Junior Guardian Karate is taught on a rotating two year schedule. Every year, the students learn or review Advanced Basic Form, a combination that includes blocks, punches, chops and kicks. There are sixteen words or ideas that go with the form, with the words shouted with each move: Honor! Truth! Obedience! Responsibility! Helpfulness! Hard Work! Wisdom! Never Give Up! Respect! Growth! Humility! Trustworthiness! Contribution! Forgiveness! Kindness! Great Attitude! Each word has a specific definition that is shouted with each punch or chop.

Every even numbered year, the primary focus is learning Foundation Form, a detailed, 55 move combination of moves that teaches a wide number of skills: punches, chops, kicks, rolls, etc. The students learn to follow commands, perform the moves properly with good stances, good power and shouting the name of the move in an exercise we call "kiai."

The "white belt" definition we use KIAI is "breath that is strong because it has harmony." At the beginning level, it is learning to say what you're doing, and do what you're saying, both with power. It is an example of practicing basic integrity - your word and action are the same.

Odd numbered years are spent learning a wide variety of skills and combinations. Students learn a set of Falls and Rolls, short combinations called Basic Techniques, something called Line 1, follow different commands and perform other skills.

Students earn Belts based upon tests of their physical skills. They should earn a new belt about every four months if they continue to train on schedule. Typically, any student that attends the majority of classes should be ready for belt tests on schedule.

Headbands are earned based on earning stars (see Parent Support). A beginner should earn a Black Headband in about one year. After that, students earn shoulder stars for every eight week term in which they earn at least 20 stars. Stars are earned with good behavior at home and Praise Cards for exceptional things.

A student who already has a colored headband from Little Guardians will keep that headband.

Junior Guardian Karate repeats the same material every two years. Each time through, students are expected to perform it better. The first time through they should be able to do it groups and by following commands. The second time through they should be able to lead and do it by themselves, and do it with power and precision. The third time through they should be able to teach it, give commands, and run classes. In Six Years, after three times through, the student should be ready for a Junior Guardian Karate Black Belt.

Some exceptional students might be able to complete a Black Belt in only four years. These students would also do well in the adult Guardian Karate class and might choose to pursue Black Belt in both at the same time. Many of our very best adult class students started as kids in the children's class and moved up. Several of them have Black Belts in the Junior and adult Karate.

A student who completes all the material in Junior Guardian Karate and then transfers to Guardian Karate will probably be able to earn an adult Black Belt in four more years.