IBBA Student Handbook Table of Contents

STUDENT HANDBOOK 1

IBBA Student Handbook Table of Contents Classes & Times Viewing Classes Holiday Schedule Attendance Cards Curriculum Class Level Descriptions Little Dragons Tigers Eagles Panthers Courses Basic Course Black Belt Club Youth & Adult Belt Progression Belt Promotions Belt Tests Safety Equipment UMAAI Association Membership Formalities Uniforms Belts Verbal Respect Late Students Salute/Bow of Courtesy Concentrating Horse Stance Personal Conduct Respect and Safety Dojo Rules Black Belt Club Course Evaluation Accelerated Instructors Course Patches Senior & Head Instructors 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 13 15 15 16 16 2

International Black Belt Academy Welcome to the International Black Belt Academy family. Congratulations on your decision to take the challenge toward personal excellence and study with one of the nation s premiere Kenpo Karate programs. The purpose of this booklet is to make your start with our school easy and comfortable. This booklet includes general information about the school and people that you can contact for help or questions. Please read this information thoroughly. We ask that you keep this information in your Karate Notebook along with other handouts you will receive in the weeks ahead. The notebook will be a requirement for advancement. CLASSES AND TIMES Please refer to your current schedule for the appropriate classes and times. We recommend that students attend class two times per week. Students on a Basic Membership are limited to twice a week. Those students in Black Belt Club are encouraged to attend three times a week when possible. Those in the Elite Black Belt Club and Masters Training program may attend unlimited classes. It is important that you designate consistent days and classes to attend and make those times part of your weekly schedule. You are encouraged to make up classes that you miss. If you are going to be missing class for more than one week, please contact the office. Parents dropping off children should do so no more than 10 minutes before class time and pick them up within 10 minutes of the ending time for the class. The school becomes very busy at class times and we cannot be responsible for watching unattended children.all children must remain inside the school when waiting for their transportation unless other arrangements are made with their parents and instructor. 3

VIEWING CLASSES Parents and spouses of students are welcome to watch any class. We ask only that you respect the class by remaining quiet. In addition, if you are bringing other children with you, please try to keep them quiet and under control. Please do not allow them to run about. Only students are allowed on the workout floor. A parent should accompany all young children to the restroom. HOLIDAY SCHEDULE International Black Belt Academy will be closed on all major national holidays and on Sundays. This allows our staff to enjoy these days with their families. Notification of holiday closure will be posted. Major holidays include President s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year s Eve, and New Year s Day. The school also reserves the right to close for one week twice a year. This time is used for dojo renovation and staff development. The school may also be closed occasionally for tournaments, karate camps, and instructor training. Any missed class time due to school closure may be made up in subsequent weeks. ATTENDANCE CARDS Every student at International Black Belt Academy has an attendance card. This card is the student s pass to class. Students should have this card in their hand when they walk onto the mats to go to class. Attendance cards are found in the file boxes at the front desk. Look for the appropriate class box, then look under the first letter of the student s last name to locate their card. 4

The Road to Black Belt Students at International Black Belt Academy show their progress in the art by the color of the belt they wear, the class level they are in, and the course they are on. Each of these represents a step toward the goal of Black Belt and beyond. The specific requirements for each belt level differ for Little Dragons, Tigers, Eagles, Panthers, Teens and Adults. CURRICULUM International Black Belt Academy is proud to be teaching the art of International Kenpo. The required curriculum has been designed to be developmentally appropriate serving the specific needs of each separate age group. The material is taught in a progressive manner and varies based upon the particular course the student is enrolled in. The material is broken into various parts and taught on a rotating basis to all students in a particular grouping on an eight week cycle. Groupings consist of: Dragons, Beginning Tigers, Advanced Tigers, Eagles, Youth Level 1, Youth Level 2, Youth Level 3, Adult Level 1, Adult Level 2, Adult Level 3, Masters Training, and Instructor Courses. Curriculum sheets are available in the download section of the website. Each student is required to keep a notebook to help mark his/her progress. The curriculum sheets belong in your notebook and should be brought toevery class. Remember that you are building your own textbook with your karate notebook, and it is up to you to make it the best it can be. Additional instructional materials are also available in the school proshop. 5

CLASS LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS LITTLE DRAGONS The Little Dragon curriculum was developed as a Pre-Karate program. It is for children aged 4 and 5. The goal of this class is to introduce the young student to the art of Kenpo and get them ready to graduate to the Tiger class. Little Dragons work on basic fundamental karate skills such as: balance, right and left side recognition, stances, and coordination. In addition, life skills such as proper classroom behavior, attention span, courtesy, social skills, sharing, and kindness are also emphasized. Little Dragons are encouraged to test for Dragon Tails every 8 weeks. They keep their white belts and earn colored tips to show their progress. It is important for Little Dragons to test each time so that they feel like they are setting and achieving goals. TIGERS The Tiger curriculum is designed so that our younger students (ages 5 8) can pursue short-range goals and gain a solid foundation to build upon. Every eight weeks, Tiger students test for a new striped belt. The stripe colors go in the same order as the colors of the youth and adult belts. Beginning Tigers are those students with white, yellow stripe, or orange stripe belts. Once they earn their purple stripe belt, students are encouraged to move to the Advanced Tigers class. As an Advanced Tiger, students will begin sparring and will need a complete set of sparring gear. Once students have achieved all their striped belts, they are tested for their Youth Yellow Belt. From this point, they graduate into the Eagles Program or, on the recommendation of their instructor, may move into the Youth Panther class if they are at least eight years of age. 6

EAGLES After earning a Yellow Belt, the Tiger Student who is under 8 years old will graduate into the Eagle Program. This program has been developed to help make a smooth transition into the Youth Program. Eagles follow a similar curriculum as the Youth but taught in a slower progression, on a rotating curriculum, with emphasis on building a strong foundation. Eagles have their own belt system that allows them to continue to set obtainable goals. Just like the Tiger class, Eagles test for a new striped belt every eight weeks. PANTHERS The Panther class is our Youth Class for children ages 8 to 13. The belt progression for Panthers is the same as that for the teens and adults. However, the requirements for the Panthers are different, thus the rank is considered a Junior Rank. COURSES Students may begin their training with either a basic course of two classes per week or the Black Belt Club Program. Although many students start off with just the basic course, usually after two or three months, most students are better able to define their long-term goals in Kenpo. We believe that this goal setting is an important part of a person s education. For those ready to set their goal for Black Belt, we have a very special course, Black Belt Club. Sometime between the Advanced White Belt and the Yellow Belt, we encourage students to make an appointment to meet with a member of the staff to let us know how things are going. Likewise, this is a good opportunity to start evaluating what your longer-term goals are and to get additional information on the advantages of joining Black Belt Club.The Black Belt Club Program allows students to participate in Black Belt Club classes with extended class time at the end of each class and an optional third class per week. There are many other advantages to joining Black Belt Club as well, and we would be happy to speak with you about them at any time. 7

WE ARE A BLACK BELT SCHOOL International Black Belt Academy sees its role in the community as a Black Belt Human Potential School. The life skills of success are taught through the disciplines of Kenpo Karate training. In addition, the development of character is a natural outcome of dedication to this worthwhile goal. Like every school of higher education, it is our objective to help our students to develop their full potential and to be successful in earning their degree. In Kenpo Karate, that degree is called Black Belt. The Kenpo Black Belt is an honored and respected symbol of dedication, hard work, trustworthiness, leadership, confidence, self-discipline and the ability to defend oneself physically and emotionally. These are the goals that we have for every student. Some students will move on to other activities after their Basic Program. However, as a staff we believe in the Black Belt potential of every student and will be training them with this as our minimum goal. It is our belief that no one goes to college with the intention to quit after the first year. With this in mind, as a staff, we pledge to provide all the care necessary to see that as many of our students as possible earn their Black Belt degrees and more importantly, that their lives are transformed as a result of being a Black Belt Graduate of our academy. Black Belt Club Black Belt Club is a special course for students who have made the decision to take their training to a higher level and set their personal goal to become a Black Belt. The Black Belt course provides the greatest amount of flexibility. In addition, Black Belt Club students receive a number of exclusive additional benefits and training opportunities to help them on their journey to become superior Black Belts. This is the course that most of our students are on. 8

BELT PROGRESSION International Black Belt Academy uses the International Kenpo Belt Ranking System as authorized by the United Martial Arts Alliance. Both Youth and Adult students follow this system. The progression toward Black Belt is as follows: White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Red, Brown, Provisional Black, First- Degree Black Belt. BELT PROMOTIONS (Tigers, Eagles, Youth and Adult Students) Each test period is divided into (approximately) an eight week cycle. Each week, the instructors have very specific curriculum and goals they are trying to accomplish with the students. Therefore, regular attendance is very important. Ten-Class Requirement: In order to be eligible to test, students are required to attend at least 10 classes each cycle. Students who do not earn a 10-class tip will not be considered eligible to test. Progress Checks: The two weeks prior to each test are progress checks. During this time, each student s progress will be assessed during class to be sure they have learned the material required to test. Once they are found to be adequately prepared to test, the Instructor will put a red tip on the end of their belt. The student should continue practicing and coming to class once they are tippedto ensure that they will be at their best for the test. Students must pre-register for testing with the office no later than the day before their test. A late fee may be assessed for those registering on testing day. Likewise, certificates will not be available for those registering the day of the test. Private andmake-up tests may be an option for students who are unable to attend their scheduled test.some tests may not be done privately (example: green belt test), and other tests may not be done privately or at a make-up test (example: provisional black belt tests), so it is important to discuss these options with an instructor. All private tests must be approved by the head instructor. An additional fee may be assessed for makeup tests; however,because private lesson times must be used and an additional instructor must be scheduled for private tests, the fee for a privatetest may be greater than that of a make-up test. 9

BELT TESTS Testing is a very special time for the students to celebrate the progress they have made in front of family and friends. A schedule of the year s proposed test dates is available in the office. Students are required to bring all of their required equipment, a clean pressed uniform, and their International Black Belt Academy Karate Notebook to each test. It is also recommended that students bring a friend or family member and a camera to help document the occasion. Pictures from tests should go in the student s Karate notebook. SAFETY EQUIPMENT Student safety is one of our highest priorities at International Black Belt Academy. Kenpo Karate is a contact activity. Therefore, as students advance, it will be necessary to obtain the appropriate safety equipment. All students are required to bring all of their safety equipment to each class they attend. Due to insurance regulations, students who do not bring their safety equipment may not be allowed to participate in certain exercises during class. Safety equipment is to be purchased in the school s pro shop. The school keeps its prices competitive and we ask that you please support your school. Do not bring equipment purchased elsewhere into the school. UMAAI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP International Black Belt Academy is an accredited school under the authority of the United Martial Arts Alliance International. Members of UMAAI receive a variety of benefits such as: the opportunity to receive international rank certification, visitation privileges to other schools, discounts, special classes, training camps, seminars, and the right to wear certain patches on their uniforms. 10

FORMALITIES Whenever tradition can complement the present, as well as teach us important lessons from the past, we should not hesitate to adopt it. Formalities and ceremonies associated with studying the art of Kenpo Karate still serve an important role. UNIFORMS: The beginning student s uniform is white. Those members who are in Black Belt Club may wear a Red Uniform. Youth Red and Brown Belts are required to bring a Blue Judo top to class for grappling. All uniforms should be well maintained and cleaned.it is recommended that each student have at least two uniforms. Students may wear an IBBA T-shirt to class during the summer months. Only approved IBBA T- shirts are allowed. Students are required to wear a clean and pressed complete uniform to all testing procedures, seminars, and UMAAI functions. Program Basic Program Black Belt Club Master s Club Uniform All White Uniform Red Uniform Black Uniform BELTS: Be sure you know how to tie your belt properly. Ask an instructor if you need help! Only Instructors are allowed to tie and position their belt with the knot in the front. Malestudents wear their knot on the left side and female students wear their knot on the right side. If you are wearing an advanced belt, be sure the color you are working toward is on the top. VERBAL RESPECT:Black Belts and Assistant Instructors should be addressed as Mr. Miss Ms. or Mrs. followed by their last name, or Sir or Ma am. This generates respect to those of higher rank and knowledge. It helps to acknowledge their skill, experience, and time devoted to the art. It is common to address older men and women of the community as Sir or Ma am as a means of showing our respect for their wisdom, age, ability, and experience. In the same way, we should show respect to those with more experience in the art of Kenpo. Likewise, this practice helps to breed self-respect in the individual student. LATE STUDENTS:If a student is late for class, he/she should quietly do some push-ups to warm up and then assume a horse stance at the edge of the training room, waiting to be 11

recognized by the instructor. When the Instructor is ready, he/she will salute the student. The student will then return the instructor s salute before joining the class. SALUTE/BOW OF COURTESY:Upon entering and leaving the school, salutations in the form of a salute or bow are made to all Black Belts, Instructors and staff, along with Nice to see you Sir/Ma am. Whenever possible, the salute is always directed to the senior belt holder first and then in order of their rank (highest to lowest). When a class is being conducted (private or otherwise), an instructor is required to call his students to attention, have his students face Black Belt Instructors when they arrive, and salute him/her. Even while away from the school, students are encouraged to continue to show this respect. It creates a special bond between those who train in the art of Kenpo. Like a handshake, the Salute/Bow is a sign of respect and friendship. Through such practice, students learn to be courteous to others, to develop patience, as well as show appreciation for their instructor s efforts. Likewise, the instructors also extend this courtesy to his/her students. In so doing, the instructors demonstrate the same respect back to those who look to them for instruction. CONCENTRATING HORSE STANCE:Before class actuallycommences, students are required to mentally prepare themselves in a horse stance, with their backs erect, head bowed, eyes closed, and their left hand covering their right clenched fist. This position is also assumed at the end of the training session. The purpose of this practice is to have the students focus their attention on their training, and to set aside, for a time, their concerns and worries of the day. It is not uncommon for students to have had stresses or some confrontation during their day. This can often result in negative thoughts. During the practice of Concentrating Horse, the student should take this time to consciously set those feelings aside. Carrying negativity and stress into class can impede the student s ability to learn and, at worst, could result in possible injury to an innocent student. With a calm and serene mind, the student will be better able to learn new material, become more conscious of their every effort, and crisp in their motion. In short, it prepares the student in both mind and body and gives the student a moment to pause and be thankful for their health, the friends they have made, and the opportunity to exercise. When assuming the Concentrating Horse Stance at the conclusion of class, students are encouraged to ponder over the knowledge they received in class and make a personal decision to commit the new knowledge to memory. It also serves to remind the student of their pledge to never misuse their Kenpo skills. This practice gives the student the opportunity to constantly reflect upon the preciousness of life and to develop a thankful heart. PERSONAL CONDUCT:At all times, students are to act with respect toward themselves, others, and their school. Absolutely no alcohol, tobacco, chewing gum, or abusive language is allowed in the Dojo, and certainly never while in uniform. Be respectful to your training center and help keep it clean at all times for the benefit of all. It is the students responsibility to familiarize themselves with the rules of the Dojo. In addition, please be prompt and courteous with the payments for your classes. The staff depends on this to support their families and to pay their obligations in a timely manner. Please do not dishonor your academy by making them have to remind you of your financial 12

commitment. It can create an awkward situation for both you and the staff. The staff wishes to be there to serve you as a friend, not as bill collectors. RESPECT AND SAFETY:All students should treat their fellow students with respect. Good communication with fellow students and instructors is imperative. A certain level of contact is necessary for realism when practicing Kenpo. Thus, it is the student s responsibility to communicate to their partner the level of contact they are comfortable with. It is imperative that you tell your partner of any injuries or limitations you may have. Listen to your partner and respect the level of contact they are comfortable with and any limitations they may have. With you and your partner having open communication, your workout will be more productive and enjoyable. Train regularly, train hard, and make no excuses. Ed Parker 13

International Black Belt Academy DOJO RULES Please familiarize yourself with these rules: 1) Always wear a clean uniform to class. If you choose not to wear the gi top, you must wear an approved karate t-shirt as a part of your uniform. The only equipment / uniforms to be used in the school should have been purchased at the schools pro-shop. No other equipment is allowed. 2) Always remove your jewelry before participating in class (earrings, body rings, watches, necklaces, etc.)body piercings must be removed or covered with a bandage or athletic tape. 3) Clip your fingernails and toenails to a safe length with no sharp edges. Be sure that your hands and feet are clean. 4) Please keep any food or drinks you may bring with you in your cubby with your bag. No gum, candy, or food on the mats! 5) No street shoes are allowed on the workout floor. Only pre-approved martial arts training shoes will be accepted, and are never worn outside. 6) No running in the lobby. 7) Only one student is allowed in the restroom at a time unless they are with their parent even while getting a drink. 8) You are expected to keep a karate notebook, complete with curriculum from each cycle you have participated in. You may also wish to include certificates and pictures from your tests, any notes you may receive from instructors, and any notes you take in class or when practicing at home. You are required to bring this notebook to all classes and tests. From time to time your instructors may give you material to add to your notebook during class, and will do random checks to make sure you are bringing it with you. Your notebook is an important part of your training. 9) Do not teach others without the expressed permission of your instructor. 10) Students are to act with courtesy, self-discipline, and respect toward themselves, others, and their school at all times. Absolutely no tobacco, chewing gum, or abusive language is allowed in the Dojo, and certainly never while in uniform. Be respectful to your school; help keep it clean at all times for the benefit of all. 11) Be careful not to disturb other classes while you are waiting for yours to start. 12) Parents dropping off children should do so no more than 10 minutes before class time and pick them up within 10 minutes of the ending time for their class. The school becomes very busy at class times and we cannot be responsible for watching unattended children. ALL CHILDREN MUST REMAIN INSIDE THE BUILDING WHILE WATING FOR THEIR TRANSPORTATION. 13) ALL male students are required to wear a protective groin cup to EVERY class. Female groin and chest protection is also highly encouraged and can be purchased at the school s Pro Shop. Female students are encouraged to direct their questions regarding 14

special protective gear to female instructors. They will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. 14) If you are attending class and have your child with you, please know that we support you in attending class! Please be within eyesight of your child. They must be seated in the stands or in lobby chairs. It is helpful if you bring something to occupy them while you are in class so that they are not a distraction for other students. 15) Be prompt with your tuition payments. 16) Practice loyalty by being a supporter of your school and refer others to the academy. Refuse to participate in gossip or negativity that could hurt your fellow students, instructors or your school. If you ever have a problem, bring it directly to your instructor s attention. Remember to use the appropriate chain of command. 15

PATCHES Only official patches are to be worn on your International Black Belt Academy Uniform. Many of them are available for sale in the dojo s pro-shop. Patches make a wonderful reward for a job well done. The following outlines the requirements for each patch. Please see the patch guide for proper placement of patches. UMAAI MEMBER PATCHES Association membership patches are to be worn only by current members. As a chartered school of the United Martial Arts Alliance, we ask that all of our students become members of the Alliance by Yellow Belt. UMAA is to be renewed annually. The UMAAI patch can be worn on the right sleeve. KENPO CREST This patch may be worn only after the student has become a UMAA member. The Crest is to be worn on the left lapel of the gi, over the heart. CUSTOM NAME PATCH The custom name patch may be ordered any time after students have purchased their Kenpo Crest. Your personal name patch should be placed 1/2 inch above the Kenpo Crest. Only Red, Brown, and Black Belts are allowed to have their last name on this patch. CITY PATCH The city patch should be placed 1/2 inch below the seam and centered on the right shoulder. UNIVERSAL WEB PATCH The Universal Web patch should be placed a ½ inch below the seam on the left shoulder. When positioning the patch, the heart shape in the center should be pointing upward. BLACK BELT CLUB PATCH The Black Belt Club Patch is presented when a student goes on a Black Belt Course. Additional patches for other uniforms are available in the pro shop. The patch is to be placed under the UMAAI patch. Wearing of these various patches is an honor reserved for current UMAAI members. Patches make excellent gifts to honor a recent belt promotion, excellent work at school or as a reward for going above and beyond at home. CLASS LEVEL PATCHES: Little Dragon, Tiger, Eagle, Panther Students are encouraged to show class spirit and their accomplishments by wearing the animal patch corresponding to the class they are currently in and those levels they have previously participated in. The class level patches are to be worn on the outside of the right pant leg in ascending order. 16

Senior Instructor and Head Instructor MR AUSTIN Professor ( Kyoshi ) Robert Austin is the Master Instructor for International Black Belt Academies. He is an Executive Board Member of the United Martial Arts Alliance International. He is responsible for helping to oversee the standards and advanced training for UMAAI throughoutnorth America, Europe and the UK. MR DENNING Professor James Denning is the Chief Instructor at the Greeley International Black Belt Academy. He is responsible for all daily class sessions. To be lifted up, as on Eagle s wings and made to fly. United together and going far beyond what we ever could have done acting alone. 17