You have reached the point in your training where you are being considered to test for your next rank. Even with Martial Arts being a common practice in our environment, being considered for the rank of black belt is a fantastic testimony to your hard work and dedication.

The Uechiryu Butokukai Black Belt Testing is a six-step process that spans for nine months beginning in November:

• BLACK BELT TESTING DOJO CROSS TRAINING: From November to May, select dojos in the association open their classes to all the candidates. Candidates are highly encouraged to take advantage of as many of these classes as you reasonably can. Past candidates have found that committing to an average of two "foreign” dojos per month through to end of May was extremely beneficial to their goal of black belt excellence. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

• BLACK BELT TESTING PREVIEW on January 18th at the Hollis dojo. This is for all candidates Sandan/Level Three and below. During this preview, candidates will be performing in front of a panel of senior judges. In the days following the preview and the review, all the candidates will receive detailed feedback from the judges.

• BLACK BELT HISTORY AND TERMINOLOGY Test, Uechiryu has a long and detailed history, and - as such - it is important for its representatives (Black Belts) to have a solid working knowledge of it. The written portion of the Black Belt Test is a History and Terminology Test, which is administered at the candidates’ home dojo. Please talk to your Sensei, but many of the dojos use the online Black Belt Written Test (Below).

• BLACK BELT TESTING REGISTRATION AND FEE: This all-inclusive fee covers everything needed for the nine months of the candidates’ progress to the Graduation in September. This is required for all candidates by February 25th, 2025 (top of the page).

• BLACK BELT TESTING REVIEW on March 29th and April 5th at the Atkinson dojo. This is where the candidates get to demonstrate their IMPROVED skill levels. With the intense training from both their home dojo and the many available opportunities at the select dojos across the Association, combined with the feedback from the preview - the candidates demonstrate how far they have come. For those who need a little extra work, a BLACK BELT TESTING POST-REVIEW is scheduled for June 7th.

• BLACK BELT PROVISIONAL STATUS Black Belt Testing Provisional Status, which is the final phase between the REVIEW and the GRADUATION. Traditionally, the title is “HO” (i.e. Shodan-Ho, Nidan-Ho), where the candidates demonstrate that they will continue the lifestyle of the rank that they have worked up to.

• BLACK BELT GRADUATION CEREMONY on Sunday, September 7th - 2025 at the Double-Tree. This is where they receive their belts and diplomas. This is held in conjunction with the 2025 UECHI CONVENTION.

Please look at the links below for more details.

During these nine months the expectation of all candidates in performance, attitude and commitment will be especially high. Please look through everything below and ask any and all questions that you may have!

Ultimately, your eligibility for testing will be based upon your time of practice and your performance level. Please refer to the below links to help get you ready for this “next step” as a black belt.

Lastly, for informational and communication purposes, we are asking all potential candidates to fill out the below registration form.

As always, please feel free to TEXT or EMAIL ME with any questions.

Sincerely,

Marcus Traynor | Director – Uechiryu Butokukai