Your journey through Snow Herons Martial Arts begins at White Belt and progresses through Achievement Levels, Gup Grades, Cho Dan Bo and ultimately to Black Belt and beyond.
The SHMA Belt Grading Route has been designed to give students clear, achievable stages of progression, while allowing sufficient time at each stage to develop their martial arts knowledge, technical ability, confidence, fitness and character.
The Achievement Levels and Junior/Senior® ranks provide important milestones along the way, but the aim of training is not simply to move through the belts as quickly as possible. Every stage is an opportunity to learn, develop and prepare for the knowledge, standards and responsibilities required at the next grade.
Achieving your Black Belt is not the end of your journey — it marks the beginning of another.
Understanding the Snow Herons Martial Arts Grading Process
First and Foremost — Enjoy the Journey!
The Achievement Levels and Certified Belt Ranks are mile markers on your martial arts journey to Black Belt and beyond. Every student develops differently, and grading is not simply about how long a student has trained, how athletic they are or how quickly they can learn techniques. Each grade represents the skills, knowledge, attitude and overall development expected at that stage of training.
Supporting Positive Development
At Snow Herons Martial Arts, we recognise that children are developing emotionally, socially and physically at the same time as they are developing their martial arts skills. Positive experiences, encouragement, appropriate challenges and achievable goals can all contribute to a child's confidence, resilience and sense of achievement. This is consistent with the wider principles promoted by organisations such as the NSPCC around supporting children's wellbeing, recognising individual needs and creating positive, supportive environments in which children can develop. This is one of the reasons SHMA has developed its grading structure to include smaller, clearly defined stages of achievement.
For a young student, the journey from White Belt to Black Belt is a long one. As children navigate their way through different stages of childhood, school, friendships, increasing expectations and their own physical and emotional development, smaller achievable goals can help them recognise how far they have already come rather than concentrating only on how far they still have to go.
Our Achievement Levels and Junior and Senior® ranks therefore provide meaningful milestones between the larger Main Gup Grades. They allow effort, improvement and genuine development to be recognised while keeping the standards and requirements of our Main Grades firmly in place. We have not made the journey to Black Belt shorter or easier — we have created more opportunities to recognise the progress being made along the way.
Beginning the SHMA Grading Journey
All new students begin their SHMA journey at White Belt. During this initial stage, the Class Instructor will assess the individual student and decide whether their first grading progression should be Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 or directly to 10th Gup. This is the only stage of the SHMA grading journey where a student may skip Levels. The decision is made by the Class Instructor and may take into consideration the student's age, confidence, coordination, concentration, technical ability, understanding, attendance, attitude, previous martial arts experience and overall readiness. Once a student achieves 10th Gup, every Main Grade must be achieved in order through to Black Belt. There is no jumping or skipping Main Grades, regardless of how athletic, talented, dedicated or technically able a student may be, how many classes they attend each week or how quickly they progress. Each Main Grade provides an important foundation for the grades that follow.
Junior and Senior® Gup Ranks
These additional milestones are particularly valuable for younger students because progress is not always a straight line. A child may make significant progress in confidence, focus, fitness, sparring or practical application while still needing further time to develop another part of their syllabus. Recognising these smaller stages gives students something achievable to work towards. The Junior and Senior ranks also allow us to spend more class time developing the whole martial artist, rather than continually concentrating only on the techniques required for the next grading. This gives students greater opportunities to develop their Sparring, Ho Sin Sul, Hyung, practical Self-Defence, Pad Work, Fitness, Flexibility, Jumping Techniques and wider technical skills as their grade advances. It also allows instructors to recognise different types of development. One student may progress quickly technically but require more time to develop confidence or focus. Another may demonstrate exceptional effort, attitude and determination while taking longer to master a particular physical skill. Both students are progressing — just in different ways.
The additional ranks also give instructors greater flexibility when recognising genuine student progress. Students will occasionally miss one or two classes because of illness, school trips, sports events or other commitments. If those particular lessons happen to have concentrated on an aspect of the grading syllabus, it should not automatically mean that a student is left behind or becomes discouraged while their classmates progress. Where the Class Instructor believes the appropriate standard has been demonstrated, a student may still achieve a Junior or Senior Rank of their Gup Grade while continuing to develop the remaining requirements for their next Main Gup Grade. A student's readiness to grade may therefore take into consideration their technical ability, syllabus knowledge, Korean terminology, confidence, focus, fitness, flexibility, effort, attitude, behaviour, attendance, sparring ability, home practice, time at their current grade and the Class Instructor's overall assessment.
Students who begin training together will not necessarily grade or progress at exactly the same time. Children develop at different rates, and learning to recognise their own progress without continually comparing themselves with others is an important part of their martial arts journey.
No Shortcuts to Black Belt
The purpose of the SHMA Grading System is to provide students with regular recognition, positive encouragement and achievable milestones while protecting the value and standard of every Main Grade. From 10th Gup to Black Belt there are no shortcuts.
The Junior and Senior® ranks do not remove Main Grades, reduce technical requirements or make Black Belt easier to achieve. They allow us to recognise the many important stages of development that take place between those Main Grades. The goal is not to collect belts as quickly as possible. Each belt recognises what you have achieved while marking the beginning of what you are ready to learn next.
Enjoy each stage, take pride in your progress and continue moving forward on your journey to Black Belt — and beyond.
SHMA Grading Process
The following information explains how the Snow Herons Martial Arts Grading Process works, when our Main Gradings take place, the alternative grading options available, and what students and parents need to know and do when preparing for a grading.
Our aim is to make the grading process clear and straightforward, so that every student understands what is expected of them and has the opportunity to prepare properly, progress at an appropriate pace and enjoy each stage of their martial arts journey.
Can my child achieve a higher starting grade if they have previous Martial Arts experience? Students joining SHMA with previous Tang Soo Do experience from another association will be assessed by their Class Instructor. Where appropriate, their previous training, knowledge and experience may be recognised and a higher SHMA starting grade may be considered. This is not automatic and will be based on the student's demonstrated technical ability, knowledge and understanding of the SHMA syllabus and the Class Instructor's assessment. Where a higher starting grade is awarded, the student will normally be required to train with SHMA for a period of 6–12 months before becoming eligible for their next grading. This provides sufficient time for the student to become familiar with SHMA techniques, terminology, standards and grading requirements before progressing further.
When are the SHMA Main Grading Sessions? SHMA holds four Main Grading periods during each training year: OCTOBER • DECEMBER • MARCH • JUNE The exact grading dates and times are published in the SHMA Online Calendar. Parents and students should check the Calendar regularly and make a note of the relevant Main Grading period when planning for an upcoming grading.
What if my child cannot attend the Main Grading? Students who cannot attend their scheduled Main Grading may have several alternative options available, depending upon their grade, individual circumstances and Class Instructor approval. 1. Semi-Private Grading Students may be able to book a Semi-Private Grading, normally held during the week following the Main Grading. An additional £12 fee applies. Parents and students should check the SHMA Online Calendar for the available Semi-Private Grading dates and times. 2. Grading During an SHMA Holiday Camp SHMA normally holds Holiday Camps during: OCTOBER • FEBRUARY • APRIL • JULY • AUGUST Holiday Camps provide students with additional concentrated training and, where approved by their Class Instructor, may also provide an alternative opportunity to complete a grading. However, a Holiday Camp Grading is not simply an alternative grading appointment. Before grading, the student must complete a minimum period of Holiday Camp training. This may consist of Half Days, Full Days or a combination of both. The amount of training required is determined by the student's Class Instructor and will depend upon: the student's current grade; the grade they are working towards; their current level of preparation; and the particular areas of their syllabus, knowledge or technical development that require further training. One student may therefore require a different amount of Holiday Camp training from another. Simply booking or attending a Holiday Camp does not automatically guarantee a grading. The required training period and final approval to grade are determined by the Class Instructor. 3. Private Grading Where appropriate, students may arrange an individual Private Grading. Private Lesson/Grading fees apply and the grading must be approved and arranged in advance with SHMA. 4. Wait for the Next Main Grading There is no requirement for a student to arrange an alternative grading. Students may simply continue with their normal training, further develop their skills and attend the next Main Grading period. Whichever option is chosen, Class Instructor approval is required before a student grades. Where do the Main Grading Sessions Take Place? The location and format of a student's Main Grading depends upon the grade they are working towards. Achievement Levels 1–3 & 10th–6th Gup Students grading for Achievement Levels 1, 2 & 3 and 10th–6th Gup will normally complete their Main Grading during their regularly scheduled class on the designated grading date during Main Grading Week. Parents should check the SHMA Online Calendar for the appropriate date and time. 5th Gup to Black Belt Students grading for 5th Gup through to Black Belt are required to attend a designated Intermediate & Advanced Main Group Grading at the specified date and time. These Gradings are usually held on a Saturday morning or early Saturday afternoon at the Avenue Primary Academy. Please check the SHMA Online Calendar for the confirmed date and time. Parent/Guardian Attendance — 5th Gup to Black Belt All students grading for 5th Gup through to Black Belt are required by SHMA to have a parent or guardian in attendance for the entire Grading. No parent/guardian in attendance = the student cannot grade. There is an important reason for this requirement. As students reach the Intermediate and Advanced stages of their martial arts journey, the technical standards, physical demands, knowledge and commitment expected of them increase considerably. We want parents to have the opportunity to see that development for themselves, rather than simply seeing their child arrive home with a new belt. During the Grading, parents can see their child's technique, effort, fitness, flexibility, agility, confidence, focus, attitude and determination. It provides a much better understanding of what their child has achieved and what will be expected of them as they continue towards Black Belt. It is also important when things do not go completely to plan. If an Instructor identifies an area requiring further development, or a student receives a Probation Grade, the parent has witnessed the Grading and can better understand what needs to improve and why. Most importantly, parents are there to support their child and share in their achievement. We have had parents watching these Gradings comment afterwards: “Wow! What a change!” The development that takes place gradually through weekly training can sometimes be difficult to notice. Watching students perform alongside their peers in a structured Grading can highlight just how much their confidence, ability, maturity, fitness and martial arts skills have developed. For a young person who may have spent months working towards that particular grade, having their parent or guardian there to see their effort and recognise their achievement can also make the occasion a much more meaningful milestone in their martial arts journey. For these reasons, parent/guardian attendance is a condition of participation in Main Group Gradings from 5th Gup onwards. Please ensure that a parent or guardian is able to remain for the entire Grading before booking your child's place.
Why can't my child grade for 5th Gup or above during their regular class? As students progress into the Intermediate and Advanced stages of their martial arts journey, their Grading becomes a more structured and comprehensive examination of their overall development. From 5th Gup onwards, students are no longer being assessed only on whether they can perform the individual techniques required for their next grade. They are expected to demonstrate how their knowledge, technical ability, physical development and martial arts skills are coming together as a whole. The Main Group Grading provides the appropriate environment for this higher level of assessment. Students perform alongside others working at a similar level, while the Grading Instructor is able to assess the increased technical and physical standards expected as students progress towards Black Belt. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their development across areas including Technique, Hyung, Ho Sin Sul, Sparring, Self-Defence, Flexibility, Fitness, Agility, Knowledge, Korean Terminology, Focus, Confidence, Attitude and overall Martial Arts ability. The Group Grading environment is also an important part of a student's development. Performing under greater pressure, maintaining concentration for a longer period, working alongside other Intermediate and Advanced students and continuing to perform when physically and mentally challenged are all skills that become increasingly important as a student moves towards Black Belt. For this reason, from 5th Gup onwards, attendance at the designated Main Group Grading forms part of the grading requirement itself. It allows SHMA to assess not simply what a student knows, but how well they can bring together and demonstrate the skills, knowledge, attitude and standards expected at their stage of training.
What happens if my child cannot attend their booked Grading? We understand that occasionally a student may be unable to attend their booked Grading because of illness, a school trip, sporting event or another genuine commitment. Students grading for an Achievement Level or 10th–6th Gup during Main Grading Week may, where appropriate, be permitted to attend another suitable scheduled grading session during the same week. Any alternative session is subject to the student's age, grade, class suitability, available space and Instructor approval. Parents should contact SHMA before attending another class, as students cannot simply arrive at an alternative grading session without prior approval. Please Give Us At Least One Hour's Notice If your child cannot attend their booked Grading, SHMA must be notified at least 60 minutes before the scheduled Grading start time. Where the required notice is provided, the student will be eligible for a complimentary rescheduling, subject to an appropriate alternative grading session being available and approved by the Instructor. If a student does not attend their booked Grading and SHMA has not received the minimum 60 minutes' notice, a complimentary rescheduling will not be provided. Where the student is subsequently approved to complete the missed Grading, a fee equivalent to 50% of the original Grading fee will be payable. This policy allows SHMA to reorganise grading groups where possible, offer available spaces appropriately and prepare for the students expected to attend each Grading.
What time should my child arrive for their Grading? Students should arrive approximately 25–30 minutes before their scheduled Grading start time. This allows sufficient time to arrive, change or prepare if necessary, organise their uniform and equipment, use the facilities, settle themselves and be completely ready to begin when the Grading starts. The published Grading time is the start of the examination, not the arrival time. Students who are not ready to begin at the scheduled start time will not be permitted to participate in the Grading. A Grading is an examination, and learning to arrive prepared, organised and on time is part of the responsibility, discipline and independence that develops as students progress through their Martial Arts journey. We therefore ask parents to allow sufficient travelling and preparation time when planning their journey to the Grading venue.
What happens if my child does not pass their Grading? There are three possible SHMA Grading results: PASS • PROBATION • FAIL Students who have been approved to grade would normally be expected to Pass because their Class Instructor has already assessed their readiness. However, approval to grade does not guarantee a Pass. A Grading is an examination. On the day, students must demonstrate the required effort, knowledge, technical ability and minimum standards set out within their Syllabus and Grading Sheet. Students must also attend in a clean, correctly presented SHMA Uniform, with the required badges and equipment appropriate to their grade, in order to meet the Uniform & Presentation section of their Grading. PASS A Pass means the student has demonstrated the required overall standard for the grade and has successfully completed their Grading requirements. They can be proud of what they have achieved and begin working towards the next stage of their martial arts journey. PROBATION A Probation Grade means that the student has demonstrated a sufficient overall standard to receive their new belt or rank, but the Grading Instructor has identified a specific area that must still be improved. The student will normally be given a specified period — usually approximately one month — to demonstrate the required improvement. The student may receive their new belt alongside their peers at the Belt Presentation; however, their Grading requirements are not considered fully completed until the identified area has reached the required standard. Once the improvement has been demonstrated, the outstanding requirement can be signed off and the student's Grading completed. If the required improvement is not demonstrated within the specified period, completion and signing of the student's Grading Certificate may be delayed. This may also affect their progression timeline and, where applicable, when they become eligible for their next Intermediate or Advanced Main Grade. The purpose of Probation is not to take an achievement away from a student. It allows SHMA to recognise the standard they have achieved overall while ensuring that an important area requiring further development is not simply overlooked. FAIL A Fail means that, on the day of the Grading, the student did not demonstrate the minimum overall standard required to successfully complete that grade. This may relate to technical performance, syllabus knowledge, effort, preparation, presentation or another requirement identified by the Grading Instructor. Failing a Grading does not mean that the student has failed in their martial arts journey. It means that they need additional time and training before the grade can be successfully completed. The Instructor will identify the areas requiring improvement so that the student knows what they need to work towards. A student who receives a Fail will be offered a complimentary second Grading at the next appropriate opportunity, once the Instructor believes they are ready to attempt the Grading again. There is no additional Grading fee for this second attempt. Whether the result is Pass, Probation or Fail, the purpose of the Grading is the same: to recognise what the student has achieved, identify what they need to develop next and ensure that the standards represented by each SHMA grade are maintained.
How Will I Know if My Child Has Been Approved for the Next Scheduled Grading? The Class Instructor will inform the student when they have been approved to grade. Parents can also check the SHMA Members Section for information regarding their child's Grading eligibility and upcoming scheduled Grading. What Does “Approved to Grade” Mean? Being approved means that the Class Instructor believes the student is on track and preparing well for the proposed Grading. It does not mean that preparation should stop, nor does it guarantee that the student will remain on the Grading list if the required standard is not maintained. Once approved, students should continue attending training, practising their syllabus and developing their required techniques, Korean terminology, theory, knowledge, fitness and other grade requirements right up until Grading Day. What if My Child Still Has Something to Improve? If the Class Instructor feels that a student's progress has not been maintained, insufficient practice has taken place, or a particular requirement has not yet reached the necessary standard, the student may be given one or two weeks to demonstrate the required improvement. If the required improvement has still not been achieved, the Class Instructor may decide that the student would benefit from additional preparation time and withdraw them from the scheduled Grading. Where appropriate within the SHMA Grading Structure, the Instructor may instead adjust the proposed Grading from a Senior Gup Rank to the applicable Junior Gup Rank. This allows the student's genuine progress and achievement to still be recognised without awarding a rank for which all of the required standards have not yet been demonstrated. This Is Not a Punishment Being withdrawn from a Grading or having a proposed Senior Gup Rank adjusted to a Junior Gup Rank is not a punishment or a failure. Our aim is to avoid placing a student into a Grading when they are not sufficiently prepared and potentially putting them in a position where they may fail or find the experience unnecessarily stressful. We also recognise that students have lives and responsibilities outside the Dojang. Schoolwork, examinations, school events, other activities and family circumstances can all affect the amount of additional practice a student is able to complete. Younger students may also depend upon parents or guardians having the time available to help them practise at home. We do not want a student to feel pressured into trying to fit an unrealistic amount of additional practice into a week or two simply because a Grading date is approaching. Sometimes the better decision is simply to give the student more time. Recognising Progress Without Rushing Progress The Junior and Senior® Gup Rank structure gives SHMA greater flexibility to recognise what a student has achieved, while allowing additional time to develop what is still required. Where necessary, postponing a Main Grade allows the student to continue training, develop their skills and knowledge, build confidence and approach their next Grading properly prepared rather than rushed or under unnecessary pressure. Students develop at different rates, and their progression does not need to follow exactly the same timetable as another student in their class. The final decision regarding the grade or rank a student is permitted to attempt remains with the Class Instructor and may be adjusted at any point up to the scheduled Grading. Our priority is not getting a student through a Grading on a particular date. It is helping them achieve their grade when they are properly prepared, confident and ready to succeed.
How & Why Does a Student Submit Knowledge & Theory for Grading? At SHMA, we believe a student should not only be able to perform Martial Arts techniques but also understand what they are learning and why. As students progress, their Knowledge and Theory gradually develops alongside their physical skills. This may include Korean terminology, the meaning and history of Tang Soo Do, Hyung knowledge, Martial Arts traditions, etiquette, Self-Defence principles and an understanding of the techniques they practise. The requirements are age and grade appropriate and become more detailed as students progress towards Black Belt. This is particularly important because our aim is to develop thinking Martial Artists, not students who simply copy movements or memorise techniques for a Grading. Learning the Knowledge and Theory also helps students understand the traditions behind their Martial Art, communicate using the correct terminology and develop a deeper understanding of what their belt represents. A Martial Artist should know not only how to perform a technique, but what they are doing, why they are doing it and the principles behind it. For this reason, Knowledge and Theory form part of the student's overall Grading requirements alongside their practical Martial Arts skills. The Students SHMA Handbook will give all the theory information required at each grade and how to submit it.
Why is my child not grading or progressing as quickly as another student? Every student's Martial Arts journey is different. Two students may be the same age, begin training on the same day and attend the same class, but this does not mean that they will continue to progress or grade at exactly the same time. Progress can be influenced by many factors, including a student's:Confidence • Understanding • Technical Ability • Coordination • Fitness • Flexibility • Focus • Enthusiasm • Effort • Attitude • Classroom Behaviour • Attendance • Number of Lessons Attended • Holiday Camp & Workshop Participation • Home Practice • Syllabus Knowledge • Overall Readiness SHMA will not progress a student simply because their friend, sibling or classmate is grading or minimum time in grade has been reached. The Class Instructor will approve each student when they believe that individual student is ready for their next stage. Our Junior and Senior Gup Rank system provides more opportunities to recognise the progress students make between their Main Grades without rushing them through the grading system.The aim is not to reach Black Belt faster than somebody else. The aim is to arrive at each new grade properly prepared, with the knowledge, ability and confidence to begin the next stage of the journey.
When do students receive a Grading Certificate? Students receive Grading Certificates at key milestones in their martial arts journey, recognising their progression into the next stage of training. 10th Gup – Yellow Belt Awarded as the student becomes part of the Educational Martial Arts System. 6th Gup – Green Belt Awarded as the student progresses from the Beginner into the Intermediate Grade range. 2nd Gup – Red Belt Awarded as the student progresses from the Intermediate into the Advanced Grade range. Cho Dan Bo – Black Belt Candidate Awarded when the student reaches Black Belt Candidate level and begins the final stage of preparation towards their first Black Belt. Black Belt – Dan Grades A new Grading Certificate is awarded at each Black Belt Dan Grade, recognising the student's continued progression and achievement within the Black Belt ranks.
Junior Belt grade to Senior belt grade from 6th Gup to 1st Gup. Students progressing from a Junior Gup Rank to the Senior Rank of the same Gup Grade may Grade during their regular scheduled class during the main grading week or they attend the main Group Grading day. This applies to: 6th Gup Junior → 6th Gup Senior 5th Gup Junior → 5th Gup Senior 4th Gup Junior → 4th Gup Senior 3rd Gup Junior → 3rd Gup Senior 2nd Gup Junior → 2nd Gup Senior 1st Gup Junior → 1st Gup Senior The appropriate Grading session will be determined or approved by the Class Instructor. Parent/Guardian Attendance Where a student is progressing only from a Junior Rank to the Senior Rank of the same Gup Grade, parent/guardian attendance at the Grading is optional. This applies whether the Junior-to-Senior advancement is completed during the student's regular class or at a Main Group Grading. The requirement for a parent/guardian to attend the entire Main Group Grading continues to apply when a student is attempting an applicable Main Gup Grade advancement, rather than progressing from Junior to Senior within the same Gup Grade.
Have a Question We Haven’t Answered?
If you have a question about SHMA Gradings that isn’t answered here, please let us know. Your question may be something other students or parents are wondering about too. Where appropriate, we’ll add the answer to our Grading FAQs so the information is available to everyone. We want students and parents to understand the Grading Process, what is expected and how progression through SHMA works — so if you are unsure about something, please ask.
Grading Fees & Booking Form
*Students Grading for Achievement Level 1, 2 or 3 Grading Fee: £17 New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: No New Kit Required: None
*Students Grading for 10th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £23 — White Belt or Achievement Level student grading directly to 10th Gup Junior or 10th Gup Senior £17 — 10th Gup Junior student progressing to 10th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: Yes — awarded at either 10th Gup Junior or 10th Gup Senior, depending upon the student's grading progression. Kit Required at 10th Gup Ranks: Shin Guards Full Sparring Kit Advised: Yes Female Students: Hand Guards • Foot Guards • Shin Guards Male Students: Hand Guards • Foot Guards • Shin Guards • Groin Guard How to Purchase: All required and recommended equipment is available through the SHMA Website Shop.
*Students Grading for 9th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £23 — 10th Gup student grading to 9th Gup Junior or 9th Gup Senior £17 — 9th Gup Junior student progressing to 9th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: No New Kit Required at 9th Gup Ranks: None Full Sparring Kit Advised: Yes Female Students: Hand Guards • Foot Guards • Shin Guards Male Students: Hand Guards • Foot Guards • Shin Guards • Groin Guard How to Purchase: All required and recommended equipment is available through the SHMA Website Shop.
*Students Grading for 8th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £23 — 9th Gup student grading to 8th Gup Junior or 8th Gup Senior £17 — 8th Gup Junior student progressing to 8th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: No New Kit Required at 8th Gup Ranks: Full Sparring Kit Required Female Students: Hand Guards • Foot Guards • Shin Guards Male Students: Hand Guards • Foot Guards • Shin Guards • Groin Guard How to Purchase: All required equipment is available through the SHMA Website Shop.
*Students Grading for 7th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £23 — 8th Gup student grading to 7th Gup Junior or 7th Gup Senior £17 — 7th Gup Junior student progressing to 7th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: No New Kit Required at 7th Gup Ranks: None
*Students Grading for 6th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £33 — 7th Gup student grading to 6th Gup Junior or 6th Gup Senior £17 — 6th Gup Junior student progressing to 6th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: Yes — awarded at either 6th Gup Junior or 6th Gup Senior, depending upon the student's grading progression. Uniform Trim Awarded: Yes New Kit Required at 6th Gup Ranks: Bo Staff and Bo Case How to Purchase: All required equipment is available through the SHMA Website Shop.
*Students Grading for 5th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £33 — 6th Gup student grading to 5th Gup Junior or 5th Gup Senior £17 — 5th Gup Junior student progressing to 5th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: No New Kit Required at 5th Gup Ranks: No
*Students Grading for 4th Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £33 — 5th Gup student grading to 4th Gup Junior or 4th Gup Senior £17 — 4th Gup Junior student progressing to 4th Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Uniform Trim Awarded: Yes New Kit Required at 4th Gup Ranks: Safety Nunchaku How to Purchase: All required equipment is available through the SHMA Website Shop.
*Students Grading for 3rd Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £33 — 4th Gup student grading to 3rd Gup Junior or 3rd Gup Senior £17 — 3rd Gup Junior student progressing to 3rd Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes New Kit Required at 3rd Gup Ranks: No
*Students Grading for 2nd Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £38 — 3rd Gup student grading to 2nd Gup Junior or 2nd Gup Senior £17 — 2nd Gup Junior student progressing to 2nd Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: Yes — awarded at either 2nd Gup Junior or 2nd Gup Senior, depending upon the student's grading progression. Uniform Trim Awarded: Yes New Kit Required at 2nd Gup Ranks: Tanto How to Purchase: All required equipment is available through the SHMA Website Shop.
*Students Grading for 1st Gup — Junior or Senior Rank Grading Fee: £38 — 2nd Gup student grading to 1st Gup Junior or 1st Gup Senior £17 — 1st Gup Junior student progressing to 1st Gup Senior New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: No New Kit Required at 1st Gup Ranks: No
*Students Grading for Cho Dan Bo Grading Fee: £45 New Belt Awarded: Yes Certificate Awarded: Yes New Kit Required at Cho Dan Bo Ranks: No
*Students Grading for Black Belt — 1st Dan Black Belt Grading — Part 1 Part 1 Grading Fee: £85