What “progression” really means

Progression is not “more techniques.” Progression is the same core skills expressed with more accuracy, control, timing, and understanding.

• White belts learn what to do.
• Color belts learn how to do it consistently.
• Black belts learn why it works and when to apply it.

The curriculum pillars

Most ITF programs include these pillars. Teach them in every cycle — just at different depth.

• Fundamentals: stance, posture, stepping, hip use, guard, tools (fist/knifehand/foot).
• Patterns (Tul): lines, rhythm, power timing, correct technique selection.
• Self-defense: releases, simple entries, control, safe exits.
• Sparring: distance, timing, control, simple tactics, composure.
• Conditioning: mobility, core stability, balance, impact tolerance safely.
• Knowledge: terminology, tenets, oath, etiquette, theory concepts.

If a student is “good at patterns” but falls apart in stepping, balance, or timing — they’re missing a pillar.

Recommended teaching path

This mirrors your Foundations approach: build the engine first, then speed it up.

1. Movement foundations: stances, transitions, alignment, resets.
2. Power fundamentals: relax → accelerate → brief tension at finish.
3. Pattern quality: lines, rhythm, correct end positions.
4. Application: partner drills that match the pattern ideas.
5. Pressure: controlled sparring and decision-making.

Shortcut: if you’re not sure what to teach next, teach movement quality. It upgrades everything.

Rank bands (what to focus on)

Use rank bands instead of treating every belt as completely different. That keeps teaching consistent and makes planning easy.

Beginner band (White → Yellow/Green)

• Main goal: build stable basics and correct habits.
• Patterns goal: correct sequence + basic lines + clean stops.
• Sparring goal: guard, distance, control, basic attacks/defense.
• Self-defense goal: simple releases + safe exits + awareness.
• Non-negotiables: posture, stance alignment, controlled contact.

Intermediate band (Green → Blue/Red)

• Main goal: consistency, timing, and transitions without wobble.
• Patterns goal: rhythm, sine wave control (subtle), better power timing.
• Sparring goal: angles, counter timing, simple combinations, footwork.
• Self-defense goal: entries, basic locks/controls, escape under resistance.
• Non-negotiables: balance at finish, clean hip use, breathing timing.

Advanced color band (Red → Black)

• Main goal: clean mechanics at speed + tactical decisions.
• Patterns goal: strong accuracy, crisp finishes, correct intent and control.
• Sparring goal: ringcraft, feints, timing traps, controlled intensity.
• Self-defense goal: problem solving, multiple options, disengage fast.
• Non-negotiables: composure, control, and safety under pressure.

Black belt (Dan levels)

• Main goal: mastery, teaching ability, and deeper understanding.
• Patterns goal: quality that is repeatable and instructive, not performative.
• Sparring goal: calm control, strategic choices, leadership and safety.
• Self-defense goal: clean principles, legal/ethical restraint, fast resolution.
• Instructor goal: explain and demonstrate the “why” clearly.

A practical monthly cycle

Here’s a simple structure that keeps classes balanced while letting students progress. Repeat monthly with new emphasis, not random new material.

Week 1: Foundations week

• Stance checks, stepping mechanics, transitions, resets.
• One “power lever” focus (e.g., relaxation vs early tension).

Week 2: Patterns week

• Pattern line work (short segments), rhythm, finish holds.
• One application drill that matches the pattern theme.

Week 3: Sparring week

• Footwork, distance drills, counters, controlled contact rules.
• Pressure ladder: light → moderate, only if control is solid.

Week 4: Integration week

• Combine: pattern segment → application drill → sparring scenario.
• Mini-evaluation: basics + pattern + controlled sparring.

Minimum standards (the “pass” checklist)

This is how you prevent “belt inflation.” Use the same standards across ranks — just increase expectations for precision and control.

Fundamentals

• Alignment: knees track feet; hips under torso; wrists stacked.
• Balance: finish stable; no extra steps to recover.
• Timing: relaxed travel; sharp exhale and finish control.
• Safety: controlled contact and awareness in partner work.

Patterns

• Accuracy: correct sequence and technique selection.
• Lines: steps land on line; turns land aimed (no late corrections).
• Rhythm: consistent tempo; no random pauses.
• Finish quality: strong end positions, stable and repeatable.

Sparring / application

• Control: can stop instantly; no reckless contact.
• Distance: doesn’t crowd or run away blindly.
• Composure: stays calm and respectful under pressure.

Common curriculum mistakes

Mistake: “New stuff every week”

• Result: students collect techniques but don’t improve.
• Fix: repeat foundations monthly and deepen quality each cycle.

Mistake: Patterns without mechanics

• Result: patterns look like memorized choreography.
• Fix: teach one mechanics focus per pattern segment (stance, transition, breath, finish).

Mistake: Sparring without control gates

• Result: injuries and ego culture.
• Fix: intensity is earned; control is the requirement.

Mistake: Testing only memorization

• Result: students can recite, but can’t execute or apply.
• Fix: test fundamentals, stability, and controlled application.

Teacher’s shortcut: “one focus per class”

A reliable teaching pattern is: one technical focus + one pattern segment + one application drill. Students leave feeling progress instead of overload.

• Example focus: “finish stable (no adjustment).”
• Pattern segment: 3–5 moves from current tul.
• Application drill: partner drill that matches the mechanics (distance + control).

Next

Once the curriculum is clear, class planning becomes easy. Go to Class Structure.