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Stepping Stones to
Black Belt (1st Shodan)
quick links:
Standards
, Brief
History,
Training
,
Grading
Requirements
,
Belt Levels
I must
emphasis that a Black Belt simply means a master of the
basics. It is really the beginning of everything
in martial arts. Please keep this in mind when setting
goals, as many fall victim to dropping off training once
black belt is achieved.
The
process between white belt and black belt has a lot less to
do with techniques than it does with learning the
methodology and procedures necessary for a person to think
like a martial artist. A black belt should be able to
genuinely grasp the concepts upon which the martial arts are
based, which is far more important than his ability to
perform any given technique. The Black Belt has
learned how to learn, and therefore becomes more proactive
in the process of his own education.
A Black
Belt is a state of mind, regardless of age, gender, or
physical handicap. It is in the mind and in the heart. The
true test is one of perseverance, dedication to his Sensei
and school, courtesy, integrity, modesty, morality,
indomitable spirit, and other such characteristics.
In North
America, some people try to compare martial arts to other
sports, however, martial arts is not a competitive race to
the finish line. There is in fact no finish line.
Parents (who only want the best for their children) often
expect immediate results. This may or may not be tied
into North America's need for immediate gratification.
What martial arts instills is patience and humility.
Traditionally the karata (karate student) never tells or
asks their Sensei they are ready for their next belt.
If this occurred in Asia, this would be seen as a sign of
disrespect and vanity. The karata must trust in the
fact the Sensei will know when it is time for karata's next
stripe or belt.
And
lastly, martial arts is really a life style, and if your
goal is for self improvement, you know there is really no
ending. Only a series of beginnings. |
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Standards
Kick
Smart Workshop™
is accredited with the well respected
Kempo Karate
of Canada. The founder, Sensei Martin
Doherty, RP-CRA, is a certified Black Belt Instructor
and a Committee Member for Ontario Early Years Centre
(PAC) having been trained through one of the oldest
Martial Arts (Karate and Kung Fu) Associations in Canada.
Sensei Martin places a strong emphasis on youth physical and
physiological development.
These standards assure that every student within
the Kick Smart
Workshop™ receive the same level of training.
Kempo Karate is a
Canadian unique art founded by one of the oldest Martial
Arts (Karate and Kung Fu) Associations in Canada.
Kempo's roots in Canada started with Grand Master "big"
Dave who brought Ng Ying Kune (5 Animal
Forms) to Canada in the late 50's/ early 60's and together
with his cousin "little" Dave who was trained by
the person who brought Shotokan Karate to Toronto,
they have taught many martial artists in Canada and United
States. Dave is also the Sifu (teacher) to
Sensei Martin's two
former Sensei's.
In Kempo Karate
the karata (Karate student) is trained in the hard form
“Japanese” style “Shotokan Karate” and then transitions into
the softer “Chinese” Shaolin Kung Fu (5 Animal Forms) at
Orange belt. The student thus earns a black belt in
both “karate” and “kung fu”.
At
Kick Smart Workshop™
Sensei Martin has progressively gone beyond the fundamental
principles of martial arts he was formerly taught and has
brought in world champion trainers and experts from many
different areas of martial arts; creating a "university
of martial arts". This creates more of a true
"open" and holistic approach, borrowing what truly works
from other martial arts - not just blindly following what
one group or association says as "truth." As a result,
a more balanced and complete student will be developed.
Many martial art establishments are more concerned about
sustaining their own self-worth vs the students they are
supposed to support. Sensei Martin believes the
development of the "individual" is the number one priority.
If your
Champion already has a belt colour from another martial art,
I will honor that belt colour as long as they pass the basic
stances, blocks, etc., required for that belt. If this is
the case, then they should ensure they learn their required
kempo karate katas for this belt. Example, if an orange belt from
another system has the basics down and the katas for yellow
belt - they will get a "yellow" stripe. This will continue
until they are the same belt colour, and then they will move
on from there. |
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Sensei Alex with Master
Dave with Sensei Martin (KickSMART) |
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Training
There are four basic
components of "physical" training for Martial Arts:
1.)
The Kata. The kata is series of synchronized
movements / exercises of a dramatization where students
pretend to be defending themselves. The kata should be
done frequently and for brief periods of time every week.
This should also be done at home in front of a mirror, etc,
or by following the kata while watching on DVD or video. The
kata contains many of the elements required for that belt
level.
2.)
Stationary Repetition of stances, strikes and blocks
while mostly in a fixed position. This is done at
varying speeds and usually with an "imaginary" opponent and
allows the development of proper technique. Here the
instructor explains and demonstrates to the students what is
expected.
This is a great feedback mechanism for the student to allow
the brain to later perform the activity at much faster rates
of speed, without sacrificing form.
3.)
Simulated "real world" movements. Use of
proper strikes / blocks completed while the body is in
motion. This is more functional development, allowing
the student to learn to apply what they learn; having the
ability to deliver an effective block, kick or punch while "on their toes" and
in motion -- while keeping their space from an opponent.
This includes having the ability to apply muscular force
rapidly (this is called rate of force development, or RFD).
Examples of this type of training is the use of focus pads
and focus mitts, use of the bag, light or no contact
sparring (shadow boxing and with a partner), and quick foot
motion; light on their toes while executing strikes,
punches, blocks.
4.)
Hands on. We utilize this mainly in the self
defense drills of grappling, wrist grab releases, etc.,
against an attacker. Students are instructed to do
this in the dojo softly, in a very controlled and non contact fashion. |
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The Power of the Word: Physiological Development |
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I truly believe the conversations & words we choose not
only influence our self – but others. I purposely choose
words when conversing with the Champions to maximize self
belief & confidence. |
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Often at the start of class (just after our meditation and a
traditional bow in) – I will tell the Champions that I know
they may all have had a challenging year so far; perhaps
with the weather, all of the pressures of school work and
other people at school, and perhaps even some things at
home. |
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I promise them that no matter what – every time they
enter our dojo I want them to remember that they are
entering a sacred & safe space and that all that other
“stuff” in their life does not exist in this space, at this
moment. I tell them that I see everyone for the
opportunities they are on the inside – of who they can
and will become – not who they are at this present moment.
I truly see them for the black belts they are (on the
inside) – and that I will always treat them with the
utmost respect and honor, and support them in anyway I can.
All that I ask in return is that when they show up for
class, they listen and do their best. I tell all the
Champions that all they have to do to succeed is to 1.)
show up, and 2.) do their best. |
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This process is often termed "Future Mapping" - where
we take a future vision and tie it into the present moment
belief system. This is one of the reasons I tell all
of the Champions that I treat them as Black Belts and I will
often ask the class "who are we?" and they will
respond by yelling "We are a Black Belt Class!" It
all comes down to confidence and belief. |
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Grading Requirements
Each student that begins the path of the
martial artist comes with his or her own
unique physical and mental gifts and
challenges. The examiner recognizes this
fact and will temper their evaluation of
each students ability with this knowledge.
Consequently, no two students will be
measured exactly the same during a grading.
Recommended Training
Time
The recommended time for training before
attempting a grading is highly
individualistic. Some students come to
the dojo with prior training and possess
some skill sets of that belt level.
Consequently that person’s training time
might be shorter than someone who is
taking this martial art for the first
time.
Notwithstanding the
prior skill or innate superior physical
ability of some people, it is important
to resist shortening the grading
interval. Time and repetition will hone
the martial artists’ weapons. Any person
with advanced training can only get
better with more time devoted to
training.
Stances
There cannot be an overemphasis of
stance training. Without solid rooting,
one cannot deliver punches, and kicks
efficiently. Therefore, focus on
spending significant time on stances;
both motionless and moving stances. Try
watching TV while holding a low horse
stance or any other stance. This
endurance will strengthen the muscles
for powerful strikes and kicks.
Each belt level has a
requirement to hold a stance for a
significant period of time. Each stance
is evaluated by the spacing of the feet;
angle of the knees; positioning of the
hips and upper body; and the rooting
(withstanding either a push or a pull).
Punches and Strikes
The path to the Black Belt and beyond,
presents opportunities to develop
powerful kicking and striking
techniques. This growth is measured
during each of the gradings through
punching and kicking drills with and
without a solid target.
The students training
must include speed and focus drills so
that the strikes are fast and accurate
while maintaining a solid stance.
Katas
Each grading will require the student to
demonstrate all of the katas learned to
the desired belt level. It is expected
that the students demonstration of lower
belt level katas to improve over time
and gradings.
Focus on strong
delivery of each technique in the kata
while moving smoothly throughout the
form. Be conscious of the tendency to
bounce up and down during the
transitions and attempt to maintain a
constant height. The speed of some katas
is faster than other katas. Check with
your sensei for the recommended timing.
Combinations
The requirement of tying movements
together in a drill becomes more
important through succeeding belt
levels. As a general rule, no more than
three strikes/kicks combinations are
required at the highest belt level.
Self Defense
The demonstration of certain
self-defenses against specified attacks
may or may not be part of the grading.
This section is at the discretion of
your sensei. Each belt requirement has
its own suggested techniques.
Leadership Development
Once students attain a Yellow Belt, they
are invited into the Leadership Classes.
This is basically a Mentorship and
"teach to teach" class, in addition to
advanced physical training. They
participate in Instructor Training
classes that will allow them to have the
ability to teach to students below their
current belt level. This not only
builds leadership, their own martial
arts skills will also improve as a result.
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Belt Levels
Yellow,
Orange,
Green,
Blue,
Brown,
Purple,
Shodan
Stripe
System |
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Black Stripe: I call these
"stepping stones" to black belt. This is given by
Sensei when the student has learned ˝ of a required Kata,
and the required Basics for that stripe. (Basics = Stances,
Punches & Strikes, Combinations, Self Defenses.) |
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Blue Stripe (of respect):
This is given by parent / guardian prior to belt grading for
student showing appropriate Respect Self, Family and trying
their best at School. |
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Leadership
Stripe:
(optional) After white belt, students who show a desire to
assist other students in class may work towards the
prestigious leadership stripe. |
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Red
Stripe:
(optional) This is given by Sensei when student is ready for
next belt colour (this stripe may or may not be given out as
a requirement.) |
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GOAL |
Current Belt / Stripe |
Required Basics &
previous Katas, plus: |
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YELLOW |
WHITE |
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1st black
stripe |
1st ˝ of
27 Movements kata |
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2n black
stripe |
entire 27 Movements
kata |
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3rd black
stripe |
1st ˝ of
Takiyoko Shodan kata |
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4th black
stripe |
entire Takiyoko
Shodan kata |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for colour belt
grading |
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ORANGE |
YELLOW |
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1st black
stripe |
1st ˝ of
Shi Ho Hi kata |
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2n black
stripe |
entire Shi Ho Hi kata |
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3rd black
stripe |
1st ˝ of
Heian Nidan kata |
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4th black
stripe |
entire Heian Nidan
kata |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for colour belt
grading |
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GREEN |
ORANGE |
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1st black
stripe |
1st half Heian Sandan
kata |
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2n black
stripe |
entire Heian Sandan
kata |
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3rd black
stripe |
1st half Breathing
kata |
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4th black
stripe |
entire Breathing kata |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for colour belt
grading |
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BLUE |
GREEN |
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1st black
stripe |
1st half
of Leopard kata |
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2nd black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of 1st half
of Leopard kata |
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3rd black
stripe |
2nd half
of Leopard kata |
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4th black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of 2nd half
of Leopard kata |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for colour belt
grading |
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PURPLE |
BLUE |
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1st black
stripe |
1st half
of Dragon kata |
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2nd black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of 1st half
of Dragon kata |
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3rd black
stripe |
2nd half
of Dragon kata |
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4th black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of 2nd half
of Dragon kata |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for colour belt
grading |
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BROWN |
PURPLE |
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1st & 2nd
black stripes |
Chinto parts 1
& 2 |
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3rd & 4th
stripes |
Seisan (oldest Okinawan
kata) parts 1 & 2 |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Leadership Stripe |
Should have ability to
lead small groups |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for colour belt
grading |
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SHODAN |
BROWN |
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1st black
stripe |
1st half
of Tiger kata |
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2nd black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of 1st half
of Tiger kata |
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3rd black
stripe |
2nd half
of Tiger kata |
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4th black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of
2nd
half of Tiger kata |
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5th black
stripe |
1st half
of Crane kata |
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6th black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of 1st half
of Crane kata |
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7th black
stripe |
2nd half
of Crane kata |
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8th black
stripe |
explain/show Bunkai
of
2nd
half of Crane kata |
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required for black
belt |
Chinto kata (or
alternative) |
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Blue Stripe |
showing respect for
family & school |
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Red Stripe (optional) |
up for Shodan belt
grading |
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Shodan |
Black Belt
Certificate in Shotokan Karate |
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Shodan |
Black Belt
Certificate in 5 Animal Kung Fu |
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