Martial arts should instill discipline, fitness, and self-defense in its students. Unfortunately, some studios cave to the pressure from families and students to move up the ranks quickly. Some of this pressure comes from knowing that specific activities are reserved for higher level students, and others just because people can be impatient when it comes to being promoted in rank. Some studios charge when a student is promoted to the next color belt, which may also be an incentive. However, the timing of promotions should not be rushed. Learning martial arts is a journey, bettering its students every step. In waiting to achieve the next belt, meeting milestones, and overcoming obstacles, students have pride in their accomplishments when they know they’ve had to work incredibly hard to get there. There are many disadvantages to promoting martial arts students too quickly, and a well-timed promotion builds a confident and resilient student.
Problem with Promoting Students Too Quickly in Martial Arts
Promotions in martial arts are typically based on proficiency in specific techniques, and in younger students, behaviors associated with the foundation of martial arts training. Belt rank also comes with time spent training and successfully displaying the mental and physical elements of different techniques. Studios like SwiftKick have a stripe system that allows students to achieve goals along the way to the next belt. These stripes help students set shorter-term goals, achieve them, and set new goals. Building upon other achievements helps students overcome challenges throughout their training as they continue to develop perseverance. Promoting students too quickly teaches lower dedication, discipline, and a sense of entitlement.
What is Promotion Based Upon?
Promotion at a reputable martial arts studio is based on developing skills and understanding of the arts. Getting promoted to the next belt color is a huge achievement, but the training from one belt to another is significant. Studios that promote belt color too rapidly will find students’ efforts decline over time. Students who work hard, overcome obstacles and train purposefully earn their belts, which is much more satisfying than getting an undeserved belt. Ask any martial arts students; they would say they would rather be a white belt that can beat a blue belt in competition than be a blue belt and beaten by a white belt. Martial arts teach integrity, honor, and hard work.
Red Flags to Watch for At Martial Arts Studios
As mentioned, some studios offer students promotions very early and often before they have earned the belt. Some in the martial arts field call these studios McDojos. Some red flags to watch for are gimmicky dojo names, belt rank promotion referenced as a “fast track,” only black belt instructors at all levels, and no sparring or application as part of the training. Sparring is an essential training tool in martial arts and is reserved for students chosen to participate based on their skills and mastery of self-control. Some of the new pop-up dojos are primarily in it for the money and should be avoided by anyone wanting to learn the best martial arts have to offer.
As martial arts grow in popularity, new studios will use tactics to attract new students, and offering quick promotions may be one of them. Studios like SwiftKick, based on the core of martial arts training, promote students as they display the characteristics and skills required to move up.
Students Promote at Different Times Because Students Are Individuals
When it comes to promoting students in martial arts, timing is everything, and that is why it is so essential for instructors to have respectful relationships with the students. Every student is different, will face challenges, and overcome hurdles at their own pace. Martial arts are an individual sport, and a blanket promotion just because most students are promoting is unfair and counter to the core of martial arts training. Promoting too quickly or having a blanket promotion for a group of students who may or may not have earned that promotion creates a culture of disrespect and favoritism.
When looking for a quality martial arts training program, watch for red flags indicating an overly eager approach to promotions. Students who work hard, persevere, overcome obstacles, and earn their belt will be the better for it. Students who receive promotions too quickly may lose interest in the sport and be less dedicated to putting in the effort it takes to earn the next belt. If you live in San Diego County, contact SwiftKick Martial Arts for a free trial class and learn how a top-rated studio runs its programs. SwiftKick is dedicated to teaching all students who want to learn martial arts and reap its countless benefits. Classes are thoughtfully designed with busy schedules in mind, and trainings are led by skilled and experienced instructors who care about their students and want to see them succeed.