What is a "Candidate" Belt?


I have had many students and parents inquire about what, specifically, a Candidate belt means? What does it look like, and what is the purpose?

First, a Bit about the Black Belt Process at Team Karate Centers Columbus.

We are a center dedicated to, and specializing in, the traditional training of Youth and Children. For those who are unaware, we only accept new students between the ages of 4.5 and 10 years. Our reason for doing this is to ensure that we have plenty of time to help our students develop a solid Martial Art foundation while they are in elementary and middle school - BEFORE they get busy with their Hgh School Activities.

By limiting our student base, we are able to focus entirely on age appropriate curriculum. It is my personal belief that regardless how talented a child may be physically, they do not have the emotional maturity to earn a full "Shodan" before the minimum age of 13. Now, if a child begins at 5 years old - which many of our students do - that could mean that they have to wait for 8 years before being awarded a black belt. By any standard, that is a very long time. So, to award our younger students appropriately, we allow them to test for their 'Junior Black" if they are younger than 13 and for "Shodan" if they are over.

Regardless, approximately 6 months prior to our Annual Black Belt Exam, we establish the final "team" of testers. This team is comprised of Red Belts and is called the "Black Belt Candidate Team". Once they take their Candidate exam, they are awarded a red/black belt called the "Candidate" belt. This signifies that they have been assigned a Black belt Exam Date and will be testing withing the next 6 months. Some other things to know about the Candidate Team:

Every Team:

• Has a Captain.
• Is given a Team Name.
• Must Pick a "Cause" that they will work toward - and raise money for for the duration of their Candidate Phase.
• Will Have their own Custom Made Logo.
• Will Have to Attend 3 team building events
• Will put on their own Black Belt Extravaganza, or Show, at Black Belt Graduation.
• Will host a "Parent Dinner" where they will serve their family and friends...as a Thank you for the years their parents have dedicated to bringing them to practice.

The Candidate Process is an Amazing, and unforgettable, journey. Please join us as we establish the First Team on April 18, 2010. 1:00 PM.

Black Belt and Candidate Exam!

Sunday, April 18 ~ 1:00 PM

Please join us this Sunday as Harrison Lippy takes his Black Belt examination. He will be joined by all of the Black Belt Candidates as they test for their official " Candidate" Belt.

This amazing journey is open to all students, friends and family. Journey begins at 1:00 PM and will be compete no later than 2:30.


Good Luck to everyone!

Black Belt Candidate David Messmer works on the rope after the Torture Run. One of the fitness requirements for junior black belt is to climb the rope to the top. (15 feet)

Other Requirements:

Complete a 3.5 mile run

30 sit ups in one minute

25 Push Ups

The Candidate Team is established ONE YEAR before their test date. For the entire year, they will work and train as a team.

The Tuesday / Thursday Torture Run

Kudo's to Ian, David, Reece, Jeff S and Aaron. ( Jeff and Aaron just join us for fun because they are lunatics). They have been joining me on the Candidate Run each Tuesday and Thursday before Class. Today it was about 800 degrees. Well, maybe not - but it might as well have been. We gave Aaron an extra mile...just to make ourselves feel better. He was out of sight inno time. I am going to make HIM wear the weight vest from now on! Maybe the extra 20 pounds will slow him down. Or, maybe not. LOL

The picture above is of Ian and I after the run tonight.

IMPACT Project

As we have mentioned in class, one of the most important aspects that a person can learn about in Martial arts is the establishment of peace within themselves, their relationships, their communities.

At TKC Midwest, we value this concept so much that we incorporate it into the candidate year. Each candidate must create a project that will impact some part of their physical, social, academic, community or family environment. Each member needs to create one idea that will facilitate positive, and lasting, change in one of these areas.

For example, is there a way that you can help out someone in your community? Can you foster change in Bexley, In whitehall, in Columbus? Are their children without proper educational tools, Families without a home, Kids without Toys, animals who need assistance, parks that need cleaned, elderly folks who would enjoy being read to? The list of community, National, and World needs is virtually endless. There are ALWAYS ways to positively impart change int his world. SO, the question is, how can our 2010 candidates do it?

OBJECTIVE: Submit a one page explanation of your Impact Project. Please show what the need is, how you can help, and any assistance that you may need. There is no need too small, and no challenge too big. Stay with a cause that you are passionate about.

Once we have approved it, each candidate will have their project displayed on a poster in the DOJO for the ENTIRE Year. The poster will update Dojo families about the project and encourage everyone to take part.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: August 15, 2009

Good Luck!

Welcome to Your Candidate Year!

There are 10 Challenges for you over the next 12 months:

Challenge #1) Memorize the tenets of Martial Arts. Submit an Impact Project Idea in accordance with these tenets.

Challenge #2) Attend no less than 10 Outdoor Training Meetings over he next 12 months.

Challenge #3) Memorize Your Black Belt Kata in it's entirety no later than December 2009.

Challenge Number #4) Complete a 3.5 K race at some point within the next 12 months.

Challenge Number #5) Submit a one week food diary. Include ALL foods that you have eaten over the course of the week.

Challenge #6) Begin your impact project.

Challenge #7) Create at least one way that you can show honor to your parents on a daily basis. Put it in writing and submit it.

Ch allege #8) Complete the Team Hike in 2010. We will offer two of them to accommodate schedules.

Challenge #9) Write about What the term "Black Belt" Means to you. Minimum of One page double spaced ~ Maximum of Three.

Challenge #10) Journal for one solid year. I will provide journals. They must be updated weekly.