Karate Parent Portal

Introduction

At Fourth Degree Black Belt, students focus on training to become a professional martial artist, both by teaching and competing.

Form Video

Akai is a fourth degree black belt empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Po-Eun is a fourth degree black belt empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Kaizen Bo is the third degree black belt bo form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Strength & Honor is the fourth degree black belt sword form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

Fourth Degree black belts must also learn a form from this list. Details are taught in class.

• Kwang Gae is an empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).
• Impact is an empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).
• Koryo is an empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).
• Chung Mu is an empty hand form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).
• Seung Ni is an empty hand 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. Offensive Jab, Offensive Jab, Punch - head, Switch Slash Round Kick, Back Hook, Front Upper Cut
• 2. Back Hook - body, Front Upper Cut, Offensive Punch - head, Back Knee (set down in front), Front Hand Grab, Rear Elbow - head
• 3. Single Arm Shield Block (pull rear shoulder through), Switch Punch - head, Step thru Punch - head, Back Front Kick, Turn Back Fist

Pad Strikes

The pad strikes for Fourth Degree Black belts are as follows. Unlike previous belts, these pad strikes are done with two partners: a body shield holder and an arm targets holder. Details are taught in class.

• 1. (Arm targets facing Defender) Jab, Punch, Hook; (Body shield to Defender's open side) Back Round Kick/Wide Step Round Kick
• 2. (Arm targets facing Defender) Punch, Hook, Uppercut; (Body shield to Defender's rear) Offensive Side/ Defensive Side Kick
• 3. (Arm targets facing Defender) Reverse Front Hammer Fist, Back Hammer Fist, Step in Elbow; (Body shield to Defender's closed side) Brace, Reverse Elbow, Slap/Hammer Fist, Back Knee

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 Ms. Babler 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 five 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 an empty hand and weapons form.
• Can I compete with forms from a previous belt? Yes — students may compete with any form that they have learned up until this point.

What's next

Next rank: 5th degree black belt

Page Info