Karate Parent Portal

Maple Grove

Second Degree Black belt

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

Introduction

At Second Degree Black Belt, students focus on training to become a professional martial artist, both by teaching and competing. They also start learning our sword curriculum.

Focus This Belt
new forms, advanced self-defense, sparring
Typical Length
~8 months per segment (varies by effort/attendance)

Form Video

Kae Beck is the second degree black belt empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Shushi No Kon Bo II is the second degree black belt bo form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Zenshin Kama is the second degree black belt kama form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Suzume Sword is the second degree black belt sword 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. Switch Hook-Round Kick, Punch, Front Ridge Hand, Spin Hook Kick, Palm Heel
  • 2. Hammer Fist, Turn Side Kick, Offensive Side Kick, Back Ridge Hand
  • 3. Offensive Punch - body, Offensive Punch - head, Pull through Back Hook Kick, Tornado

Pad Strikes

The pad strikes for Second Degree Black belts are as follows. Details are taught in class.

  • 1. Offensive Side Kick, Defensive Side Kick
  • 2. Back Round Kick, Wide Step Round Kick
  • 3. Back Thrust Kick, Back Round Kick
  • 4. Turn Side Kick, Defensive Side Kick
  • 5. Back Punch, Back Elbow

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, kamas, and bokken to every form/curriculum class. Do not leave them at the school.
  • Speak with Mr. Boone to schedule times to start learning how to teach as well as teach.

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, kamas, and bokken to every form/curriculum class.

Monthly Exams

Important: Black belts do not test for their next degree at monthly exams. Instead, they test for segments at monthly exams. Each segment must be earned with a different form. Once a student has earned three segments, they may speak to Mr. Boone to see if they can start screening.

  • When: Typically the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
  • 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: Sparring classes are canceled during exams.
  • Black Belts: Segment testing must occur at the monthly exam.

Screenings

Black Belts must complete four consecutive screenings to qualify for next degree. Screenings are held separately from monthly exams. Please speak with Mr. Boone for details and upcoming dates.

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:

  • Traditional 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
  • Traditional 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 Kae Beck and either Shushi No Kon II, Zenshin Kama, or Suzume Sword.

What's next

Next rank: 3rd degree black belt

Page Info

Last Updated
2025-09-29
School
Maple Grove
Belt
2nd Degree Black
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