MIGHTY MITES PROGRAM - Updates 12/06, 10/07

The Mighty Mites Program is primarily for 4 to 6 years-old beginners. It is designed to keep young children motivated and training through the beginner belt ranks. To accomplish this, Mighty Mites have their own belt rank system. Rank requirements are divided into smaller, easier managed, sets and the belts themselves look sharp. Thus rewards are not only more frequent, they are also more exciting.

The Mighty Mites program is not watered down, but is simply cut up into smaller more "bite-size" pieces. The program is still knowledge and skill based, and proper attitude is still emphasized. We will not abandon the character building aspects of our traditional karate programs. We will, however, have out-and-out "fun" as often as makes sense.

There are no time requirements for advancement. Instructors will recommend students for rank testing. Never ask to test. Parents, who have concerns about their child's progress, are welcome to set an appointment for consultation.

Parents are encouraged to coach their Mighty Mite(s). Ask the instructors for tips. Take advantage of Coaching Classes. The Mighty Mites who do the best are the ones who's parents get involved. (Of, course coaching should not be over bearing. Never set them up to feel they have let you down if they don't do well on an evaluation or test.)




Mighty Mites BELT SYSTEM

No Belt - "Beginner"

White Belt

White Belt - Yellow Stripe
White Belt - Orange Stripe
White Belt - Blue Stripe
White Belt - Green Stripe
White Belt - Red Stripe

Yellow Belt

Yellow Belt - Orange Stripe
Yellow Belt - Blue Stripe
Yellow Belt - Green Stripe
Yellow Belt - Red Stripe
Yellow Belt - Brown Stripe

Orange Belt


Periodically Mighty Mites will be evaluated for placement into the more challenging Troopers Program. We allow some leeway for the child's personality in making this decision, however, no child will be allowed to remain in Mighty Mites program beyond age 7 or beyond Orange Belt level.


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WHITE BELT REQUIREMENTS

As soon as you can show us that you know everything on this sheet, you will have earned the right to wear your white belt. Study hard and concentrate in class and it will not take long at all.

Showing Respect
> To teachers and adults say "Sir." "Yes ma'm." "No sir."
> Attention Position (self-control) and the Bow (respect)

WAYS TO SIT IN CLASS

> Legs crossed in front
> Kneeling with feet (not ankles) crossed in back

STANCES
> Relaxed Stance
> Side Stance

MEMORY WORK - know these Japanese Karate terms:
> kara: empty
> te: hand
> karate: a way to defend yourself with empty hands (using no weapons)

Please understand that karate is not just about kicking and punching.
Your attitude is more important than your physical ability!!!!!!!!!!!


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WHITE BELT - YELLOW STRIPE REQUIREMENTS

HAND TECHNIQUES
> Backfist
> Vertical Punch (nickname: "body punch")

KICKS
> Front Kick (use the ball)
> Side Kick (use the heel)

MEMORY WORK - know these Japanese Karate terms:
> What is a Sensei? ...a karate teacher or instructor
> What is the name of your head sensei? ...Billee Purvis
> What is a Dojo? ...a karate school or studio
> What is the name of your dojo? ...LifeForce
> What is your phone number? ... _______________

SELF-DEFENSE (part of Mighty Mite 1st Set)
> First S-D Technique: Thumbs to the eyes


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WHITE BELT - ORANGE STRIPE REQUIREMENTS

HAND TECHNIQUES
> Ridge Hand

KICKS
> Half Round Kick (use top of foot)
> Round Kick (use top of foot)

SPARRING COMBINATIONS #1
> Back fist, body punch

MEMORY WORK
The K-A-R-A-T-E Words
> K - Knowledge
> A - Attitude
(Remember "Attitude" is the first and most important "A")
> R - Respect

SELF DEFENSE (part of Mighty Mite 1st Set)
> Second S-D Technique: Punch to the nose

FORMS' BASICS
> The "C"-Step: stepping in front stances


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WHITE BELT - BLUE STRIPE REQUIREMENTS

KICKS
> Balance Kicks (x3)*

SPARRING COMBINATIONS #2
> Slide-up Back fist, side kick

MEMORY WORK
The K-A-R-A-T-E Words
> A - Ability
> T - Training
> E - Effort

SELF DEFENSE (part of Mighty Mite 1st Set)
> Third S-D Techniqe: Snake Fingers

FORMS' BASICS
> Horse Stance
> Punch From Horse Stance (to stomach or head)


* You must be able to do 3 half round kicks with good balance before putting the kicking leg down.


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WHITE BELT - GREEN STRIPE REQUIREMENTS

KICKS
> Balance Kicks (x5)

MEMORY WORK
> What is a kia? ...a loud yell
> 5 reasons to kia are:
(1) to scare an attacker (2) to get more power (3) to push away pain (4) to call for help {5) to get "pumped-up"

SELF DEFENSE (part of Mighty Mite 1st Set)
> Fourth S-D Technique: Kick below the belt

FORMS' BASICS
> Rising Block From Horse Stance


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WHITE BELT - RED STRIPE REQUIREMENTS

KICKS
> Balance Kicks (x8)

MEMORY WORK
> What is a form? ...a pretend fight using karate
5 things we improve when we do forms are:
(1) Balance (2) Coordination (3) Power (4) Focus or eye control) (5) Speed

SELF DEFENSE (part of Mighty Mite 1st Set)
> Fifth S-D Technique: Stomp to the foot

FORMS' BASICS
> Down Block From Horse Stance


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YELLOW BELT REQUIREMENTS

PUNCHES & KICKS
> Balance Kicks (x10)
> Review all Kicks and Punches

SPARRING COMBINATIONS
> Review both Sparring Combinations

MEMORY WORK
> Review all Memory Work

SELF-DEFENSE
> Review all Self-Defense Techniques

FORMS' BASICS
> Review all Forms' Basics



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