The Little Champions program introduced at Sunshine Coast Karate in January 2009. This unique program was designed from the ground up especially to introduce young children (4-7 years of age) the benefits of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. The program incorporates the basics of karate, self defense, coordination, flexibility, exercises in mental focus, respect. It has been developed collaboratively by professional child educators, professional martial artists and parents to give children a fun, interesting and rewarding introduction into martial arts.
One of the major differences with this program is that there are no formal grading tests. Students are constantly being assessed by instructors on their ability to proficiently perform various developmental skills. In total there are 7 belt colours and at each belt level, students earn 4 tips on their belts in the following key areas:
- Body awareness
- Mind awareness
- Karate basics
- Karate key basics
After successfully earning each of the 4 tips (in any order), instructors will assess other key areas such as attitude, manners & effort before earning the next belt.
After successfully earning each of the 4 tips (in any order), instructors will assess other key areas, tips are not awarded for these key areas, but students must also be able to demonstrate a good understanding of these key areas before progressing to the next belt colour.
- Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness
- Japanese Language & Etiquette
All new Little Champions start as a white belt, then progress through the following levels.
- Yellow Stripe Belt
- Orange Stripe Belt
- Green Stripe Belt
- Blue Stripe Belt
- Purple Stripe Belt
- Brown Stripe Belt
- Black Stripe Belt
Once students turn 8 years old and graduate to the next program they are given the opportunity to sit a formal grading test and join the regular karate program at their appropriate level.
Download the Little Champions Curriculum (PDF).
Yellow Stripe Belt Requirements
 | Congratulations on getting started with your karate training as a Little Champion. Now that you're a white belt, it's time to get started. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your yellow striped belt. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master Respect: self / others Ladder of Success 3 Levels of Focus (Listening) |  Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Hold plank front/back - Balance on one leg with knee up for a period of time - 5 push ups/sit ups/squ kicks - front splits & side splits - Right & left side kamae |  Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Focus on a spot and stand still for a period of time - Focus themselves and not be distracted by others |  Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Chudan tsuki – body punch - Mae geri – front kick - Gizami zuki - Gyaku zuki - Stances (Musubi – shiko dachi sequence) |  Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Correct fist - Start / End positions - Path of techniques - Correct foot positions and knees bent for stances |
|
 Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - 'Kiotsuke' Focus & Attention - 'Rei' Bow (Respect) - 'Kamae' Guard (Committed & Ready to give 100%) - Ritsurei: Standing bow - Count 1-10 in Japanese |
Orange Stripe Belt Requirements
| Congratulations now that you're a Little Champion yellow stripe belt, it's time to start moving towards your next belt. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your orange striped belt. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master Perseverance Never Give Up Ask for Help Consistent Hard Work | Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Hold plank side/side - Superman/skydive - Balance on one leg + kick - 7 push ups/sit ups/squ kicks - Upper body stretches + hold - 50 punches/kicks non-stop | Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Ability to follow instructions successfully - Ability to focus on a set exercise from start to finish and give 100% effort | Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Jodan tsuki – head punch - Gedan tsuki – groin punch - Yoko geri – side kick - Jodan Uke – upper block - Soto Uke – outside block - Gizami/Gyaku combo | Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Correct targets - Punch: arms work together - Kicks: Correct foot position - Block: Correct wrists - Start / End positions - Path of techniques |
|
Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - Shihan / Sensei / Senpai - Za rei (correct seated bow) - Seiza (correct sit and stand) - Hajime / Yame - Technique Vocab |
Green Stripe Belt Requirements
| Congratulations now that you're a Little Champion orange stripe belt, it's time to start moving towards your next belt. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your green striped belt. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master Challenge Yourself Balance: Fun -Focus = Results No Excuses – Just Do it Perspective (2 Sided Coin) | Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Hold Shiko dachi - Balance on hands - Plank front/back/sides + hold - 10 push ups/sit ups/sq kicks - Lower Body stretches + hold - 80 punches/kicks non-stop | Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Ability to remember a series of techniques and do with a count and on their own | Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Mawashi geri – roundhouse - Uchi Uke – Inside block - Gedan Barai – lower block - Okuriashi fwd/bwd - seisan dachi step (no arms) - shiko dachi step (no arms) | Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Kicks: vary heights Okuriashi: guard, posture - Stepping – correct stances width, length, knees bent - Start / End positions - Path of techniques |
|
Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - 'Shugo' Assemble (Line up) - 'Kiritsu' Stand up - 'Onegai shimasu' Please - 'Arigatou gozaimashita' Thank you - Technique Vocab |
Blue Stripe Belt Requirements
| Congratulations now that you're a Little Champion green stripe belt, it's time to start moving towards your next belt. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your blue striped belt. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master Success Habits Posture / Self Belief Always a student Self Active Learner | Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Plank – one arm, one leg - On one leg + 3 kick combo (mae, yoko, mawashi) - 15 push ups/sit ups/sq kicks - Kick + hold (stretch jodan) - 100 punches/kicks non-stop | Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Ability to remember a kata sequence and do with a count and on their own | Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Oi zuki (step & punch) - Shiko zuki (step & punch) - Kata: Kihon Dosa Ichi - Partner block/punch - Mae geri + step - Kumite: Hand/Leg combos | Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Maintain techniques on centre whilst stepping - Correct distance – partner block / punch - Maintain strong stance before / during / after kick |
|
Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - Gi - Dojo - Chito-Ryu Karate-do - Hidari / Migi - Mae / Ushiro - Technique Vocab |
Purple Stripe Belt Requirements
| Congratulations now that you're a Little Champion blue stripe belt, it's time to start moving towards your next belt. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your purple striped belt. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master Success Team Gratitude Inspire Others Random Acts of Kindness | Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Moving plank fwd/bwd/R/L - On one leg + punch/block - 20 push ups /sit ups/sq kicks - Kick + hold (stretch jodan) - 150 punches/kicks non-stop | Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Ability to observe others with complete focus and provide technical feedback to help students develop their technique | Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Kata: Kihon Dosa Ni - Yoko geri + step kosa dachi and seisan dachi - Partner block and counter - Kumite: Footwork + combo - Mae Ukemi | Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Grounding / Balance - Breathing - Developing power / speed - Hiki te, hiki ashi |
|
Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - 'Mawatte' Turn around - 'Mou ichi do' One more time - Jodan / Chudan / Gedan - Technique Vocab |
Brown Stripe Belt Requirements
| Congratulations now that you're a Little Champion purple stripe belt, it's time to start moving towards your next belt. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your brown striped belt. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master 100% Responsibility for 'You' Dream/Action/Achieve Fuel Yourself Well Truth is in Your Results | Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Plank: elbows back to hands - On one leg + 4 kick combo (mae, yoko, mawashi, ushiro) - 25 push ups/sit ups/sq kicks - Kick + hold (stretch jodan) - 200 punches/kicks non-stop | Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Ability to create a kata, application etc and demonstrate to others | Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Ushiro geri - Ren zuki - Kata: Seiken no migi hidari - Kumite combos + defence - Kosa dachi - Ushiro Ukemi / Yoko Ukemi | Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Grounding / Balance - Power / Speed / Timing - Kiai - Metsuke |
|
Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - Obi Belt (correctly tie belt) - Learning Showa - Technique Vocab |
Black Stripe Belt Requirements
| Congratulations now that you're a Little Champion brown stripe belt, it's time to start moving towards your next belt. Working through each of the key areas listed below. As you show that you can do all of these things you will earn tips and move towards your black striped belt. This is the highest rank you can get as a Little Champion, but don't worry, there's still lots more to learn. | Your current level Your next step  |
|---|---|---|
| Learner/Leader Attitude Emotional Awareness Exposing students to proven qualities/skills to help them reach their fullest potential in the dojo and in life. Including emotional awareness. | Things To Master Team Work / Leadership Friendship / Add Value To Others Serve Self First Live Your Life, Guide Others | Sensei Snapper |
| Body Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus body, balance, core strength, strength & conditioning, flexibility, fitness, co-ordination, right/left side | Things To Master - Plank clock circle L & R - One leg / hop + technique - 30 push ups/sit ups/sq kicks - Kick + hold (stretch jodan) - 250 punches/kicks non-stop | Muscle Mouse |
| Mind Awareness (Belt Tip) Focus mind, concentration, listening, following instructions, memory, creating, problem solving | Things To Master - Ability to work with others in a partner context with great respect and focus. | Magic Marley |
| Karate Basics (Belt Tip) Building the technical foundations of Chito-Ryu Karate. (punch, block, kick, stances, rolling, kata, application) | Things To Master - Kick Combination: Mae, Yoko, Mawashi, ushiro - Jumping Kicks Mae, Yoko, Mawashi. ushiro - Kata: Zen shin kotai - Kumite Combos + defence + counter (+ footwork) | Master Leo |
| Karate Key Basics (Belt Tip) Elements that will enhance the basic karate techniques making them more practical and effective. | Things To Master - Grounding / Balance - Power / Speed - Start / End positions - Path of techniques - Accuracy |
|
Elegant Ellie | Japanese Language & Etiquette As we are a traditional Karate school, students will enjoy learning basic Japanese and be taught by Japanese guest instructors annually | Things To Master - Can lead Showa - Technique Vocab |