Dojo Hosts Black Belt Test and Demonstration

There will be kicks, boards and people flying in all directions. If you've never seen a black belt test, you don't want to miss one.

This month, we're opening our black belt test and demonstration to everyone. We're also coming together for our Thanksgiving Basket Brigade, launching a new dojo app and saying thank you for another year of your support.

An open invitation to our black belt test

All are invited to come watch the students who have made it to the highest levels in the art of Dynamic Circle Hapkido. The day starts with the advanced black belt test, followed by the black belt test for new candidates.

Why invite everyone? We believe a black belt test should be witnessed. Candidates have worked hard to stand on that mat, and having their families, friends and fellow students there means a lot. For newer students, especially kids, watching a test makes the goal real. They see what focus, effort and character look like under pressure, and they leave inspired to keep going.

Sparring and candidate classes take a break on test day so the whole dojo can be there.

If you come, you'll see more than techniques. You'll see students who are nervous and test anyway, who stumble and keep going, and who cheer for each other when it's someone else's turn. That's the heart of what a black belt means. It's a milestone, not a finish line, and every new black belt is a reminder that steady effort over time adds up.

The Thanksgiving Basket Brigade

We're pooling our resources as a community to put together and deliver Thanksgiving dinner baskets for families in Santa Barbara who otherwise might go without this season.

You can help by donating, or by coming to the dojo on Basket Brigade morning to help make and deliver the baskets. Dojo families working side by side, packing food for neighbors they may never meet, is martial arts values in action. We teach respect, kindness and service on the mat. The Basket Brigade is where we get to live them together.

We believe martial arts should make you a better neighbor, not just a better fighter. Service is one of the best ways for kids to see that strength is meant to help other people.

Training together as a family

"Training with my kids has been one of my greatest joys!" - Master Austin

We believe parents belong on the mat, too. When a parent trains alongside their child, even for a season, it sends a clear message: we're in this together. You learn the same art, celebrate the same milestones and share something real to talk about at home. If you've ever thought about joining your child on the mat, we'd love to talk with you about it.

You don't need any experience, and you don't need to keep up with your kids. It's about sharing the experience, showing them that learning is a lifelong habit and being there to cheer when a new skill finally clicks.

A new app, new gloves and a thank-you

We have a new Santa Barbara Dojo app! Download it today and let us know what you think. If you have any trouble logging in or finding it in the app store, just reach out and we'll help.

We've also become an RDX distributor, and we're carrying a few of our favorite RDX gloves. They're the best synthetic fingerless gloves we've found on the market.

Finally, hooray! We were voted runner-up for Best Martial Arts School in this year's Best of Santa Barbara. Thank you for voting and for supporting all your favorite local businesses. Every vote comes from a student or family who believes in what we do, and that means more to us than any title.

Whether you're cheering at the black belt test, packing baskets or downloading the new app, thank you for being part of this community. November is a month for gratitude, and we have a lot to be grateful for. We'll see you on the mat!

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us using the form below, and we'll be glad to help.