We have a unique approach to grading across all our classes at Foundation.
We understand that while attendance, consistency, and technical understanding are still important, they don’t always show the full picture of how a student is developing. We think Martial Arts should also be about effort, attitude, communication, and how we treat others.
Our grading approach reflects that.
What does grading look at?
When we consider a student for grading, we look at four key areas:
1. Attendance and consistency
Regular training matters. Students need enough time on the mats to build confidence, understanding, and good habits.
2. Understanding and skill development
This includes age-appropriate techniques, movement, and the ability to follow instruction. We focus on understanding rather than perfection.
3. Effort and attitude
We look at how students approach training. Are they trying their best? Are they willing to keep going when things feel challenging?
4. Foundation values in action
We also recognise how students show our values through their behaviour and interactions in the dojo.
Our Values
We use our values, which guide how we train and interact in the dojo.
Kazoku (Belonging and community)
For Kids, Kazoku is about belonging, feeling part of the group, and learning how to train alongside others in a kind and supportive way.
In Juniors, Kazoku is about contributing to the group and starting to understand how their behaviour impacts others.
Kokoro (Effort, resilience, and mindset)
For Kids, Kokoro is about effort and inner strength, trying their best even when things feel challenging.
In Juniors, Kokoro reflects resilience, managing challenges, accepting feedback, and continuing to try when things are difficult.
Kenko (Health and safety)
For Kids, Kenko focuses on learning healthy habits through movement, staying safe, and enjoying being active.
In Juniors, Kenko is about taking responsibility for health and safety, understanding their body, and training in a sustainable way.
Tsushin (Communication)
For Kids, Tsushin is about listening, taking turns, and expressing needs in a positive way.
In Juniors, Tsushin focuses on clear, respectful communication and expressing themselves calmly and appropriately.
Shojiki (Honesty)
For Kids, Shojiki is about honesty and doing the right thing in small moments.
In Juniors, Shojiki is about integrity, taking responsibility for actions, and training honestly.
Yorokobi (Joy)
For Kids, Yorokobi reminds us that training should be joyful and fun.
In Juniors, Yorokobi is about finding enjoyment in effort and contributing positively to the class environment.
Sonkei (Respect)
Sonkei is respect for coaches, training partners, and the dojo space. We gently guide students to practise respectful behaviour throughout the dojo, both on and off the mats.
Kids and Juniors grading
We recognise that children develop at different rates.
Grading for Kids and Juniors is always:
- Age-appropriate
- Development-focused
- Based on patterns over time, not one-off moments
We do not score behaviour or expect all children to behave in the same way.
We look at patterns over time, not bad days, big emotions, one-off moments, or behaviours linked to neurodiversity. The focus is always on growth and improvement.
How do students know when they are ready to grade?
Our Kids and Juniors are graded in class. This grading will take place when they have:
- Completed the minimum number of classes for their level
- Trained regularly and shown consistency
- Demonstrated the required understanding for that grade
- Consistently shown our values in how they train and interact in the dojo
Advanced Junior, Teen and Adult Grading
Advanced Junior and Adult students have a more demanding grading process as the expectation we place on them increases.
We have formal gradings at set dates throughout the year. This is a much more traditional process, with Advanced Junior and Adult students being tested individually through a closed assessment in front of instructors.
Why we grade this way
Our goal is to recognise the whole student.
Grading at Foundation is about:
- Supporting confidence and resilience
- Encouraging positive behaviour and mindset
- Recognising effort as well as ability
- Helping students understand that martial arts is about how you train, not just what you can do