Grading Day Success at North Staffordshire Kickboxing

Grading Day Success at North Staffordshire Kickboxing

What a day at grading 💥

Our latest grading was a long but incredibly successful one, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who stepped on the mats.

We saw a successful Cobra grading with 16 passes, alongside a very technically clean Adult grading with 8 successful passes, giving this grading a 100% pass rate across both groups. More importantly than the numbers, the standard shown throughout the day reflected consistent effort, preparation, and focus.

Cobra Grading

Our Cobras were put through a challenging but enjoyable grading designed to test both fitness and technique. The grading included:

    •    A relay

    •    A 10-minute exercise circuit

    •    Technique line work

    •    Finishing strong with a 10-minute burner

From start to finish, the effort levels were excellent. Every Cobra met or exceeded the expected standard across their techniques, maintaining focus and determination throughout. Several went beyond expectations by picking up additional top marks, demonstrating real understanding and growth.

Belts achieved:

    •    6 Red Belts

    •    2 White Belts

    •    3 Yellow Belts

    •    1 Orange Belt

    •    1 Blue Belt

    •    2 Cobra Black Belts

Cobra Standout Performances

Vlad delivered an outstanding performance, showing skill well above his age. Moving from his expected Green Belt to Blue Belt, he graded at a completely different level — locked in, determined, and technically sharp throughout. At just 8 years old, he showed exactly what he’s capable of, picking up a high number of top marks.

Ben and Jasmine successfully completed the full Cobra syllabus and earned their Cobra Black Belts. Their grading was delivered with consistency and composure, showing exactly why they achieved such a high result. A full write-up will follow for these two.

Adult Grading

Adult grading was a long and demanding process, but the standard stayed high throughout. This was one of the cleanest technical gradings we’ve seen, clearly showing how well feedback and coaching points are being listened to and applied in class.

Adult grading consisted of:

    •    A circuit

    •    Technique assessment

    •    A 10-minute burner

    •    A 30-second bag blast followed immediately by the ladder test

Even under fatigue, technique, control, and effort remained strong across the group.

Belts achieved:

    •    2 Yellow Belts

    •    2 Orange Belts

    •    1 Green Belt

    •    3 Purple Belts

Adult Standout Performances

Lincoln stepped up to adult grading and rose to the challenge. Despite confidence being shaky in the lead-up, he kept pace from the opening circuit right through to the ladder test, showing determination and earning his pass through effort and commitment.

Ash delivered an exceptional grading performance, exceeding expectations under a more critical eye. Due to medical issues she had previously missed a grading, but this didn’t hold her back — earning both Blue and Purple belts in one grading and achieving 100% of available marks on her techniques.

High Standards and Looking Ahead

We firmly believe that belts aren’t given — they’re earned, and this grading showed exactly that. The concentration, effort, and resilience shown across both gradings was outstanding.

 

Some students weren’t able to attend due to the time of year, and for others it simply wasn’t quite their moment yet. That’s all part of the journey. Those students now have clear targets and will be aiming for the March grading.

The standard was high and has set strong expectations for the gradings to come.

An outstanding day all round — well done to everyone involved 🖤❤️