Proper practice leads to improved skill. Improved skill leads to proper advancement.
This is the discipline of growth. A belt means nothing without true progress.

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. All students and parents should note that
these requirements are generalized. Some skills come easily, while others are hard-earned. Each
student advances at his/her own pace. The dojo is a place of personal learning, not comparison.
Intermediary belt ranks may be utilized as students see progress between kyu ranks.

Parental feedback is important to young students’ progress as they’re expected to conduct themselves respectfully outside the dojo. The sensei need to see studentʼs effort, technical ability, and focus consistent with their rising rank. Please note that students are expected to learn to tie their
own belts, carry their gear bags, and take pride in their education, conduct, and home practice
to advance. Personal responsibility must be developed to use karate skills safely and
wisely.

Adult students have one-on-one accountability with their sensei. Etiquette and consistency are factors that should
be taken seriously.

At any age, if you are curious about promoting, ask a sensei what can be done to prepare for
the next rank. Typically, courteous students who give their best effort in class and make
corrections as needed promote regularly. As rank advances, time between ranks increases.
Evaluation is based on growth over time, not a single dayʼs performance.

Brown belts (san-kyu and up) should be very active in training and assisting in order to get the
practice time needed to prepare for black belt. Assisting allows advanced students the
opportunity to broaden their perspectives beyond their personal experience. In time, it brings
forth a sense of ownership for technical knowledge and instills the character and leadership
necessary for advanced ranks.

General fitness includes push-ups, sit-ups, plank, and stretching with proper form. All
exercises should be practiced (with modifications if necessary) until mastery. Home practice is
comprised of all exercises and skills that have not yet been mastered, particularly any correction
that is given in class. This habit is essential to training.

Students should approach the curriculum as basic technical information. Productive classwork
adds layers to these foundational basics. The challenge is for each student to realize Wado
concepts in each movement and train the mind, body, and spirit to use them consistently.