Curriculum requirements per rank are outlined below. Please note that these skills are cumulative,
with each rank building on previous knowledge. Students are responsible for all prior
requirements in addition to current skills. Class time is a factor, but skill set and attitude are
primary. Improvement is essential to progress.

Students are expected to learn to tie their own belt, carry their gear bags, and take pride in their
education, conduct, and home practice. Expecting the best from our students brings out their best
and sets them in good habit. That said, at these young ages, even the smallest steps are worth
rewarding. Students will advance at their own individual paces.

If you are curious about when your child may promote, ask a sensei what can be done to prepare
for the next rank. Especially for younger students, the parental thumbs-up is an important part of
promotion, signifying that their student is showing respect and growing outside the dojo. Be sure to
check in with your childʼs instructor regularly. The senpai may have additional input as they work
closely with students. In summary, promotion requires good attendance, noticeable gains in skills
and knowledge, and evidence of the traits of each rising rank (i.e. respect, leadership, classroom
etiquette).

KUMITE

Students officially begin freestyle sparring at Gold belt; however, from the beginning, we work drills on bags, shields, and partners. At Gold belt, students will need to purchase hand pads for partner work. The curriculum also includes some technical kumite forms. (i.e. renwaku waza (combination techniques), sanbon kumite (3-step partner drill).