SECOND L.T.S.I. BLACK BELT EXAM

On 27/04/08, a handful of members who were assisting at the exam and I were on site at Francis Bacon School, St. Albans to support and help with the second L.T.S.I. Black Belt examination. Seven members would demonstrate their skills and try to achieve their new ranks - Elliott Moulster, Andrew Smith and Adam Aliousalah were grading for 2nd Degree and Lee Carling, Amy Smith, Mick Titheradge and Johnnoel Brennan were grading for 1st Degree.

After setting up the hall, it was time for the exam to commence - the candidates were nervous (to say the least!) and you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. I think this is an important factor of any exam, as nerves often make you produce better standards. As the examiner, I explained to all that they would not have been there if they had not passed the mock exam held weeks before and it was important they all tried to relax and get hold of their nerves. In our opinion, the Black Belt exam process was a bit too easy in previous years - nowadays, a good format has been developed where everyone would be graded thoroughly and those who passed would have to ensure all elements were strong, putting quality across the board.

Firstly, the students were given their one hour theory test paper. At this point, the other two assistant examiners Mr. Stuart Smith, 3rd Degree, and Mr. Malcolm Pearce, 2nd Degree, left the hall to have a meeting regarding the examination and speak about further improvements or adjustments that needed to be made. At this point Mr. Hillier, 2nd Degree, was left in charge to ensure no-one spoke during the examination.

After the meeting, we were back in the hall and the clock was stopped. Whilst we checked the test sheets, the students got changed and warmed up eagerly waiting for the theory result. The average pass mark achieved was 69%, which was brilliant - one student reached 94%, which proved he knew his stuff!

Now it was time to show the physical side - this alone would last about 4.5 hours and is draining, to say the least (but worth it).

The 1st Kups were paired up and brought onto the floor to do three patterns at a time - no one knew what patterns they were being examined on. Meanwhile, the 1st Dans were called up to show their patterns individually.

After about two hours, the students were asked by the panel who wanted to have their destruction test before dinner - all but one opted for this. Here the group would break with two set breaks and a further few base kicks to pass the breaking section. A 30 minute lunch followed and the group was treated to tea and coffee and a rather lavish buffet lunch provided by the L.T.S.I.

The second section started at 1.45pm and all set sparring was shown. Three rounds of contact sparring and three rounds of non contact sparring were demonstrated. Finishing the examination was the L.T.S.I.'s ten point self defence sequences where, as normal, the self defence has to be real and shown using control - little knocks always seem to happen though, due to over application from nervous students!

Finally at 4.10pm, everything was complete and all elements had been fully examined. It was the panels time to mark etiquette, drive and appearance - members can lose marks on these if not correct.

All members lined up and I said "Anyone whose name is not called means you did not reach the set standards" (knowing however all had indeed passed - how cruel!). I think I speak on behalf of everyone on the panel when I say the standards were good. Now we have a set format for the Black Belt examinations, we are sure they will get even better, as it showed members are pushing harder to reach the standards we have set as the L.T.S.I.'s bench mark. We must thank all those that assisted at the exam - Mr. Hillier and Mr. Townshend who gave full support on the day, Miss Chapman who took photos and film footage, Tracey Leonard, the L.T.S.I.'s Secretary General, who made the buffet and kept the coffees coming and, of course, Mr. Smith and Mr. Pearce who help make the Black Belt panel a real success. The markings from all on the panel were the closest they have ever been, proving we MUST be doing something right.

This report and video with full details can be found on the L.T.S.I. website located at www.uk-ltsi.com. This organization runs events which are open to every organization in the U.K. Instructors wanting to join the L.T.S.I. can call the L.T.S.I. Head Office on 01727 822612 and discuss in confidence the possibility of joining our organisation.

Submitted by Mr. C. Snow, 5^th Degree

Chairman of the L.T.S.I.