The Good, Average, Poor (G.A.P.) principle:

Firstly, I feel that it is important to keep the word ‘Average’, in context.

In many cases the term ‘average’ is used to indicate a standard which is below the desired result. However, if you consider that the over-all standard of your group may be high, surely an average performance would become a more desirable outcome.

If 9 out of 10 people score 90% - then 90% is average.

The word ‘average’ is not a comparison of your own individual performances. It is a comparison of your performance today, relative to the performances of rest of the members of your group / rank.

To assume that the rest of your peers will perform well, then to perform above average, ‘Good’, means that you have performed exceptionally well.

  Poor: It is unlikely that you will see many poor results at a grading.

Usually, if a student is having difficulty mastering the required skills, their Instructor will recommend that they should take some extra time to prepare.

In most cases, if a student performs poorly at a Grading Exam, it would be because they have not taken their Instructor’s advice, to wait.

It is uncommon for an Instructor to recommend their student for an attempt at a Grading Exam, in the knowledge that they will perform poorly. This will be a poor reflection on the Instructor’s judgement.

Average:

This will include almost everyone at the Grading Exam. Contrary to popular belief, most of us are average.

To be considered average, at a Grading Exam, is positive; it means that you have successfully demonstrated the required level of proficiency at each skill-level. Congratulations.

 Good:

In some cases, an individual will ‘stand-out’, as being significantly better than their peers. This does not mean that the rest of the group is poor; it means that this person is exceptional.

This may be due to many reasons:

• They may have practiced, previously with another organisation,
• They may have been training with far more frequency,
• They may not have Graded for a while, but continued to train

If you do perform at an exceptionally high standard, you may be given the opportunity to attempt the exam for the next consecutive belt. This may result in a double-grading. But, you must be exceptionally good, to get this opportunity.

“NEVER COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS” Gichin Funakoshi

To have envy of this person is of poor character. Not everyone shares the same circumstances, and we can not expect to equal someone else’s performances if we have not had equal preparation.

The Grading Criteria:

The beauty of JKA Karate is that the standards are set in Japan. There is no deviation, or adaptation according to each Instructor’s preferences. Each ‘Rank’ has set criteria of techniques which must be performed.

There is NO consideration given to:

• How old, or young you are,
• How long you have been training,
• What rank you hold in other styles, or organisations.

You will be assessed at face-value, according to how well you are able to complete the techniques and exercises prescribed, during the exam.

Avoid disappointment:

It is common that people hope to out-perform their peers, and hopefully get the opportunity to double-grade.

Consider that each other person may also be holding that same idea, and that they will all be trying to perform at their best. Remember that if the standard is high, you may still be equal with everyone else, and therefore – average.

If you feel that your preparation has equipped you with adequate skills, that you believe that you are a chance to pass a double-grade, you must be able to perform at a significantly better standard than that of your peers. Only if you are capable of achieving this, will you get a chance to double-grade.

To have the expectation of double-grading often leads to disappointment; it is often a product of a lack of respect for the capabilities of one’s peers.

To assume that your peers will perform poorly is a little naïve, and not very respectful.

How to do well at a Grading Exam:

• Train hard,
• Prepare well,
• Have courage.