Report - 2026 Spring Grading

The Spring Grading is done and we are proud of every student who stepped on the floor.

Forty students graded across both dojos — 14 from Barrie and 26 from Mississauga. That represents roughly 60% of our total student base, which is by design.

Grading at Contact Kicks is not automatic. Every candidate must meet attendance requirements, demonstrate the necessary curriculum, and be assessed as ready before they are approved to grade. Not every student who wants to grade is eligible, and that standard is part of what makes earning a belt here mean something.

Mississauga had a particularly strong session. Eleven new students graded for their very first belt — 10th Kyu, orange belt — which is a significant number and a reflection of the growth that dojo has seen over the past several months. Watching a group of brand new students step up and perform under pressure for the first time is always one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

This session was focused on lower ranks, up to green belt. The level of the candidates was genuinely great and everyone who graded gave a strong performance.

We are now back in the dojo and back to work.

Looking ahead, the Summer Grading will be a joint session for both Barrie and Mississauga — as it is every year by tradition — and will be held at the Mississauga Dojo. The date will be posted soon. If you are training toward your next belt, now is the time to stay consistent and keep building.

More to come. Keep training.

— Shihan Steve Fogarasi, 5th Dan

(For photos and videos please visit out social media pages)