I get asked this question on occasion, by students and parents of students. I recently had a student ask that has only been taking kung fu classes for 1 month. They explained to me that they had a _____ belt at their last school in only 6 months. I have to say that my reply isn't usually what they are looking for.
I'd love to say, "Wow!, Your technique is so sharp, let's test tomorrow!". But I won't. Its just not true.
Instead, I have to gently explain that I don't test students for sash promotions until they are ready. Students won't fail a sash test with me because I won't let them test until I know that they understand the requirements and can show a suitable level of mastery of those skills.
Now, let me explain why your child, who has been training for several months, still isn't ready for their first sash. Remember, I'm speaking in generalities...
1. No emphasis on technique. If your child performs the forms and training exercises without any intensity whatsoever, then they aren't ready. You can't just go through the motions. To quote one of my favorite martial arts stars...."You need emotional content". If you don't know what I'm talking about please check out this clip from Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon".
2. Still struggling to remember our basic curriculum material? Not ready. The truth is that 2 classes a week is not enough to make advancements in rank that fast. You get out of your training what you put in. Your child needs to practice their requirements at home once in awhile. Its just like learning to play piano, guitar, or learn another language - you have to practice.
The bottom line is this. I don't run a "McDojo".(google it) I don't give out rank advancements just so that we can have a case of the warm fuzzies. Rank must be earned, not given as a gift. If I tell you its time to test for rank, its actually because you have shown me that you already are performing at that level - now its just time to show off what you know. The test is more like a demonstration.
Now go practice.