Welcome
I’m Shonal “Mr. G” Gangopadhyay. This is an independent resource (not an official National Karate site) to help parents track what to practice, what classes cover, and how to stay ready for testing—organized by school and belt.
High-level roadmap
- New students: Intro program covering fundamentals—stances, strikes, kicks, forms, and self-defense—plus life skills (respect, focus, discipline).
- White & Gold: Foundation work and class habits; emphasis on basics and etiquette.
- Green: Add sparring (marked with * on schedules). Purchase sparring gear through your school. Aim for 1 form + 1 sparring class/week (2+2 ideal).
- Purple: Continue form and sparring; skills typically accelerate with consistency.
- Blue: Begin bo staff in form class (school-purchased equipment). Learn safe, controlled weapon handling.
- Red: Advanced preparation toward Black Belt; refine all fundamentals and add new material (e.g., Zang Do Moon).
- Brown: Train Discovery (bo) and, at some schools, a musical form (e.g., Beethoven); focused Black Belt prep.
- 1st Degree Black: Mastery of basics with expanded curriculum—new weapons, deeper self-defense, performance options.
- 2nd Degree Black: Advanced proficiency and leadership; many assist with teaching.
- 3rd Degree Black: High-level technical skill, coaching, and mentorship.
Quick notes
If you have questions, ask your school director or instructor.
- Sparring gear is purchased through your NK school.
- Bo (Blue Belt), kamas and bokken (Black Belt) are purchased through your school.
- Recommendation: Bring all required gear to every class.
- Clean sparring gear regularly.
- Treat the bo as a weapon—use care and respect.
- No sibling-vs-sibling sparring.
- During the school year, wear full uniform to form classes. For summer and all sparring classes: full uniform or karate pants + belt + tucked NK T-shirt (some schools require the current year’s shirt).
- Uniform upgrades (e.g., black-trim jacket with name) vary by school—ask your director. Blue/red-trim options may also be available.
Tournaments
NK hosts several local tournaments each season. Blue Belts and higher will hear about NK Intramurals/Team events and Diamond Nationals.
- Multiple rings run at once, grouped by age, belt, and gender.
- You’ll receive your ring assignment and report time.
- Common divisions (availability varies): Performance Basics/Form (no scores), Competitive Basics/Form, Competitive Weapons, Sparring, and CMX (creative/musical/extreme; typically Black Belt, sometimes Brown for musical).
- Suggested for many students: Competitive Form, Competitive Weapons, and Sparring (when eligible).
2025 dates
- Diamond Nationals — October 10–11 (Fri–Sat)
- Registration - ask your school Director for assistance if needed
- NCKA Finals — November 16 (Sun)
- Registration - ask your school Director for assistance if needed
How this site is organized
Choose your school, then jump to a belt. Each belt page follows the same structure: Class focus, New concepts, Expectations, Resources (videos), and Testing requirements. Maple Grove and Apple Valley are the first schools being built out.