Prerequisites for joining Black Belt Prep Cycle Please read carefully. 1. 6 months (and commensurate lessons) at the rank of Primary Black Belt. 2. Consistent attendance (A & B days) leading up to prep cycle. 3. Ability to demonstrate 30 push-ups (chin to fist) and 30 sit-ups. 4. Ability to demonstrate thorough knowledge of curriculum (count kicks, combinations & forms). 5. Proof of completion of a 1-mile timed run at a track. 6. Ability to commit to 3 classes per week (A Day, B Day, Saturday Candidate Class) 7. Student must consistently demonstrate a proper attitude, proper effort and respect for self, instructors and fellow students. This is in addition to demonstrating proper etiquette and protocol at all times. 8. Ability to arrive on time for class consistently. 9. Completed Black Belt Prep Cycle Application. 10. Parent or Guardian attendance at parents meeting prior to prep cycle. We reserve the right to remove any student from the prep cycle and reschedule his or her test date if effort, attendance or attitude is not meeting our standard for Black Belt Excellence.
Standards for Black Belt Testing Keys to Count Kicks: 1.) Snap & recoil on all front and round kicks 2.) Strong lockout on all side kicks 3.) Pivot on all round and side kicks 4.) Proper foot position (instep for round kick, heel for side kick, etc.) 5.) Balance 6.) Guards up on all kicks 7.) Loud yell on all turns (Attitude!) 8.) Stay with instructor s count 9.) Head up, Eyes on target Kicks Required: 1.) 3 count front kick 2.) 4 count side kick 3.) 3 count round kick 4.) 6 count side kick 5.) 4 count double round kick 6.) 6 count round / side kick 7.) 6 count double round / side kick Count kick audio is available on the student website (under Curriculum ) for download in MP3 format: www.beginkarate.com/students
Keys to Basics & Combinations: 1.) Memorization of all basics & combinations 2.) Quick take off & speed on all combinations 3.) Full recoil of all front, round, & hook kicks 4.) Proper footwork and technique on all jump kicks 5.) Loud yell on all turns (Attitude!) 6.) Strong back punch / ridge hand to end each combination Basics & Combinations Required: 1.) 6 count white belt basics (includes back leg front kick & back leg side kick) 2.) Gold Belt combinations (1,2,3,4) 3.) Green Belt combinations (1,2,3) 4.) Purple Belt combinations (1,2,3) 5.) Four count combinations (1,2,3,4) 6.) Kickboxing combinations (1,2,3,4) A list of all combinations is available for download on the student website (under Curriculum ) www.beginkarate.com/students
Keys to Forms: 1.) Memorization of all forms 2.) Proper stances & foot position (low back stance, front stance, etc.) 3.) Power, snap, & quick takeoff on all movements 4.) Breathing & proper execution of yells 5.) Proper hand position on all folds, blocks, punches, etc. 6.) Tight fists, thumbs tucked on all chops Forms Required: 1.) PRO Form 2.) Pride Form 3.) Double Nunchaku Form 4.) 15-Count Form Video of these forms is available under the Curriculum section of the student website (www.beginkarate.com/advanced).
Keys to Sparring: 1.) No malicious / excessive contact / no strikes to illegal target areas 2.) Guards up at all times 3.) Demonstrate use of combinations 4.) Demonstrate counter-attack & solid defensive skills 5.) Balanced use of kicking & punching techniques 6.) Demonstrate proper defensive footwork & blocking skills 7.) Students ages 16 & above will demonstrate 2 on 1 sparring 8.) Must finish all required rounds (students should be prepared for multiple rounds during pre-testing!) Sparring Requirements: Students should be prepared for several rounds of varied length (3 to 5 minutes) during pre-testing. Part of Black Belt testing is ENDURANCE. Students must have all their safety gear for both their pre-test & their Black Belt Test. Keys to Fitness Requirements: 1.) 50 consecutive push-ups ( chin to fist counting with partner) 2.) 50 consecutive sit-ups (full sit up with partner holding feet) 3.) Timed 2 mile run (18 minutes) *Run takes place at New Providence High School Track on day of pre-test. Keys to Academic Requirements: 1.) Students high school age or younger must have a B average (or equivalent) based on most recent report card. Must provide report card or proof of grades on day of pre-test. Testimonial Requirements: 1.) One minute speech given on test day, What Martial Arts training has done for me.
Essay Requirements: 1.) Two page, double-spaced essay (500 Words), What it means to be a Black Belt. PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR ANY PORTION OF BLACK BELT PRE- TESTING OR TESTING. CANDIDATES MUST BE PRESENT FOR ALL PORTIONS OF THE TEST. STUDENTS WHO CANNOT ATTEND OR COMPLETE ANY PORTION OF THE TESTING PROCESS *FOR ANY REASON WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR THE NEXT BLACK BELT EXAM. BLACK BELT EXAMS ARE TYPICALLY HELD TWICE PER YEAR. *Medical Exemptions: Students who suffer from a pre-existing medical condition that may potentially affect their ability to complete any portion of their exam must notify their instructor ahead of time and provide a note from a Medical Doctor indicating this condition will directly affect his or her ability to complete these requirements.