Grading Update

We continue to live through uncertain times at the moment and with no obvious light at the end of the tunnel we have decided to adapt the clubs grading system to accommodate the newly introduced COVID-19 procedures.

We understand at Elemental Kickboxing Leeds gradings are important. Gradings give everyone an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to peers and instructors, they highlight an individual’s strengths and areas of weakness which are required for improvement. Gradings are undoubtedly one of the key driving forces to keeping members focused and motivated. Each grading should make you question your ability, challenge your determination to succeed and test your commitment to the sport. Not everyone will take it to the top, but those who do grade get recognised for their achievement through certification and a new belt. For these reasons, we must keep the grading system functioning.

We are determined to finish 2020 on a high and host gradings up to green belt in November 2020. Therefore, we will be hosting white, yellow, orange, red and green belt gradings for both children and adults at the following classes

White, Yellow & Orange Belt

Thursday 26^th November 2020 1630 (Children’s Only Grading)

Thursday 26^th November 2020 1800 (Adults Grading)

Thursday 26^th November 2020 1930 (Adults Grading)

Green & Red Belt

Thursday 3^rd December 2020 1630 (Children’s Only Grading)

Thursday 3^rd December 2020 1800 (Adults Grading)

Thursday 3^rd December 2020 1930 (Adults Grading)

The white, yellow and orange belts on the syllabus will be adapted to none contact. We can mark members on technical ability through line work and shadow work only.

The red and green belts on the syllabus will be adapted to bag work only where contact was previously required. Every member grading for their red and green belt will be required to demonstrate bag work in front of the class instead of sparring. Round times will be performed under the watchful eye of class peers, spectators and instructors to challenge the individual, and defensive work will be practiced using striking sticks whilst wearing full sparring equipment. This approach will give members at the club the opportunity to grade and demonstrate contact work through an improvised and aggressive display of technical ability, similar to sparring.

As always, on successful completion of the syllabus set forth by the Elemental Kickboxing Leeds Academy the member will receive their next grade.

*All gradings will be booked via our app in advance, and payment will need to be made on booking via the app. Further details about this will follow.

Moving into 2021, we have no way of knowing how long these social distancing measures will be in place for and we want to prepare. Therefore, we are preparing a COVID-19 grading syllabus to keep members up to senior brown belt grading throughout the Coronavirus pandemic from February 2021. The new syllabus will share many similarities to our current one, however the KATA form will be changing, and the contact work will be adapted throughout the syllabus with a suitable, yet beneficial alternative. Dates will be announced in December 2020.

Regarding the clubs’ black belt dan gradings. Unfortunately, we cannot commit to a practical assessment without the ability to perform contact work at this level. We plan to review our COVID-19 procedures in November 2020 if no guidance is given before this date. If the club doors continue to stay open during local and national lockdowns until January 2021, we will start arranging the instructional element of the grading from February 2021. Each member grading will be contacted personally in January to get the process moving. We understand it will be incredibly disappointing not having anything specific to aim at the moment, especially after years of hard work. We encourage you to stay positive. Our doors are always open to anyone feeling deflated during these challenging times. Be thankful for your ability to train again and use this time to perfect your techniques for the days you will be able to start using them again.