The junior program is for children ages 5 to 12.  Utilizing martial arts training, the primary focus of the junior program is to develop each student's confidence, discipline and respect for others.  Children are taught that having a "good attitude" at all times is the most important aspect of their training.  In addition, students are taught that karate skills are for art, sport and self-defense, ONLY!  Inappropriate use of karate skills is strictly prohibited. B.I.S.M.A.A. instructors work very closely with parents and teachers on any attitude, confidence, discipline or academic issues.

Class Rules:

1. All instructors and assistants must be called "Mr.", "Mrs., "Sir" or "Ma'am" instructor, sensei, Master, Professor, Shihan, Sifu etc.
2. Students should arrive 10 minutes prior to scheduled class start time.
3. Unless prior arrangements have been made, late students will not receive class credit.   Exceptions may be made by the instructor in extreme situations.
4. Horseplay before, during, or after class is not permitted.
5. Students must sign in with the instructor prior to class in order to receive credit for the class.
6. Once the child has signed in he will not be allowed to leave the building without permission or a parent.
7. Students must wear their complete uniform (see below) to all classes.
8. For safety reasons, students may not wear jewelry (earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, etc) during class.
9. No talking in class.  Students with questions must raise their hand.
10. For safety and to enable students to focus, class spectators (siblings, parents, etc.) must remain "quietly" outside the training area.
11. Martial Arts are not to be practiced only in class and at home with permission.

Uniforms:

Class Uniforms:
All students must wear the appropriate martial arts  uniform to participate in class.  Uniforms can be purchased from the instructor. 

Uniforms must be kept clean and neat.  Students must wear their complete uniform to class (top, pants and belt).  Before or after class, it is proper to wear the uniform pants and a t-shirt.  Never wear the top without the belt and/or uniform pants.  The karate uniform should only be worn in class and at karate events.  Uniforms should not be worn while shopping, playing sports, eating, etc.

Tournament Uniforms:
A special tournament uniform can be purchased and worn at specific times by any brown belt/yellow sash belt or above student. The tournament uniform may be worn at the following times:
   * any tournament
   * in class 4 weeks prior to an B.I.S.M.A.A. or National tournaments
   * rank tests
   * special functions and seminars

Patches:

Only B.I.S.M.A.A. approved patches are to be worn on the uniform.

Academic Patch:
This patch can be purchased and worn by any junior student who has a core average of 90% or above and good conduct grades for an entire school year.  There are 4 levels of the Academic patch.  The patch is sewn on the student's left uniform sleeve 1 inch below the shoulder seam.  If a student earns a 2nd through 4th level patch, it must replace the current patch on the left sleeve.

Class Outline:

Karate training is divided into three groups: art, sport, self-defense.

Art:
The art portion of the junior class consists of learning the kicks, punches and strikes portion of the martial arts.  The first 4-5 classes and the last 2-3 classes of each session focus strongly on techniques.

Sport:
The sport portion consists of "sparring" which is taught as a "game of tag" utilizing very light contact.  Children are taught to use their martial arts kicks, punches and strikes to score points against a competitor.  All junior students must wear protective gear which can be acquired through the martial arts instructor.  

Self-defense:
With the junior students the self-defense aspect of the martial arts develops from a combination of learning both the art and sport aspects. 

Rank Tests:
Rank (belt level) advancement is offered for those that have met the requirements once each session or four times per year.  If the instructor feels that a student is ready to test to the next level, an "Invitation to Rank" form will be given out the week prior to the scheduled test.  In order for a junior student to advance, both their parent and school teacher (during the school year) must sign the "Invitation to Rank" to verify that the child has met the home and school requirements such as having a good attitude, making a "C" or above average in school, having good social skills and respect for others, doing any assigned chores, not practicing karate skills at inappropriate times, etc.

Rank System & Requirements:

Six Basic Requirements:
The following is a description of the six basic requirements for all levels of belt advancement with B.I.S.M.A.A.:

·         Attitude - A good attitude is required at all times (karate class, school and home).

·         Hours - The required hours at each level is listed.

·         Tournament(s) - The student must participate in the required number of tournaments for each belt level.  Winning at tournaments is not required for advancement; participation and good sportsmanship are.

·         Rules and Regulations - An oral test will determine if the student has a good knowledge of the Jr. Karate Study Sheet History and Study Terms

·         Physical Conditioning - Students will be required to complete a predetermined number of exercises for each level.

·         Techniques - This part of the test is the hardest part to achieve.   A set level of proficiency is required for each belt level, regardless of age, coordination, or physical ability.  Because of this requirement, some students will advance before others.  Each student can achieve a higher level, but might have to train longer than another child in order to become efficient at executing the required techniques.

Belt/Sash Level Requirements:

Yellow Belt - Minimum 10-12 class hours. Entered at least 1 karate tournament, 30 sit-ups, 30 pushups, 30 squats, 30 jumping jacks and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations. Techniques: Basic Stances, Basic Kicks, Basic Blocks, Basic Strikes

Orange Belt - Minimum 10-12 class hours as a yellow belt, entered at least 1 karate tournament as a Yellow Belt, 60 sit-ups, 60 pushups, 60 squats, 60 jumping jacks and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations.  Techniques:  All of the above, Double Roundhouse Kick, hand and kicking combinations.

Green Belt - Minimum 10-12 class hours as an orange belt, entered at least 1 karate tournaments as an Orange Belt, 75 sit-ups, 75 pushups,75 squats,75 jumping jacks and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association rules and regulations.  Techniques:  All of the above, Hook Kick, Hook Kick-Roundhouse, Lead Ridge Hand, hand and kicking combinations.

Blue Belt - Minimum 20-24 class hours as a green belt, entered at least 2 karate tournaments as a green belt, 90 sit-ups, 90 pushups and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations. Techniques:  All of the above, Crescent Kick, Jump Front Kick and Spinning Back Kick, hand and kicking combinations.

 Purple Belt - Minimum 20-24 class hours as a blue belt, entered at least 2 karate tournaments as a blue belt, 100 sit-ups, 100 pushups and knowledge of all martial art studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations.  Techniques:  All of the above, Jump Hook Kick, Jump Side Kick and Turning Hook Kick, One Empty Hand Form. 

Acting Brown Belt (Brown belt with white stripe through the middle) - Minimum 20-24 class hours as a purple belt, entered at least 2 karate tournaments as a Purple Belt, 125 sit-ups, 125 pushups125 squats,125 jumping jacks and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations .  Techniques:  All of the above, Back Roundhouse Kick, Reverse Crescent Kick and Break Falls Empty Hand Form, One Weapon Form and Self Defense against armed and unarmed attacker. 

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 Brown Belt (Solid Brown Belt) - Minimum 20-24 class hours as an acting brown belt, entered at least 2 karate tournaments as a 2nd Degree Purple Belt, 150 sit-ups, 150 pushups and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations.  Techniques:  All of the above, Flying Side Kick, Spinning Crescent Kick, (2) Two Empty Hand Forms, one Weapon Form and (2) Two Self Defense techniques against an armed attacker and (4) Four against an unarmed attacker.

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Advanced Level Brown Belt (Brown belt with black strip going through the middle) - Minimum 30-36 class hours, entered at least 3 karate tournaments as a Brown Belt, 100 sit-ups, 100 pushups, 100 jumping jacks, 100 squats, run 1 mile, 250 word essay on "Attitude", "B" average in school, "A" in conduct in school, design a Kata (Forms) (30 techniques) and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations.   Techniques:  All of the above, Turning Jump Crescent Kick, Jump Spinning Crescent Kick, (2) Three Empty Hand Forms, one Weapon Form and (2) Two Self Defense techniques against an armed attacker and (6) Six against an unarmed attacker.

Acting Black Belt (Sho-Ho)Black  Belt (Black belt with white strip going through the middle) - Minimum 30-35 class hours, entered at least 3 karate tournaments as an Acting Black Belt, 100 sit-ups,100 jumping jacks, 100 pushups,100 squats, run 1 mile, 300 word essay on "Leadership" and knowledge of all martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules.  Techniques:   All of the above, Jump Spinning Back Kick, (2) Two Empty Hand Forms, one Weapon Form and (4) Four Self Defense techniques against an armed attacker and (4) Four against an unarmed attacker.

First Degree Black Belt- Minimum 30-45 class hours, entered at least 3 karate tournaments as an  Acting Black Belt, 100 sit-ups,100 jumping jacks, 100 pushups,100 squats, run 1 mile, 300 word essay on "How Karate Has Affected Your Life" and knowledge of all your martial arts studio and association (B.I.S.M.A.A.) rules and regulations.  Techniques:  All of the above, Jump Spinning Hook Kick, (3) Three Empty Hand Forms, one Weapon Form and (6) Six Self Defense techniques against an armed attacker and (6) Six against an unarmed attacker.