STUDENT GRADING POLICY

Applicable to all students enrolled in the Shaolin Kung Fu Program

Purpose of Grading

Grading is an essential part of the martial arts journey. It marks a student’s progress and recognises consistent training, skill development, respectful conduct, and alignment with HAMA’s values and expectations.

While performance on grading day is important, grading is a reflection of cumulative effort, attendance, and personal growth over time.

Grading Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for grading, students must:

  • Maintain a minimum of 90% attendance for their program level
  • Be current financial members of HAMA
  • Demonstrate competency in their required techniques, forms, self-defence, and sparring (where applicable)
  • Display a respectful attitude, consistent focus, and commitment in class
  • Wear the correct full uniform and sash on grading day
  • Pay the required grading fee in full by the published deadline to be entered for grading

Sickness or Injury Before Grading

If a student is unable to attend their scheduled grading due to illness or injury:

  • A valid medical certificate or written explanation must be provided
  • The student may be rescheduled for a make-up grading within 4 weeks of the original grading
  • The originally paid grading fee will be transferred to the make-up grading
  • If no valid explanation is provided, the grading fee is forfeited

Missed Grading Due to Personal Commitments

If a student cannot attend their scheduled group grading for personal reasons:

  • A private make-up grading may be arranged within 4 weeks, subject to instructor availability
  • An additional fee applies for make-up gradings due to the individual nature of the session
  • All make-up grading requests must be submitted in advance and are not guaranteed

Failure to Pass Grading

HAMA instructors strive to ensure that every student is prepared and supported for grading. However, a student may fail their grading if they:

  • Do not demonstrate the required level of skill, control, or understanding
  • Display poor effort, focus, attitude, or behaviour on the day
  • Disrespect Wu Guan rules or fail to follow instructions
  • Do not meet the minimum attendance or preparation standards

Three-Warning System

During the grading, students may receive up to two verbal warnings for behaviour, attitude, or effort that does not meet expectations. If a third warning is issued, the student will automatically fail the grading on that day.

Warnings may be issued for:

  • Unsafe conduct or failure to follow directions
  • Disrespectful or disruptive behaviour
  • Minimal effort or poor focus

Re-Attempting a Grading

If a student does not pass their grading:

  • They will receive clear and constructive feedback
  • They may re-attempt the grading within 4 weeks, with no additional fee
  • If the re-attempt is not completed within that timeframe, the student may try again at the next official group grading and will be required to pay a new grading fee

Assessment and Oversight

All grading assessments are conducted by certified HAMA instructors and are overseen by Sifu Ben Copeman. Grading outcomes are based on a combination of technical performance, attitude, behaviour, and the student’s alignment with HAMA’s training philosophy and expectations.

Contact

For all grading-related enquiries, please contact:
Sifu Ben Copeman | 释永本 Shì Yǒng Běn
Phone: 0405 446 557
Email: ben@hillsmartialarts.com.au
Website: www.hillsmartialarts.com.au