Article: Examinations and Their Purpose by Patrick Auge

Discuss the article, "Examinations and Their Purpose" by Patrick Augé here.

Article URL: http://www.aikiweb.com/testing/auge2.html

You know, I have seen all kinds of teachers who have taught in completely different styles, some of them recited knowledge that was given to them by their teacher, and some of them explained the underlying mechanics with real meanings of their instructed movements.

Testing does indeed provide a platform for the maintenence and continued high quality of preserving the techniques of a martial art, but sometimes the real test is what you do when you really are faced with a situation that calls for either using physical action, or physical restraint.

Some lessons are easily absorbed, while others require years of practice and experience. There are a lot of cookie cutter tests that will show physical proficiency while the character of the practitioner is not questioned. Hopefully, we will progress in spiritual growth as we practice and test for proficiency.

I see about a 30% success rate in those under forty, while most of those over forty have learned lessons either the hard way, or from experience. There is no easy way to override the sexual hormornal drive that interferes with a clear mind, but that is the emotional batttle of growing up and becoming at ease with yourself.

So, as far as testing is concerned, it is all a circle that connects with the master becoming the beginner. If that is the case, the only test that really matters is how your practice makes your life better, and will you have the clarity to use it or not use it when the time comes?

The final test is not in the dojo, but in your everyday quality of life.

What a fantastic article! Auge Sensei really lays out the rationale for testing in a manner that we can all understand. I found it extremely beneficial.

Thank you for sharing this with us,

Rachel

I agree with Ms Massey on this. Thanks Jun for posting this. Lots of things to consider and reflect on.

As far as testing goes, either the student(s) know what to do or they don't. I never tell my students when they are going to test. I have the criteria already and I ask them, during the course of class, to demonstrate a technique. The test is very comprehensive but they are relaxed because they don't realize they are testing. Sometimes I tell them that I am going to have them do an "inventory" to see what they know, where they need help, and how they can improve. I have given tests where the student forgets, or gets nervous, and blows the test. Sometimes the test will last for 2 or more classes while I hit on everything they need to do. It has worked out very well. I do my junior black belts the same way. The results have been very good. Some styles don't award colored belts. Either it's white or black. In Tomiki, I award colored belts because it shows progression, it's an achievement that they deserve, but it also gives them more responsibility towards lower ranking aikidoka.