Karate Parent Portal

Introduction

At First Degree Black Belt, the curriculum expands immensely. We introduce more types of basic kicks, pad strikes, new self-defense, as well as three forms. Additionally, now competitors are in the black belt division which is wildly different from the brown belt division.

Form Video

Him Hyung is the first degree black belt empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

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

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

Basic Combinations

The combinations for First Degree Black belts are as follows. Details are taught in class.

• 1. Skip Hook-Round Kick, Jab, Punch to Head
• 2. Back Round-Side Kick, Turn Hook-Round Kick, Punch
• 3. Punch, Back Round Kick, Tornado

Pad Strikes

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

• 1. Defensive Back Leg Thrust Kick
• 2. Defensive Side Kick
• 3. Defensive Back Round Kick or Knee
• 4. Defensive Turn Side Kick
• 5. Defensive Back Punch or 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 and kamas to every form/curriculum class. Do not leave them 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 and kamas 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 Ms. Babler to see if they can start screening.

• When: Typically the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
• Who: All students scheduled to test for their next belt.
• Duration: Up to 1.5 hours.
• Eligibility: Students eligible to test will receive a testing invitation card during a regular class.
• Schedule: Black belt and kickboxing 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 Ms. Babler 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 Him Hyung and either Shushi No Kon I or Shoshin Kama.

What's next

Next rank: 2nd degree black belt where students will start learning sword. Please speak with Ms. Babler to order a bokken before promoting to second degree black belt.

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