Bushido Martial Arts Grading Expectations: What You Need to Know

Bushido Martial Arts
Oct 3
2 min read

At Bushido Martial Arts, grading isn’t just about turning up on the day — it’s about proving you’re ready. We believe every belt should be earned through hard work, consistent training, and real progress. That’s why our grading process is designed to maintain high standards and reward genuine effort.

📅 Martial Arts Grading Dates at Bushido

We hold four gradings every year at regular intervals, giving students clear goals to work towards:

March
June
September
The final weekend of November

The time between each grading is called a grading period. This is your window to train consistently, develop your skills, and prepare for your next belt.

🕒 Minimum Training Hours: 48 Hours Per Grading Period

To be considered for a grading at Bushido, students must complete at least 48 hours of training during the grading period.

Our dojo is open 8 hours per week, so this works out at around 4 hours per week on average. Meeting this requirement ensures you have:

✅ Enough time to practise techniques and combinations
✅ Regular exposure to the full grading syllabus
✅ Steady improvement in strength, control, and understanding

Consistent attendance is one of the most important parts of martial arts progression — and it shows when grading day arrives.

🥋 Instructor Approval: More Than Just Attendance

Logging 48 hours of training does not automatically guarantee an invitation to grade.

Your instructor will assess whether you are genuinely ready. Gradings can be intense and physically demanding, lasting up to six hours, and we want every student to succeed, not struggle.

If your instructor feels you need more time, we’ll provide clear feedback, targeted guidance, and a plan to help you prepare for the next grading. This approach ensures you don’t just pass — you pass with confidence.

💡 Why Our Grading Standards Matter

Our grading requirements aren’t about making things harder — they’re about protecting the value of every belt and the integrity of your martial arts journey. By following them, you will:

Build strong, consistent training habits
Develop deeper technical skill and personal discipline
Avoid rushed or unprepared grading attempts
Ensure Bushido belts remain meaningful and respected

At Bushido Martial Arts, every belt is earned — never given.

👊 Final Thoughts: Earning Your Belt at Bushido Martial Arts

It can be frustrating to miss a grading, especially if you’ve put the hours in. But remember — every class moves you closer to your goal. Your time will come, and when it does, you’ll know you’ve truly earned it.

If you’re unsure about your grading readiness, speak to your instructor. We’re here to support your development every step of the way.

Train hard. Show up. Stay consistent. Earn your belt the right way.

📍 About Bushido Martial Arts

Bushido Martial Arts is based at Bridgehall Community Centre in Stockport and offers Freestyle Karate and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu classes for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, we’ll help you train with purpose, improve your skills, and achieve your next belt.