Transition to the Junior Program!

We are excited to introduce you to the Junior Program! Please review carefully all of the details below. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email Mr. Braden Shackelford at: bradenshackelford@arlingtonkicks.com.

Overview of Differences

Junior Class Structure & Differences:

• 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes
• Physically, the class is more demanding. 8-12 minute warm-ups: some exercises and stretches will be familiar, some will be new
• Push-ups: 10 at White Belt (pushup requirement increases by 5 every rank up to 50 at Black Belt)
• Curriculum: three sections (corresponding with Black “Curriculum” Stripes)
  1) Kamsah
  2) White Belt Basics
  3) Sparring Basics (Hand pads now, full gear at Gold Belt- cost is approximately $275-$300)
• Maturity: we expect students in the Junior class to demonstrate an appropriate level of maturity, focus and effort in all classes
• While “games” are still played, they do not happen in every class
• Line Up by Rank: The highest rank in the class lines up on the front row to the Intructor’s left-hand side. Kneehigh Ninjas trying the class will line up after the lowest rank. However, lines may be adjusted ‘by height’ as needed.
• The age of the students will range from Kneehigh Ninjas trying the class to students as old as 13, as well as some parents who may be taking class with their child.

Progression in the Junior Belt Ranks:

Earning tapes: There are a total of 6 stripes earned on a “Low White Belt” and 6 on a “High White Belt” along with a silver “Testing Eligible” stripe. 

Black Achievement Tapes: There are three Black Achievement Tapes at each belt level to cover technical aspects of the curriculum, such as basics/combinations, forms, and sparring.

Red Achievement Tape (Attitude at Tae Kwon Do): This achievement is earned when you are able to demonstrate great attitude throughout several classes.

Blue Achievement Tape (Attitude at Home): This achievement is earned when you turn in a note from home describing something positive you have done to show great attitude (i.e., saying “Yes Sir/Ma’am,” completing chores without being asked). This note should be turned in when you arrive and will be read in front of the class.

White Achievement Tape (Attitude/Effort in School): This achievement is earned when you turn in an item from school demonstrating great attitude or effort there (e.g., note or good report from your teacher, a good grade from school, or a report card). This should be turned in when you arrive and will be reviewed in front of class. In the summer, a note describing something new you have learned will suffice.

Silver Achievement Tape: This will be the seventh tape earned on a high belt, after all others. It is earned by demonstrating the cumulative knowledge of all curriculum, including that of all previous belt ranks.

Student Access portion of Website (Password protected):

Please be sure to visit this section of our site (click the yellow “Student Access” button above), enter the passcode “Respect2024!”, and navigate to the “Junior Program Guide” as well as Junior Curriculum videos, etc.

Please plan to observe a Junior “White Belt” class as soon as possible:

• Sit in front row with at least one parent
• No uniform
• Communicate after if you would like to try: “yes” or “I think I’ll wait” (staff need to update profile for attendance kiosk)

After observing, the next step is to begin attending the White Belt Junior Classes:

• Junior Transition Trial Period: typically the time frame is approximately 4 weeks, 2 times per week. Students will wear their current Kneehigh Ninja belt and will not earn stripes during the trial period. Their primary focus is to become familiar with the classes!
• After the trial is complete, and all agree that student should continue in the Junior Program, then we will follow-up to finalize details. Once official, student is able to attend up to three classes per week, if your family schedule allows.
• Once the transition is finalized, please note the “Junior” Program has an additional tuition cost of $10 more per month.