Class Curriculum

The USAGKA (USA GOJU KARATEDO ASSOCIATION) curriculum includes traditional and modern training methods. It is a very complete martial art. It includes empty hand methods and kobudo (Okinawan weapons) training. The system has street self defense techniques as well has takedowns, ground fighting, throws, and fighting (Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Aikido) . We try to maintain a well balanced training mix in every class.

Each student is provided an introduction package and as they progress they receive information for each kyu level. Since the system is well documented students understand what the minimum requirements are for every rank. Training normally exceeds the minimum requirements and keeps students challenged.A typical student can expect to spend about four years training for the black belt rank. The reason for this length is due to the volume of information expected from the student. Expectations are very high. Be warned that drop out rates are high due to the training intensity.

Every class starts with warm up drills to prevent injury during training. After warm ups class progresses into basic techniques and floor drills. This is followed by specific topics for each class. Primary areas of training are kata, fighting, and self defense.

Empty hand Kata (Forms) include Taikyoku Chudan 1, Taikyoku Chudan 2, Taikyoku Gedan, Ginchoi, Taikyoku Series, Sanchin, Tenshoa, Gekisai Dai, Empi-Ha, Saifa, and Sanseiru for kyu level. Dan Kata's include Shisoichin, Seiuchin, Seisan, Hangetsu, Kurunfa, and Goju Series. More katas are offered to our dan students as they progress. There are also weapons kata's for bo, sai, nunchaku, sword, and tonfa.

Fighting consists of hard and soft methods. Students start sparring after they have learned the basic techniques which is not long after they start. We utilize safety equipment to protect the student from injury during heavier modes of sparring. Students are taught effective methods to fight single and multiple opponents.

Self defense techniques are taught at every level and constantly reinforced. They are designed to be effective and not fancy. Simple, easy to remember techniques are the most effective. Street fighting methods are taught as well and quickly offer students methods of defense even before their fighting skills are developed. The self defense aspects cover blocks, arm locks, kicks, takedowns, wrist locks, and even ground fighting. Students from other systems will note the use of Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Aikido within our blend of karate.

Virtues to live by

1) We are proud to be karateka
2) We shall always practice and study
3) We shall always be quick to seize opportunities
4) We shall always practice patience
5) We shall always keep the fighting spirit of karate
6) We shall always block soft and hit hard
7) We shall always believe that nothing is impossible
8) We shall always discard the bad
9) We shall always keep the good
10) We shall always be loyal to ourselves, karate and country

USAGKA Belt Ranking System

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