INTRODUCTION:

Before you look at the curriculum guidelines, please note that the YMCA martial-arts program was originally founded on the following 5 tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. We like to call them the “tenets of Tae Kwon Do (TKD)”, in honor of the program’s long past history in TKD, even though these values are universal to all styles and to humanity. The team of instructors continues striving to instill these values in our kids and karate students of all ages. The development of self-confidence and strength of character is also a priority in our program. Therefore, our classes aim at covering much more than physical training and skills; they aim at strengthening the body, cultivating the mind and nurturing the spirit.

The following curriculum is more of a general guideline. There is an ancient Chinese saying and belief (from I-Ching, the book of Changes) that says: “the only constant in the Universe is CHANGE”. As karate has considerably changed in the past century and is bound to keep developing and changing, this curriculum is bound to undertake changes of its own in the future. We will do our best to keep you updated on changes as they occur.

At the very bottom you will find a tabulated guideline that summarizes how the learning of basics is spread according to rank levels. Once more, this is merely a guideline.

It is important to note that the planning of training for classes in any given YMCA session will be customized based on the needs and levels of class participants in that particular session.

CLASSIFICATION:

The curriculum is classified as follows:

BEGINNER:         10^TH and 9^TH Kyu

INTERMEDIATE-1:    8^TH to  6^TH Kyu inclusive

INTERMEDIATE-2:    5^TH TO  3^RD Kyu inclusive

ADVANCED:          2^ND Kyu and higher ranks

Ideally, classes should be divided/separated accordingly. Currently, we only have three levels of classes: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

CURRICULUM FOR BEGINNERS

TEST REQUIREMENTS:

10TH KYU:

[White Belt]

[Earned through the first 6 lessons]

There will not be test to earn recognition for this level. Students are allowed to wear the white belt on the first day of class. The first three weeks of classes will introduce the learners to the following white-belt requirements:

1.          Correctly tying one’s obi (belt)

2.          Knowing how to address the instructor (Sensei)

3.          Knowing which countries karate comes from (Okinawa and Japan)

4.          Reishiki (opening and closing courtesy ceremony)

In addition, the learners will get introduced to:

5.          Junbi undo (preparatory/warmup exercises)

6.          Ukemi (break falling): forward roll only

7.          Karate punches

8.          Karate stances: ready stance and front stance only

9.          Karate blocks: high block and low block only

10.      Karate kicks: front kick only

9^TH KYU:

[White Belt with black stripe]

[Eligible and end of 1^st or 2^nd session, depending on the candidate]

[12 to 24 lessons (equivalent to 24 to 48 hours),

 based on attendance twice a week]

UKEMI:      FORWARD ROLL

TEGUMI:     N/A

WAZA:       TSUKI

FUTARI GEIKO:   N/A

KATA:       N/A

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

The 9th kyu test is the first in a long line of scheduled examinations though which each learner is challenged to improve both their understanding and performance of karate-do. This first test will mainly prepare the learner for subsequent examinations, and will focus upon the tasks of:

1.          Reishiki: Dojo etiquette and those formalities associated with orthodox karate training

2.          Basic Japanese Terminology

3.          Junbi undo (preparatory/warmup exercises)

4.          Ukemi (break falling): forward roll only

5.          Karate punches and jabs

6.          Stances: front stance and horse stance only

7.          Karate Blocks: high block and low block only

8.          Karate Kicks: front kick and round kick only

9.          Ashi Sabaki (leg movement) moving down the room in front stance while executing basic technique

10.      Tsuki Waza

11.      One-step and three-step exercices that are designed to teach the beginners the proper way to negotiate (check/bridge/trap) a linear attack

12.      Introduction to the application of proper body dynamics when executing karate punches, blocks and kicks.

13.      Hitting solid targets (specially designed and safe training pads) to develop a feel for real contact and become sensitive to which area of the arms and leg to use with the different strikes.

Assessment criteria necessitates the candidates participation in “a physical test,” through which he/she merely takes part in a regular training session, for the purpose of determining physical fitness, technical ability and strength of character. Little emphasis is actually placed upon the physical mastery of any technique, but rather that the learner is diligent and enthusiastic.

Following “the test”, candidates will also be required to correctly respond to some very general and basic questions.

TRAINING ROUTINES:

The following is a brief description of some the typical routines we practice on a regular basis. Please keep in mind that we use additional routines as well, and that there are several variations on all routines, depending on the instructor’s style and the need of the particular class or students.

ROUTINE: Practice the following floor drills in the following order:

1- Start here...

CURRICULUM FOR INTERMEDIATE 1

TEST REQUIREMENTS:

8^TH KYU:

[Yellow Belt]

[Eligible after a minimum of 12 classes, 24 classes maximum]

UKEMI:      BACKWARD ROLL

TEGUMI:     TG#6 and TG#7

WAZA:       UKE 1 (FIRST HALF) and UKE 2 (FIRST HALF)

FUTARI GEIKO:   TSUKI (FIRST HALF)

KATA:       N/A

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

Thinking of each kyu step as a small brick in a large foundation, the focus of this stage of development requires the learner to:

1.          Ukemi: backward roll only

2.          Learn 2 more Uke techniques, and put 3 Uke techniques in a form called Uke Waza Level 1 (learning the first half)

3.          Learn reverse punching, reverse jabbing and hook punching

4.          Get an introduction to nyumon tegumi renzokugeiko (the fundamental flow drills which link basic techniques to defensive application). Two tegumi exercices will be introduced at this level.

5.          Introduction to the Step side kick.

6.          Learn dynamic Ashi sabaki (stepping and sliding) through the practice of the first half of Uke Waza level 2

7.          Practice targeting of punches and kicks

8.          Working knowledge of the Seri undo (cool-down exercises)

9.          Working knowledge of all corresponding Japanese terminology.

10.      Introduction to Ne Keri Waza (first half)

7^TH KYU:

[Yellow Belt w/t black stripe]

[Eligible after a minimum of 24 lessons]

UKEMI:      FORWARD BREAKFALL, BACKWARD BREAKFALL

TEGUMI:     TG#1, TG#4, TG#5, IRIMI TG#9 and IRIMI TG #10

WAZA:       UKE 1 and UKE 2

FUTARI GEIKO:   TSUKI

KATA:       CHOKYU (FIRST HALF)

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

Continuing to build one’s foundation, emphasis at this level requires the learner to demonstrate improved proficiency over all the basics, ensuring that technical principles are being adhered to.

Successful candidates for 7th kyu must learn the following:

1.          Ukemi: Forward breakfall and backward breakfall

2.          All basic Uke technique and variations

3.          Lunge-punch, back-fist and upper-cuts

4.          Palm-heel, Knife-hand, Ridge-hand and spear-hand strikes.

5.          Back kick and Ax kick5 new tegumi renzokugeiko exercices

6.          Tsuki Waza and corresponding Futari Geiko

7.          The complete Uke Waza Level 2

8.          Introduction to the Chokyu kata and corresponding Futari Geiko

6^TH KYU:

[Orange Belt]

[Eligible after a minimum of 24 classes]

UKEMI:      SIDESWAY UKEMI

TEGUMI:     TG#3 and TG#8

WAZA:       UKE WAZA 3

FUTARI GEIKO:   CHOKYU

KATA:       CHOKYU

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

1.          The learner’s foundation continues to be strengthened at this level, which necessitates learning the whole Chokyu-kata as well as its futarigeiko (two-person training).

2.          Demonstrating an improved performance of kihon waza, along with the introduction and learning of Uke Waza level 3.

3.          This level will mark the completion of learning the basics, with the introduction of reverse knife-handn high-section spear-hand, choke-strike, knees and elbows.

4.          Additionally, the tegumi renzokugeiko must also reflect a continued marked progression, and 2 more tegumi exercices will be introduced, including one called Uke Waza Iron Shirt Futari Geiko. The other will introduce the students to the anatomically vulnerable zones commonly associated with tools of impact

5.          Ukemi-wise, students will work on sidesway breakfalls

6.          Crescent kicks (in-to-out and out-to-in) and Hook kicks

7.          Introduction to Heishu Waza and its corresponding Futari Geiko

8.          The complete Uke Waza Level 3

Successful candidates at this level must be attending regular classes and clearly demonstrate more flow and less effort in their overall physical performance and character, both in and out of the dojo.

TRAINING ROUTINES:

Here are several sets of exercises we practice on a regular basis. Not all sets are practiced in every class and by all students. However, when a set is practiced, it is done in its entirety and in order, so students develop it as a routine. Instructors need to coordinate between themselves to ensure that all sets are practiced within a given week.

Please note that this is in the works, and what you will be reading below is a mere draft.

ROUTINE: Practice the following floor drills in the following order:

1- palm-heel strike FS

2- knife-hand strike FS

3- ridge-hand strike FS

4- spear-hand strike FS

The turn being the same as the one from TKD

5- lunge-punch HS

The turn being the same as the one from TKD

6- knife-hand block BS

The turn being the same as the one from TKD

ROUTINE: Practice the following floor drills in the following order:

1- high block FS

1b- add a reverse punch

2- low block FS

2b- add a reverse punch

3- middle block FS

3b- add a reverse punch

4- inner forearm FS

4b- add a reverse punch

The turn being the same as the one from TKD

ROUTINE: Practice iron-shirt exercices in the order below:

RIGHT AND LEFT

1- reverse low block

2- middle block

3- middle-block + press

4- punch/high-block

5- punch/high-block + middle block

ROUTINE:

Practice irimi tegumi renzoku geiko in the following order:

1- kake

2- push

3- back-fist

4- hook punch

5- straight punch

In addition,

- We keep working on kicks weekly

- We keep working on tsuki waza and futari geiko

- We keep working on uke waza level 1 and level 2

KICKING DRILLS:

Note: standardize kicking drills and publish here

SET 5: (do the strikes in the order below)

- Hammer fist block - single BS

- Knife-hand block - single BS

- Knife-hand block - double BS

- Do a TKD turn on the above

IRIMI TEGUMIS:

a- to be done individually, Right side

b- to be done continuously, Right side

c- to be done individually, Left side

d- to be done continuously, Left side

e- we will not do Right/Left/Right/Left at this point

IRON-SHIRT TRAINING: Right/Left

#6- knife-hand block - single

#7- Inner Forearm

#8- low block

UKE-WAZA LEVEL 1: required for every test

UKE-WAZA LEVEL 2: required for every test

Students need to work on that, especially and mainly the moto-dachi, the sliding, the turns (with the correct bent of knees, the pivoting on the appropriate part of the foot...)

CHOKYU KATA: required for next test

NAIHANCHI KATA: first half, for orange-belts only

ROUTINE:

- knife-hand strike FS

- ridge-hand strike FS

- spear-hand strike FS

- spear-hand strike FS

- choke strike FS

ROUTINE:

- lunge-punch HS

- reverse knife-hand HS

    add back-leg side kick to the above

- front-kick + punch HS

- side-kick + punch

ROUTINE:

- knife-hand block BS

- U-shape block BS (not for now)

- middle-block BS

- hook-punch BS

ROUTINE:

- high-block + reverse punch FS

- low-block + reverse punch FS

- middle-block BS + reverse punch FS

    add front-leg front-kick to the above

CURRICULUM FOR INTERMEDIATE 2

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO INTERMEDIATE-2 STUDENTS:

Beyond 6^th-kyu, students should be able to demonstrate a fairly good understanding of the basics. At this level, we are welcoming students to training in traditional old-style Okinawan karate, and therefore introducing to them the Koryu Uchinadi Nyumon Curriculum.

TEST REQUIREMENTS:

5^TH KYU:

[Orange Belt w/t black stripe]

[Eligible after…]

UKEMI:      PLYOMETRICS #2

TEGUMI:     TG#2, TG#9 and TG #10

WAZA:       HEISHU

FUTARI GEIKO:   HEISHU

KATA:       NAIHANCHI

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

Start here...

4^TH KYU:

[Green Belt]

[Eligible after…]

UKEMI:      9 UKEMI WAZA

TEGUMI:     TG#11, TG#12

WAZA:       KAISHU

FUTARI GEIKO:   KAISHU

KATA:       SANCHIN

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

Start here...

3^RD KYU:

[Green Belt w/t black stripe]

[Eligible after…]

UKEMI:      NE KERI WAZA

WAZA:       UKE 4

FUTARI GEIKO:   UKE

KATA:       SEISAN

FURTHER EXPLANATION:

Start here...

TRAINING ROUTINES:

Here are several sets of exercises we practice on a regular basis:

ROUTINE: Practice the following floor drills in the following order:

1- Start here...

CURRICULUM FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ADVANCED STUDENTS:

Advanced classes do not replace the intermediate ones, but only add to them. While the learning curve is high in the advanced classes, the workouts of the intermediate classes remain a requirement for you. We all need to keep stretching and practicing our basics. Therefore, please attend at least one intermediate class a week, but preferably both. Attending intermediate classes has now become a test prerequisite for you. This requirement applies to adult students and instructors alike.

TEST REQUIREMENTS:

2^ND KYU:

[Blue Belt]

ALL BASICS FROM INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL CLASSES, PLUS:

UKEMI:      NE KERI, UKEMI, PLYOMETRICS #2

TEGUMI:     IRIMI TEGUMI 1-10

WAZA:       NE KERI, UKEMI

TSUKI, KERI, KAMAE, HEISHU, KAISHU

SHIHO UKE WAZA 1, 2 AND 3

FUTARI GEIKO:   TACHI KERI

TSUKI, HEISHU, KAISHU, UKE, CHOKYU

KATA:       CHOKYU, NAIHANCHI, SEISAN

KATA OYO:   N/A

1^ST KYU:

[Brown Belt]

ALL 2ND-KYU REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, PLUS:

UKEMI:      CHARLIE

TEGUMI:     FULL TEGUMI 1-12, QUADRANT DRILLS

WAZA:       SHIHO UKE WAZA 4

FUTARI GEIKO:   KERI, KAMAE, HIJI-HISA

KATA:       SANCHIN

KATA OYO:   SEISAN

1^ST DAN:

[Black Belt]

ALL 1ST-KYU REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, PLUS:

UKEMI:      RAKANKEN

TEGUMI:     N/A

WAZA:       N/A

FUTARI GEIKO:   NAIHANCHI, MUCHIMI-DI, RUKKISHU

KATA:       6 TAI SABAKI, HAPPOREN, NANSHU

KATA OYO:   6 TAISABAKI

We also offer our students a tabulated guideline of how the basics are spread according to the various Kyu levels.