What is testing ?


ATC’s professional belt testing assists in building confidence, discipline, manners, school grades and improving self-defense techniques in all students; it also gives students a “personal” challenge. At the same time, it gives the grandmaster, masters and instructor an opportunity to see a student under pressure and to understand what areas a student needs to improve on.

Unlike ATC, most academies that have testing fees do not give awards or new belts or even belong to an accredited organization, and some academies sell privates and then require students to test every month, which is just too quick to advance and does not give the student enough time to learn and improve on the basics of each level.

ATC students are not pressured to test and are not required to test; however for students to maintain motivation and to advance in their training and curriculum, testing is advised.  ATC does offer testing to students who meet all requirements and are eligible to test. Testing Dates are posted one year in advance. 

ATC, as with most styles, has the same amount of belts, since belts help separate individuals for competitions and experiance level. The only difference is for the little lions program they have several more levels added because they have a different curriculum from Adult and Junior program.  

ATC students are graded at testing (45 minute to 1 Hour per belt level) based on an A-F scale and on their curriculum knowledge and testing performance; no student will advance to black belt, unless they can meet the basic requirements and pass the black belt examination. ATC does fail students, but we do not embarrass students, so please read testing day procedures. (Below) ATC tests student on their own individual improvements and merits.

Just like a tournament, there is a fee for awards and other operating costs.  At ATC, there is also a small fee to cover the extra cost for testing materials, guest masters, certificates, awards, patches, belts and facility rental.  This fee is small in comparison to all the benefits gained from testing and learning martial arts at ATC. Students and parents also have an opportunity to meet fellow students at the after testing party.

Note: Please set aside the time needed to attend testing. ATC asks families and parents to please attend testing and support your ATC members. ATC feels once every three months is not too much to ask of parents and family members. This personal support is highly appreciated and we thank you for showing courtesy, loyalty and support to all ATC members.


ATC Exciting Testing Day – Testing, Demonstrations, Awards, Prizes and After Testing Party.  Don't miss the challenge and the fun.