Black Belt Club

The Black Belt Club is a leadership organization for intermediate and advanced students who intend to continue with their karate training through Black Belt level.  It was started by Sensei Christensen in order to give more focus and opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills through karate training.  Each year at our end-of-the-year demonstration and awards night, students who are eligible are invited to join.  We meet a few times a year and students pay their yearly dues of $15.00 from their own money.  They purchase our team uniform and begin participating in leadership and instructor training directly under Sensei Christensen.

New members earn a Junior Leader patch and are eligible to assist in the Little Dragons program.  Leading warm up exercises, helping students with lining up, tying belts, and demonstrating exercises are part of their beginning instructor training.   The next level earned is the Junior Instructor patch.  These students have been assisting with teaching for at least a year and are able to lead warm up exercises and help teach beginning techniques.  When students have attained advanced brown belt or black belt level, they will be awarded an Assistant Instructor patch.  This level indicates that they are experienced helpers and can assist students with beginning and intermediate level techniques.  They give commands and lead exercises in class as well as work with students individually.

Participating in the Black Belt Club Leadership program gives students a chance to develop skills that will serve them well in High School, College, and in the working environment.  They gain confidence and skills in performing, demonstrating, and teaching in front of others.  Many parents understand the value of the training their children receive through participating in this training and use it to highlight their child’s skills when applying to other programs, private schools,  or colleges.