Graduation - February 2026

Here we go... Let's kick off 2026 with the right standard, the right focus & the right effort.

Graduation piccie!

Graduations are a pivotal event at Family Martial Arts Centres, occurring every two months with great enthusiasm. Students from all our centres across the North West come together at a single venue to celebrate this significant milestone, supported by their friends and family. These events provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the impressive skills students have honed over recent months. During the ceremony, students proudly receive their next coloured belt and certificate, signifying their advancement through the martial arts ranks.

For our younger students, Graduations are a rewarding moment of recognition rather than a test. In our programmes, students are not required to master every skill to progress, as obtaining a new belt is designed to boost their confidence and motivation. As students rise through the ranking structure, Graduations transform into more formal 'gradings', which include testing.

If you’re new to Graduations, you might want to read what some students have to say about it here.

If you are unable to attend Graduation on the 21st due to religious, cultural, work, or holiday reasons, rest assured that alternative options are available. If you requested an alternative when submitting your form, you should have received the details via text. If you haven't, you must be at Bury Grammar School on Saturday. For those who did not submit a Graduation Form, the next opportunity to graduate will be in April.

Ensure you attend your scheduled Graduation; otherwise, your belt and certificate will not be available. If anyone encounters a last-minute issue or illness, contact your Instructor for advice and guidance.

Where do I go for Graduation?

Graduations happen in the Sports Hall at Bury Grammar School, located at Tenterden Street, Bury BL9 0HN.

Map of the Bury Grammar School Site

Get ready for excitement! You'll find the Sports Hall entrance at Bury Grammar School on Tenterden Street. We're located on the Boys School site, right inside the Sports Hall. Just look for the entrance on that sharp corner about halfway down Tenterden Street. See you there!

You can park on-site, with additional street parking spots available nearby - just remember to check the rules. Alternatively, ample paid parking is available at the Castle Leisure Centre, conveniently located just across Jubilee Way.

Choosing public transport is an excellent option for many Prestwich students! The buses and trams conveniently stop at Bury Interchange, and from there, it’s just a quick 5-minute walk to the Graduation venue.

When do I go?

The normal Graduation is on Saturday 21st February 2026. Make sure that you attend the time for your CURRENT Belt colour / Grade:

• Tigers at 9.00am

• White & Yellow Belts at 10.00am

• Orange & Blue Belts at 11.00am

• Green Belts at 12.00pm

• 3rd & 2nd Gups (Red Belt with no or 1 Blue Tag) at 1.00pm

• 1st Gups (Red Belt with 2 Blue Tags) at 2.00pm

• Black Belts at 3.00pm

You can find all the 2026 graduation dates and times in the centres, on Facebook, Instagram and on the MooDoKwan.co.uk website.

What should I expect?

When you arrive, just swing by the Reception (Tigers should check in with the Instructor). No need to get here too early; 15 minutes before your Graduation is perfect for you to get settled and for us to set up the hall. If you come earlier, you won't be able to get in anyway!

Parents, don't worry! We've got plenty of Instructors ready to help our youngest students remember and show off what they've learned. Some Instructors will be up front doing demos, while others will be around to give extra support. All your child needs to do is follow along and do their thing just like in class!

Students will only be asked to demonstrate exactly what you've been learning in class - nothing more, nothing less. Instructors will lead the Graduations, with additional Instructors positioned around the room to demonstrate and support students, ensuring clarity despite the poor acoustics.

Green Belts and up, gear up with some extra sparring fun! Forget your gear? Get ready for the infamous "walk of shame" to the Masters' Desk, followed by a not-so-gentle reminder of why you should never forget again!

What am I demonstrating?

Tigers

Tiger at Graduation

For the Tigers, Graduation is just another exciting class! All they need to do is show up in their uniforms, perform what they've been practicing, and they're ready to shine! It's often the parents who feel more nervous than the confident Tigers.

At Graduation, Master Parkinson might ask these questions:

1. What is the name of our martial art? (Tang Soo Do)

2. Where do we practice our martial art? (In the Do Jang)

3. What is our uniform called? (Do Bok)

4. What is the new belt that you will collect called? (Dee)

5. What is the Korean for Horse Stance? (Keema Jaseh)

Plus, all the things we've been discussing as part of our ‘Health & Nutrition’ theme.

Just like in class, they'll be showing off:

• Inside Outside Middle Block

• Inside Outside Chop Kick

• Jab, Cross Duck & Cross

• Sparring Stance

• Hop Roundhouse Kick

• Side Grab (parents will no doubt be called upon to help)

• Combination - Middle Block, Back Kick, Reverse Punch

White & Yellow Belts

This group is for all striped belts who've moved up from Tigers, plus everyone with White or Yellow Belts. Just a heads-up, your syllabus includes:

• Inside-Outside Middle Block

• Front Kick

• Back Fist & Cross

• Front Stance

• 2 onto 2 self-defence #1

Yellow Belts, remember the previous syllabus from December!

Orange & Blue Belts

This group needs to demonstrate the current syllabus (above) and go over some techniques you've already learned. Revisit the syllabus so you can ensure that you are well-prepared and aware of the expectations required for your current level. These include:

• Low and High Blocks

• Side, Back, Horse, and Cross-Legged Stances

• Chop and Cross, plus Jab and Cross

• Roundhouse and Side Kicks

• Same-Side and Cross-Hand Self-Defences

Additionally, Blue Belts will get to demonstrate their skills by showcasing the Beginner Form, known as Cho Bo Ja Hyung. This form is a fundamental aspect of your training, as it encapsulates the basic movements and techniques you have learned thus far. Performing this form not only reinforces your understanding of the techniques but also allows you to demonstrate progress to your Instructors and peers.

Green Belts

Green Belt Graduation

Remember your sparring gear - unless you fancy doing the "Oops, I forgot" shuffle of shame to the front desk, which is an experience no one wants to endure. Bring your A-Game, or at least your "I'm really giving it my best" face!

Your focus should be on Basic Form #1 (Kee Cho Hyung Il Bu) and several of the 2 onto 1 Self-Defences (just what we have been practicing in class).

When it comes to sparring, whatever you do, never spar with students from your own Centre - unless you don't want to improve your sparring skills! Training with peers from other Centres introduces you to new challenges and perspectives, pushing you out of your comfort zone. Engaging with a diverse range of sparring partners not only sharpens your skills but also helps you to learn how to adapt your techniques in response to different opponents. So, embrace the opportunity to spar with others and watch your abilities flourish!

3rd & 2nd Gups (Red Belts)

It's your time to shine, everyone! We encourage all participants to embrace this opportunity to display their skills, as it not only highlights individual progress but also fosters a sense of community and support among peers. The Masters will be keeping an eye on you, ensuring that everyone adheres to the standards of excellence we uphold in our practice, providing constructive feedback and encouragement throughout the event. You will be demo'ing:

• Basic Form 1 (Kee Cho Hyung Il Bu)

• Pyung Ahn Ee Dan Hyung

• 2 onto 1 Self-Defences

And don't forget your superhero gear - that's your sparring equipment! It's important to come prepared, as your sparring gear is not just a requirement but also a symbol of your readiness to engage in friendly competition. Mix it up by sparring with people from other Centres. This is a fantastic chance to broaden your experience by facing off against different opponents who may have various styles and techniques. After all, you get to face your usual crew every week!

1st Gups (Senior Red Belts)

You get to flaunt all your cool moves, showcasing a variety of techniques that not only enhance your skill set but also demonstrate your progress in martial arts - including a combination of striking, blocking and footwork that are essential for mastering the art. In addition to the advanced techniques of the 2nd and 3rd Gups, you also get an extra dose of fun by doing the earlier Pyung Ahn Hyung.

Black Belts

Midnight Blue Belts poised for action!

Black Belts will showcase the previous Hyungs that we have been diligently practicing in our classes, plus their One-Step Sparring & their Baseball Bat Self-Defences. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved, as it allows us to witness the progress and dedication of our students. If you have been attending classes regularly, you will be well aware of the expectations set out for this event! It’s essential to remember one crucial item: DON'T FORGET YOUR SPARRING GEAR. Your sparring gear is not just a requirement; it is a vital part of your preparation and safety during the demonstrations and sparring sessions that will take place.

What should I do afterwards?

Relax, rewind & recharge - we restart the next day with a whole new syllabus and plenty of fun!

Don't forget to take lots of pics and share your success on the Facebook pages! Make sure to grab a selfie with your favourite Instructor.

• Leadership - https://www.facebook.com/FMACNorthManchester

• Denton Tigers - https://www.facebook.com/FMACDentonTigers 

• Middleton Tigers - https://www.facebook.com/FMACMiddletonTigers 

• Oldham Tigers - https://www.facebook.com/FMACOldhamTigers 

• Prestwich Tigers - https://www.facebook.com/FMACPrestwichTigers 

Don't use Facebook? Not a problem, head over to our Instagram page instead (same rules apply) - https://www.instagram.com/nmfmac/

A final thought...

To participate in the Graduation ceremony, it is imperative that you successfully pass a comprehensive evaluation in class conducted by your Instructor. This evaluation is designed to assess your grasp of the syllabus that corresponds to your age and skill level. It is not merely a test, but an opportunity for you to demonstrate the hard work and commitment you have invested in your martial arts training. If you can effectively showcase your skills at our Centres, you will find that Graduation will be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Just remember to relax, embrace the moment, and take this day as a valuable chance to learn even more about your practice and yourself! Graduation is not just an endpoint; it is a celebration of your journey and a stepping stone to further growth in your martial arts path. Let’s work together to make this a memorable occasion!