, one student earned special recognition as today's 'A' Star Grader Maimona Jallow (91 A- / White Belt)
A fantastic performance Maimona, well done!
A huge thank you must also go to Ruqayya Griffith and the Female Division Junior Coaches for the tremendous work they continue to put into the Female Division. From preparing the students week after week to assisting with their examinations, their commitment plays a huge part in helping our girls develop, progress and maintain the high standards expected at the USKA Fight Factory.
Congratulations to everyone who successfully took another important step forward in their martial arts journey today, and encouragement to those who didn't quite reach the required standard this time.
For some, today meant a new belt. For others, it provided another opportunity to learn, improve and come back stronger. Both are part of the journey.
New belts earned. New lessons learned. New standards to reach. The journey continues.
Our next USKA Female Division Grading takes place in December, giving our girls their next opportunity to step forward and challenge themselves for their next belts.
