ZKS Mini Assessments
Our Mini Assessments are a fundamental part of the ZKS children's belt system, helping students track their progress and work towards their next belt level.
How Mini Assessments Work
When new students join, they need to attend at least one Mini Assessment during the academic year. Parents can book these assessments through our events system. They occur at the end of each term:
- Winter Mini Assessment – End of autumn term
- Spring Mini Assessment – End of spring term
- Summer Mini Assessment – End of summer term
Mini Assessment Tags and Levels
After every Mini Assessment, members earn a tag to iron onto their belt. We have three levels of achievement:
- Pass – All members are expected to achieve a Pass by practising the term’s curriculum.
- Merit – For those who demonstrate advanced techniques in Junior MA classes.
- Distinction – For those who show advanced or elite techniques in Teen MA classes, proving a high level of skill and knowledge.
Coloured belts (Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Blue, Purple, Purple Stripe, Brown, Brown Stripe) must attend all three Mini Assessments in the academic year to be eligible for promotion to their next belt or to be invited to the summer competition.
Note: Achieving a Merit or Distinction does not relate to double grading; double grading opportunities are available only through the summer competition.
Belt Promotions & Summer Competition
At ZKS Martial Arts, belt promotions are a key celebration of our students’ hard work. Alongside regular Mini Assessments, our annual Summer Competition offers a chance to demonstrate skills, compete, and earn special recognition.
How Belt Promotions Work
Students who have completed all required Mini Assessments and met the technical and behavioural standards are invited to a belt promotion at the end of the academic year.
Coloured belt students must attend all three Mini Assessments within the year to be considered. Promotions recognise skill progression, dedication, and the student’s commitment to the ZKS values.
The Summer Competition
Held every July, the Summer Competition is our biggest event of the year. It includes sparring, grappling, demonstrations, and the prestigious grading awards ceremony.
Students who earn a Distinction in their Mini Assessments and excel in competition may be considered for a double grade — advancing two belt levels in one promotion.
Even if a student chooses not to compete, they may still attend the awards ceremony to receive their new belt and celebrate their achievements with peers.
F.A.Q about Grading & Belt Promotions
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Do I need to complete Mini Assessments before grading?
Yes if you wish to attend the belt promotion. White belts must complete at least one Mini Assessment to progress to yellow belt. Coloured belts (Yellow and above) must attend all three Mini Assessments in the academic year to be eligible for grading or to receive an invitation to the Summer Competition.
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What is a double grade and how can I achieve one?
A double grade means skipping the next belt level and moving up two ranks at once. This can only be achieved by performing exceptionally in the annual Summer Competition.
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Can I be promoted without competing in the Summer Competition?
Yes. Students can receive their new belt at the annual belt promotion in class in July, even if they choose not to compete. However, double grading opportunities are only available through the Summer Competition.
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How long does it take to reach black belt?
On average, it takes around nine to ten years of consistent training (two or more classes per week) to reach black belt. This timeline depends on attendance, dedication, and skill progression.
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How will I know when I’m ready for my next grading?
Your instructors will assess your performance in regular classes and Mini Assessments. If you meet the technical, fitness, and attitude requirements for your belt level, you’ll be invited to the next grading.