We are on a 6month testing cycle with the kids. Some will test in the spring, and others test in the fall....just depending on when they enter the program. As long as they are in regular attendance (a couple of times a week), follow the rules, listen and put in effort, they are eligible to test. The kids who have tested in the spring are the "ukes" (the ones receiving the technique) -- they are responsible for making their partner look good, taking good falls for their partner and encouraging the other students. The "toris" (the ones doing the technique) are being tested -- and they may be a little nervous, but it helps to have their uke there beside them. It takes a lot of pressure off because at least there is a buddy right there. Needless to say, the kids passed with flying colors! They had to throw, pin, turnover, and had to tell me everything they knew about judo (speaking in front of a class was always a scary thing for me, so I'm trying to get kids used to it in a small setting.) Four were promoted to the next belt and four kids earned a stripe. Great job kids!!! Keep on moving forward!
