See Real Progress in Your Skills and Fitness in Austin, TX

COLOR BAND TESTING AT AWBC

Our color band system is how we track progress, set goals, and train smart together. It’s inspired by martial arts belt systems and designed for boxers who want to build skills and see tangible results from training, with or without sparring. Color bands give you a clear way to see your growth over time. They reflect your technical growth, improvements in conditioning and physical strength, coordination development, and consistency in training.  During class, boxers wear their color band on their arm. This helps instructors quickly pair athletes during drills and exercises of different difficulty levels so everyone can train safely and appropriately.

‍

HOW BAND TESTING WORKS

Everyone starts as a white band, regardless of previous experience. Moving up a band requires completing two parts:

1. Benchmarking.
2. The band test.

‍

BENCHMARKING

Benchmarking is the process of showing instructors that you can perform each required skill for the next band level with good form and control.

When a benchmarking cycle begins:

• Pick up a benchmarking worksheet from an instructor.
• The sheet lists all required skills, with space for initials and dates.
• Videos showing each skill are available in the app.

During designated benchmarking sessions, instructors will evaluate your skills. Once a skill meets the standard, it gets signed off.

All items must be completed on your benchmarking sheet to be eligible for the band test. If your sheet isn’t complete, you will not be invited to test this time around.

‍

WHAT BENCHMARKING IS (AND IS NOT)

Benchmarking isn’t where you learn skills for the first time. You’re expected to come in familiar with the material by watching the videos in the app and practicing in your classes. If you need a refresher or an explanation, ask a coach before or after class. We’re happy to help.

Benchmarking is where you:

• Get skills signed off.
• Receive feedback from instructors.
• Learn what you’re doing well and what still needs work.

Being prepared doesn’t guarantee a sign-off every time. Some skills may need more practice, which is normal. Starting early gives you the time and space to improve without pressure.

‍

WHO DOES BENCHMARKING

We hold dedicated benchmarking sessions during the benchmarking period, and we also complete some benchmarking during class time. You may also complete some benchmarking during open gym time, but email the gym at least one day before to verify a coach is available to watch. They may be in a meeting or private session. Benchmarking is completed by instructors, depending on the skill being evaluated.

From a member perspective:

• Any instructor can evaluate fitness requirements like the 100 set, plank, push-ups, pull-ups, and wall sit.
• Boxing skills must be evaluated by an instructor ranked at or above the level you’re testing for.

If you’re unsure who to book with or how to get something benchmarked, ask early. We’d rather help you plan than scramble at the last minute.

‍

MODIFICATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

If you think you may need a modification or substitution due to a medical issue or extenuating circumstance, let us know as soon as possible.

• Requests should be made at least one month before the benchmarking cutoff.
• Only Coach Julia and Alex approve substitutions.
• Modifications are not always approved.

‍

IMPORTANT DATES AND FEES

• Band tests are held every 3 to 4 months.
• Tests are always on a Saturday and start early, around 5 or 6am.
• Testing typically ends between 10am and 11am.
• You’re expected to stay for the full test.
• Benchmarking sheets are due 7 days before test day, no exceptions.

There is a testing fee, which covers:

• Extra instructor time during benchmarking.
• Your new color band.
• Certificate and related materials.

The fee is charged to the card on file the Sunday after the benchmarking cutoff.

‍

WHAT TEST DAY IS LIKE

It’s normal to feel nervous, excited, or both. By the time test day arrives, you’ve already shown us you can do the skills individually. The test is about putting everything together on the same morning and then celebrating your accomplishments with your fellow boxers.

You can expect:

• A group warm-up.
• Fitness requirements.
• Boxing requirements.
• A few surprises along the way.
• To have a lot of fun.

‍

LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT

You are not expected to test every cycle.

‍

Progression at AWBC is about long-term development. Some boxers move quickly. Others take more time. Both are completely normal. Everyone moves at their own pace. What matters most is that when you move up, you’re truly ready for that level.