Grading System

We run an eight-step grading system as required by our national Governing Body, the Amateur Martial Association.

We aim for three gradings per year, based upon the number of modules that a student has completed, although there is a longer gap between gradings for senior students.  Each completed module is awarded with a certificate, and every certificate earned goes toward the next grading. Successful students receive a sash which denotes their new grade and their licences are updated accordingly. This means that students may train at equal levels in all disciplines, and there is no set order in which the modules must be learned, keeping all classes fresh and lively.

We find that the sash system enables the instructors to immediately recognise what level any given student has achieved; and that it gives the student a series of milestones by which they can gauge their progress. 

The sash was adopted in recognition of the bare-fist pugilists and prize-fighters of past centuries who would wear a sash about the waist

It also means that our syllabus can be geared to phased learning, as well as allowing us to introduce new elements fired by an instructor's or coach's personal interests.

The highest grade is the Maister, denoted by the wearing of a Gold Sash. Maisters can be further graded by another four levels.

The system allows for grades and categories of Maister - for example, in a session where more than one Maister is present, the oldest one is given the soubriquet 'Ancient Maister'. Progression through the Maister grades is available for those who stay the course.

We also run a coaching system in parallel with, but separate from, the syllabus, as well as first aid courses, tournament judging, and CaVA courses.