Generally speaking there are 4 kata to be learned for each level of training. (Not always or necessarily the same kata for all students.) Please remember that QUALITY is much more important than QUANTITY…if your kata look TERRIBLE, you may need to know a lot more than just 4 kata per level of training…if your kata look REMARKABLE you may be promoted with fewer than 4 kata per level. (It is usually better to focus on making a few kata look very good, than to try to learn a lot of kata that you do not do very well.) Beyond the form, basic things like tight fists, deep stances, powerful technique, and spirit are also important.

In addition to the kata, there are various techniques for each level of training in which progress needs to be made. A sincere student will usually find that when they focus on (by which I mean “think about”) their training MORE, and their level LESS, they will not only progress faster, but also have a lot more fun. Students should also expect the length of time between training levels to be MUCH LONGER each time they progress to the next level. A brief essay must be submitted by each student for each training level. PLEASE REMEMBER: The REAL purpose of your promotion and “belt” is actually to DISTRACT you from your training…but a true warrior will not be distracted so easily!

Each new student starts at White Belt training level…these new students are the most important students in the class, as they are the ones who will carry on the art when we are gone, so we must make a special effort to welcome, nurture, teach, and encourage them. New students also help US, by giving us the OPPORTUNITY to teach, and demonstrate not only what we know, but how well we know it.

The 2nd White Belt training level the student must earn for themselves…I do not award it. The student earns a 2nd White Belt by continuing to train wearing a Black Belt, slowly over many years and even decades wearing it away until it falls apart, frays, and fades, until it almost looks white 1ce again. Even to reach just Black Belt training level takes many years of SINCERE training, not only in class, but also by yourself, at home…a little bit every day. Don’t give up! A true warrior does not give up. How can YOU do this? Simply by not giving up, even when your training is very difficult. You can do it!

-Sensei Daniel