
As is well known in our club, blue belt is considered a milestone belt and one to be extremely proud of achieving. But what’s next?
After blue belt, the syllabus grows and changes in its focus. If you are at this stage we are looking for you to reignite that early enthusiasm and attack the second part of your journey through the belts.
It is important to recognise how far you have come, but also what challenges still lay in front of you.

Your training should be consistent with a step up in enthusiasm to work hard and learn. It is encouraged to build training relationships with the higher grades or others on a similar path. Much of this part of your training will focus on application and understanding techniques, and having someone to try, practice and discuss things with will be a big help.
You also now play a valued part in setting an example for our lower grades. Your instructors will keep on top of everyone’s technique, but your example of a dedicated, positive and hard working attitude is just as important.
If you take part in sparring competitions, you will be stepping into A-Class from red belt onwards. This is a big change and a very competitive category. At this level you will find that almost everyone has the ability, and talent alone will no longer get you through. It is the hard work and dedication that will make the difference. The sooner you start preparing for this, the easier the transition will be.
You should be training twice a week every week as an absolute minimum, preferably aiming for 3 to 4 times a week most weeks. This will help you achieve the step up we would like to see through the blue belt, red belt, black stage. Remember, the higher grades are as much about approach and attitude as they are about ability.
This all sounds pretty demanding, however, if you really give it a go, you’ll find that training only gets more fun, and you have more personal achievements to be proud of.

Try to view yourself as a beginner all over again with so much more to enjoy learning. Your instructors are here to support you, but they cannot do it for you.
Good luck.
Just Keep Kicking, and you will succeed!