Kids Karate Program (Ages 5–7)

Foundation Belt Requirements

Program Purpose

The Kids 5–7 Program is designed to build confidence, coordination, listening skills, and basic karate fundamentals through structured play and repetition.

This program focuses on:

• Basic karate movement

• Balance and coordination

• Following instructions

• Respect and discipline

• Preparing students to succeed in the Youth (8–14) Program

There is no sparring and no formal forms in this program.

Belt Structure

• White

• White–Gold Stripe

• White–Green Stripe

• White–Purple Stripe

• White–Blue Stripe

• White–Red Stripe (Program Completion)

Students who advance one belt level and age into the 8–14 program will begin as a Gold Belt.

Students who complete the full 5–7 program earn:

• A Program Completion Certificate

• A Kids Program Uniform Badge

Advancement Philosophy (Ages 5–7)

Advancement is based on:

• Understanding and effort, not perfection

• Consistency over time, not speed

• Emotional and physical readiness

Time alone does not guarantee advancement. Students must demonstrate readiness at their age level.

Belt evaluations are done in class, in the same manner as the solid color belts in the 8–14 program. Students demonstrate their skills in a structured, supportive environment during normal class time.

Core Skill Categories (All Belt Levels)

Each belt builds on the same core areas, with increasing expectation of control, focus, and independence.

1. Behavior & Class Readiness

• Lines up and stands at attention with the group

• Follows simple instructions

• Demonstrates respectful behavior toward instructors and classmates

• Participates without disrupting class

• Shows effort, even when challenged

2. Stances & Body Control

(Recognized and performed at a basic level)

• Attention stance

• Natural stance

• Front stance (intro level)

• Horse stance (short duration, age-appropriate)

• Balance on one foot

3. Basic Blocks

(Introduced as movements, not formal technique perfection)

• High block

• Low block

• Inside block

• Outside block

Students should show:

• Correct general motion

• Ability to stop on command

• Safe control of arms

4. Basic Strikes

• Straight punch (age-appropriate form)

• Palm strike

• Hammer fist

Focus is on:

• Direction

• Control

• Awareness of targets (pads only)

5. Kicks & Movement

• Front kick (chamber and extension)

• Knee lift

• Stepping forward and backward

• Turning safely

• Jumping and landing with balance

6. Coordination & Athletic Skills (Play-Based)

• Running drills

• Obstacle courses

• Reaction games

• Pad striking games

• Team-based activities

These activities support:

• Balance

• Timing

• Spatial awareness

• Confidence

Belt-by-Belt Expectations

White Belt

Focus: Safety, structure, and participation

• Can follow class routines

• Understands lining up and listening

• Introduced to all basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks

• Participates in group games

White–Gold Stripe

Focus: Awareness and control

• Improved listening and response to commands

• Performs basic movements with better direction

• Shows improved balance and coordination

• Can hold stances briefly when asked

White–Green Stripe

Focus: Consistency

• Can perform techniques on command

• Understands left vs right

• Shows controlled pad contact

• Maintains focus for longer class segments

White–Purple Stripe

Focus: Confidence and independence

• Moves with less instructor prompting

• Combines simple movements (block → punch)

• Demonstrates self-control during games

• Shows leadership by example

White–Blue Stripe

Focus: Readiness for youth training

• Strong class behavior

• Clean basic technique for age

• Consistent effort across class

• Demonstrates respect and focus without reminders

White–Red Stripe (Program Completion)

Focus: Transition readiness

• Demonstrates solid understanding of all basics

• Shows emotional maturity for structured classes

• Can follow multi-step instructions

• Participates safely and confidently

• Ready to enter the 8–14 Youth Program

Transition to Youth Program (Ages 8–14)

• Students who advance and age into the youth program will start as Gold Belt

• Students who complete the full Kids Program receive:

  • Completion Certificate

  • Kids Program Uniform Badge

• Youth program introduces:

  • Forms

  • Controlled sparring

  • Increased technical expectations