Liberty's Karate

GRADING SYSTEM

Belt System: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Brown, Red

For those of you that are not aware of how the grading system in karate works, this is how we determine when members are ready for promotion.

KATA :  (pre-arranged pattern): each belt colour has a kata that must be learned with proper form, speed and power.   Stances must be correct as well as blocks, kicks and strikes.  All moves must be done to the level of that particular rank and must show intensity and focus.

KUMITE :  (sparring):  The fighting of the student must show improvement as the level rises, each member has to be able to show spirit and a willingness to enter into combat with another opponent regardless of that person's rank.  Winning matches is not important, but the determination and desire to win is of utmost importance.  The fighter must demonstrate speed and power when engaged in combat while also showing defensive skills.   Control over their emotions and control of contact, (so as not to injure their opponent), is also of utmost importance.  Grappling must be done with aggressiveness and demonstrate the ability to have physical contact and still stay calm and make decisions under duress.

ATTENDANCE :  Classes are run twice per week, members should attend all classes possible.  Frequent absences are not advised because there are many different things that must be worked on, missing classes demonstrates a lack of discipline. (Many times parents are responsible for their child missing classes and this is not fair to the child, please make an effort to get them to every class unless they are sick).  If a club member has an injury (a bruised hand for example), they should still attend class and work around the injury.  This builds character as well as self-discipline and dedication. 

Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:31 PMty, maximum effort is always expected.  Club members should never say "I caSunday, June 15, 2008 1:31 PMSunday, June 15, 2008 1:31 PM.

RESPECT :  Respect must be demonstrated at all times.  This means to all other club members.  If they are your opponents, do not fear them but respect their ability and their safety.  Black Belt instructors should be called "sensei" and must be spoken to with respect for their rank, you may question them, but do so in a respectful tone.

TIME :  Each rank has a minimum time requirement and grading will not be done until this is met.  As rank rises, so does the time requirement.

Finally, each club member shall be graded at his or her own pace, some take longer then others to grasp certain aspects of the art.  If there is a grading and you are not on the list, this does not mean that you have failed, it simply means that you are not ready for the next step in your journey to black belt.  Be patient and dedicated to karate and your time will come.

Our style of karate is Wado Kai, which means way of harmony or way of peace.  You must be in harmony in mind and in body and be at peace in the knowledge that you can, and will, defend yourself with the skill and spirit you have gained in the martial art called "karate"

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask any of our black belts.