Karate Parent Portal

Ramsey

Blue belt

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

Introduction

At Blue, students learn the weapons form Shee Hyung Bo while continuing self-defense, pad work, sparring, and core basics. Bo staff training builds control and treats the weapon as an extension of the body.

Focus This Belt
basics, form, self-defense, weapons, sparring
Typical Length
~3 months per belt (varies by effort/attendance)

Form Video

Shee Hyung Bo is the first weapons form. Details are taught in class. Reference video here (password: 123nkresolve).

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

Tape stripes track attendance and skill. About every seven classes, instructors review technique and listening. Four stripes indicate readiness to test for the next belt.

Monthly Exams

  • 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.

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 Wan Jun Hyung and Shee Hyung Bo.

What's next

Next rank: Red belt — the first advanced belt.

Page Info

Last Updated
2025-10-06
School
Ramsey
Belt
Blue
← Purple Red →