Candidate must be a current member in good standing with the WPBBMAO.

Minimum time in grade from the last Dan grade promotion, up to and including 5th Dan, must be equal in years to the numerical designation of the current rank. Promotions for 6th Dan and higher may be awarded upon recommendation of the Testing Board and/or Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu.

Time in Grade may only be waived by Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu based on the documentation of teaching and training experience, and grading history submitted by the candidate.

Testing is conducted twice annually at a designated location to be announced and will be posted on this WPBBMAO website under Calendar of Events (coming soon).

Candidate must submit in writing a request to test for promotion, which is to include the reasons for testing, current rank, system, and the date, with documentation, of the last promotion(s) 3 months prior to posted annual testing dates.

Upon request, formal testing may be conducted at a regional location in the candidate’s area. Travel arrangements and travel and lodging expenses for Chief Examiner and a minimum of four Testing Board Members to and from the location shall be made and paid for in advance and are the responsibility of the candidate.

Candidate must submit the following at time of application:

One typed page in outline form, listing their system, training and/or teaching experience.

One typed page listing the following information for presentation:

• One Advanced Kata
• One Advanced Weapon Kata
• Advanced Hand Techniques
• Traditional Techniques related to the system
• Self Defense Techniques – empty handed
• Self Defense Techniques – against weapons (club, knife, handgun)

Candidates will be required to give an oral presentation and introduction of system prior to test.

Candidates should be prepared to answer any and all questions from the Testing Board.

Testing shall not be less than 30 minutes nor more than 45 minutes in length.

Testing fees must be paid at the time of making application for promotion in the form of certified check or money order, payable to Solomon Kaihewalu, or through the PayPal account connected with this website (coming soon). Fees are non-refundable. Should a candidate, for unforeseen reasons, not be able to attend the scheduled testing date, the fees will be retained by the WPBBMAO and shall be carried over to the next scheduled testing date. Refer to the Testing Fee Schedule.