Improving your Martial Arts Journey: Changes to Our Club's Syllabus & Grading Process

At Elemental Kickboxing Leeds, we are committed to providing our members with the best possible martial arts experience. That's why we're pleased to announce a key change to our club's syllabus, effective March 1st, 2025. These changes are designed to enhance learning, foster progression, and create a more rewarding journey for every member who walks through our doors.

White Belt Inclusion: We believe that every journey begins with a single step. That's why we're excited to introduce White Belt Inclusion as part of our membership package. Starting now, all new members joining the club will receive their white belt as part of their first-year affiliation fees. This change not only simplifies the process for beginners but also encourages a sense of achievement right from the start.

Belt Progression Adjustments: To ensure that our grading system remains comprehensive and balanced, we've made some adjustments to the criteria for yellow and orange belts. By redistributing certain technical elements, we aim to provide a more structured and effective path for our members as they progress through the ranks.

Transitional Option: For those members who recently earned their white belt in December 2024, we're offering a special transitional option. In March 2025, these members will have the opportunity to grade for their orange belt. Upon successful completion, they will receive both yellow and orange belts, reflecting their dedication and progress.

Adjustments for Higher Grades: While our focus is on beginner progression, we've also made minor adjustments to intermediate and higher grades to ensure alignment with the changes in beginner technical requirements. This ensures that every member, regardless of their level, continues to receive the highest quality instruction and guidance.

Integration of Specific Combinations: As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we're excited to introduce more specific combinations into our technical and sparring elements. These combinations will not only challenge our members but also enhance their skills and prepare them for senior belt gradings under the revised syllabus.

Integration of Specific Sparring Requirements: As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we're introducing more defined sparring requirements at each grade level. These requirements will include specific combinations, movement drills, and controlled sparring exercises tailored to develop technique, timing, and adaptability. By incorporating structured sparring elements into our grading system, we aim to prepare members for higher-level challenges while improving their overall martial arts proficiency.

Reason for Change: Our decision to implement these changes stems from our desire to motivate and inspire our members. By encouraging members to aim for their first belt at the yellow belt level, we hope to foster a sense of achievement and progression. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance learning experiences, improve long-term retention, and benefit both current and future members.

Smooth Transition: We understand that change can sometimes be daunting, but rest assured, we're committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for all our members.

At Elemental Kickboxing Leeds our mission is to encourage individuals through martial arts, and these changes to our syllabus are just another step in that journey. We look forward to seeing our members thrive and succeed. If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

At Elemental Kickboxing Leeds, we are committed to providing our members with the best possible martial arts experience. We are pleased to announce key changes to our club's grading process, effective March 1st, 2025. These enhancements are designed to offer an exclusive examination experience, focusing on building confidence, self-esteem, and a greater sense of accomplishment upon completion.

The examination process will now take place every three months on a Saturday for members grading for yellow to senior brown belt, and black belt dan gradings will continue to have a minimum of one grading per year on a Saturday when required. Grades ranging from yellow belt to senior brown belt will have specific time slots to demonstrate the required criteria for each grade as outlined on our grading page here

Participants must complete every element of their grading within their allotted time. Key components include technical skills, defensive techniques, kata forms, sparring variations, physical fitness, and general conduct per each stage. Each belt grading will be marked during the allotted time, and participants will partner with others grading at the same time, regardless of belt grade and age. When possible, members grading for the same belt and of similar size will be partnered together. In instances where members do not have a partner grading for the same belt, the criteria will remain the same, and opportunities to demonstrate each element will be provided. Awards will be presented at the end of each stage for each respective belt.

Each participant will be assessed by a minimum of two club lead instructors of 2nd dan black belt or above, and when possible, a demonstrator will be available.

The new syllabuses will be printed and distributed throughout the club to members on an existing membership free of charge until 31st March 2025. After this date members will be required to purchase the club syllabus as part of their first years affiliation fee's, or via the clubs shop.