Karate Parent Portal

Apple Valley

Red belt

Focus areas, expectations, resources, and next steps for this rank.

Introduction

At Red, students learn the form Zang Do Moon while continuing self-defense, pad work, sparring, weapons and core basics. Red belt until Brown Belt with two Black Stripes primarily focuses on Black Belt training.

Focus This Belt
basics, form, self-defense, weapons, sparring
Typical Length
~4 months per belt (varies by effort/attendance)

Form Video

Zang Do Moon is the red belt form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Basic Combinations

All students have certain combinations with basic strikes. The following list is comprised of the combinations for this rank. Details are taught in class.

  • 1. Skip Round Kick, Backfist, Punch, Skip Round Kick
  • 2. Switch Axe Kick, Back Ridge Hand, Pull through Hook Kick
  • 3. Offensive Punch, Back Round Kick, Turn Side Kick, Punch

Expectations

  • Arrive 5 minutes early in full uniform and belt; instructors can help with tying.
  • Turn in an attendance card each class; we track attendance and progress with these cards.
  • Bring full sparring gear to every class. Wear gear at line-up for sparring; for form classes, bring the bag and leave it in the lobby/locker room.
  • Bring a bo staff to every form/curriculum class. Do not leave it at the school.

Equipment & Safety

Wear a National Karate uniform (summer option: NK T-shirt tucked into pants with belt). Bring sparring gear to every class and your bo staff to every form/curriculum class.

Tape Stripes

There are usually no tape stripes at red belt and beyond. However, this is always subject to change.

Monthly Exams

  • When:
  • Who: All students scheduled to test for their next belt.
  • Duration: Up to 1.5 hours.
  • Eligibility: Posted on the testing list near the start of each month.
  • Schedule:
  • Black Belts: Segment testing must occur at the monthly exam.

Tournaments

Tournaments are open at this level. Rings are grouped by age and belt (often gender). Students receive a ring assignment and report time. Divisions include:

  • Performance Basics — Perform class basics one at a time. Non-graded participation; good for first-timers and as a warm-up for Competitive Basics.
  • Competitive Basics — Same skills, scored against peers. Judges look for:
    • Correct technique (e.g., punch twist)
    • Speed (quick on every motion)
    • Power
    • Loud, controlled yells
    • Focused eyes and presence
  • Performance Form — Present the form; non-graded participation. Pairs well as a warm-up for Competitive Form.
  • Competitive Form — Present the form for score. Judges consider:
    • Clean, deep stances and correct technique
    • Consistent speed
    • Power
    • Loud, controlled yells
    • Focused eyes and strong intent
  • Competitive Weapons — Present the weapons form for score. Judges consider:
    • Clean, deep stances and correct technique
    • Consistent speed
    • Power
    • Loud, controlled yells
    • Focused eyes and strong intent
  • Sparring — Bracketed matches; win to advance. Events may be single or double elimination.

FAQ:

  • Can I compete with both traditional empty hand forms and traditional weapons form? Yes — students are encouraged to compete with both Zang Do Moon and Shee Hyung Bo.

What's next

Next rank: Brown belt

Page Info

Last Updated
2025-09-29
School
Apple Valley
Belt
Red
← Blue Brown →