The following is a basic outline of the curriculum, belt ranking system, and stripe system for the Lil’ Dragon Program. A child is ready to graduate about every eight weeks. The child should have at least 4 stripes on his/her belt. It is possible for a Lil’ Dragon to get additional stripes during an eight week period of time if they come two times a week for the eight weeks. If they come more than twice in one week they will not be able to receive another stripe. They must wait for the next week to get another stripe. In order for a child to receive a stripe they must participate in the class. Sometimes the stripes could be held back to encourage a child to do more in their next class. This is not meant to be a punishment and should not be reinforced as such. Instead, encourage the child that they just need to do their best in the next class so they can receive their stripe. You will find the program is taught in a very upbeat method using spaced repetition and positive motivation. We want to always encourage a child to do his or her best. We never want to discourage them in such a way that the classes lose the excitement of participation. As long as the child keeps coming to classes, parents continue to report improvements not just at the karate school but at home and other places. The program does work and you must be patient with us as we are patient with your child. We are looking for long-term benefits not short-term results. Always keep in mind that a parent is the worst critic of his or her own child.
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Week #1 Focus to have eyes, mind and body concentrating on a goal
Week #2 Teamwork to work together to accomplish a goal
Week #3 Control to be able to exercise control over oneself and other things
Week #4 Balance to be able to control oneself to avoid falling or off balance
Week #5 Memory to bring back to remembrance
Week #6 Discipline to control oneself physically and mentally
Week #7 Fitness to keep the body at its best condition
Week #8 Coordination to be able to correctly move your body
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The belt ranking system follows the same color scheme as the stripes.
A student begins with White Belt
Week Eight White Belt / Yellow Stripe
Week Sixteen White Belt / Orange Stripe
Week Twenty Four White Belt / Green Stripe
Week Thirty Two White Belt / Blue Stripe
Week Forty White Belt / Purple Stripe
Week Forty Eight White Belt / Brown Stripe
Week Fifty Six White Belt / Black Stripe
Now we go to the Double Stripe Belts
Week Sixty Four White Belt / Double Yellow
Week Seventy Two White Belt / Double Orange
Week Eighty White Belt / Double Green
Week Eighty Eight White Belt / Double Blue
Week Ninety Six White Belt / Double Purple
Week 104 White Belt / Double Brown
Week 112 White Belt / Double Black
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The karate they learn is spaced in with different activities and games to help them develop. You will find many things are repetitious as they continue going up the ranks, but yet there will be differences. The repetition keeps them encouraged and excited and help them to progress more quickly. But variety of techniques is put in to help them learn new coordination skills and abilities. You will notice after each graduation that the karate material will change ever so slightly. One eight weeks they may learn all the basic kicks, but the next eight weeks we teach them how to kick with a rear leg. Another eight weeks they may learn to spin backwards with a kick. Look for the similarities and differences that will help your child to be ready for the next level of training.
Most children will graduate out of the Lil’ Dragon’s Program long before they have the opportunity to complete all the belts. However, receiving a new belt each eight weeks is a great way to encourage the child to recognize their progress and abilities. We are excited to have your child participating in our program. We look forward to great things happening as we work together to help your child become more successful in anything he or she sets their mind to accomplish.