*** Before signing up for this class, all students must have attended and successfully passed the "White Belt Level One" course.

Hello and congratulations for making it to Level Two of your white belt journey! This course will review what you've learned in Level One, as well as introduce some new techniques and concepts. One major concept is "kata" - the first one you'll be learning is called "Heian Shodan", which means "Peaceful Mind Level One". This course will teach you the first half of that kata, and you will learn the second half in Level Three! 

You already know by now, the importance of attending as many classes as possible (and watching class recordings when you miss a class, or would like to review what you've learned), trying your best in class, as well as practicing in between classes; so, it will come as no surprise to you that the final class of this program will be Grading Day, where you will demonstrate everything you've learned and how hard you've been practicing since the beginning of the course. Students who pass the test will be invited to the final course before yellow belt - White Belt Level Three, and students who do not pass will be invited to retake Level Two. 

[My teaching style: I will demonstrate each technique slowly first, explaining a couple of key points. I'll count the students through 10 or 20 of each technique slowly, making corrections along the way, and then we'll do another 10 or 20 at about 50% speed, and then the final 10 will be at 100% speed and power, so the students can work up a sweat and show themselves, and me, how hard and fast they can do their moves. Also, in karate, typically when the teacher counts the 10th technique, all the students verbally show their energy and spirit by shouting "Kiai!"  I refer to this as the 20-20-10 counting approach. I like to use lots of positive reinforcement, and to "say a lot with a little" when it comes to explaining the techniques, so we can spend as much time as possible actually training, rather than lecturing.   *** I strive to perform the majority of the techniques with the students, so they can follow along with me, but there will also be times when I will give them a couple of minutes of independent practice time, so that I can give individual feedback.]

Wearing a karate uniform will not be required, but it is encouraged that a white uniform and white belt be purchased, available on amazon for very reasonable prices (e.g., approximately $25), or at a local martial arts supply store. You'll find links to amazon suggestions in the "classroom" section of the first class upon registration.

Course Outline: (Please note that this is just a basic and malleable outline of each class, and the amount of material covered in each class will depend on how everyone progresses.)

All classes will have the same structure: introductions & expectations; warm-up; basics; main lesson; fun finishing drill; sign-off.

Lesson #1: Review of material learned in Level One; learn "back stance" and the ending of your kata.

Lesson #2: Sparring blocks and counters, building upon what was learned in Level One.

Lesson #3: Self-defense - review and learn "inside block".

Lesson #4: Kata review; begin learning the second half of "Heian Shodan"

Lesson #5: More kata turns and techniques.

Lesson #6: Jump Kicks & Conditioning - review roundhouse kick and learn front thrust kick, followed by physical conditioning - karate requires abilities such as physical strength, muscular endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility, proprioception (body-awareness), etc. This class will be sweaty, make sure you have lots of water nearby!

Lesson #7: Kicks, kicks, and more kicks! Learning "snapping side kick".

Lesson #8: How to fall safely ("breakfalls"); midterm review.

Lesson #9: Sparring drills.

Lesson #10: Self-defense review; learn how to be a good training partner.

Lesson #11: Kata review - putting it all together.

Lesson #12: Refine your basics!

Lesson #13: Just for Fun - try to learn an advanced kata!

Lesson #14: Line drills.

Lesson 15: Curriculum Review and Test Preparation - We will review all of our curriculum to prepare for the test in class #16.

Lesson #16: Grading Day! Today is the day to show off everything you've learned and show me how hard you've been practicing outside of class time. Every student will be assessed on everything that has been taught throughout the course, and will be sent a report card of their performance. Students who pass will receive a digital certificate and will be invited to join the next program, "Yellow Belt Level One".