85%

I tell my students that an attendance record of 85% is the minimum required for advancement to black belt. Sure you can make up for missed classes through mindful practice at home — skill can be acquired away from class. If this is the case, why 85%?
Because practice makes perfect but participation is still the most perfect practice.

Everyone plans to train at home but life has a way of getting in the way. The value in practice is not found in the intention. It is found in the actual execution. Intending to come to class but having a valid excuse for being absent has the same effect on your skill level as missing a class to go to a movie. Missed practice is a missed opportunity for progression. Missed opportunities have a habit of accumulating and adding up to an awful lot of mediocrity.

If a student has a minimum attendance record of 85%, they will be around positive, like-thinking people 35% more than a fellow student with only a 50% attendance record. That extra influence will translate to a better mental engagement in their training and a greater awareness of the opportunities we all have to apply ourselves to mastery in every moment of every day.

The inevitable question I get asked every year is: “My attendance record is 81%, does this mean I won’t be allowed to grade?”. My answer is always the same — the percentage is irrelevant, the issue is the missing skill. 85% attendance is not a rule, it is a fact.

“I’ve found luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” - Brian Tracy (b. 1944)