American Kenpo Legacy - Kenpo Karate Video Belt Testing Protocol

The American Kenpo Legacy Association provides several services to enhance the art of American Kenpo Karate. We believe that no one should be prevented from enjoying the advancement in Kenpo because of economics, location, or not being with the 'in' crowd.

We believe that there should never be a charge for testing. In this way, your rank will be earned - not bought. Personal instructors are the best way to learn any martial art. However, our Complete Kenpo Home Study Course is presented in such an instructional manner, that you will feel as if you are in a actual lesson. If you are attentive to the instruction, self critical and self driven, you will find that your progress will match anyone in a studio setting. In fact, we have found that many students testing via videotape 'over-prepare' for tests compared to some of our students that we teach in person.

Our tests are hard, but fair. We want to see that you know the material well enough for advancement and well enough to apply in combat situations.

Tests are completely free to the members of the AKLA. Membership with the AKLA is free with a purchase any of our videos or manuals.

Testing Protocol

When you feel that you know the material for the rank that you are attempting well enough to apply in a combat situation, then you are invited to demonstrate your skills in a test for rank promotion. Follow these guidelines to be considered for advancement. Click here for a listing of the qualities that are expected at each belt level.

Find a setting that will allow you to perform all of your movements without having to adjust your position.

Most video cameras allow a time display run while the camera is recording. Set the cameras date and time. Once the test begins, there are to be no breaks. If you make a mistake, either record the complete test again, or continue with the mistake on the tape/DVD. This is what would happen if you were to test in person. If your camera does not display the date/time, then have a clock visible in the background.

To begin, state your name clearly and announce what rank that you are testing for.

State clearly what the technique name is or what form that you are performing. A list of requirements is contained in Volume 1 in the Library of Kenpo or in the Technique Requirement Sheets.

Execute the technique slowly facing the camera once. Perform the technique as fast as possible (retaining good from) once. And then perform the technique once at medium speed with a partner. The partner can be omitted if you do not have one. It is advisable to obtain a partner for your own sake of being able to apply the movements to actual combat.

Perform all the techniques for the belt that you are attempting as above.

Perform the required form and basics by stating their names and then performing them at the best speed that form will allow.

Close by stating that your test is complete and is now submitted for evaluation.

Send your video test to the address listed below. Be sure to make a copy for yourself, all video tests are retained in our archive for proof of legitimacy.

Once your test is graded, you will be notified by e-mail if you have an e-mail service, or by U.S. Postal Service if you do not have e-mail. Be sure to send a self addressed, stamped envelop if you want notification by the U.S. Postal Service. Results are usually available within two weeks or less. Results will then be posted on the internet in the AKLA Ranking Directory.

Tests are completely free to all members of the American Kenpo Legacy Association.

There is a $15.00 fee applied to non-members to cover the time given by the panel of Black Belts that will judge you tests.

Rank Certificates are only $5.00. These are beautiful certificates!

Members of Kenpo International Test Free of Charge.
Non-members add $15.00 (U.S. Dollars)
Certificates are $5.00
Make your Check or Money-Order payable to KEVIN LAMKIN