What is Distance Training?

Distance Training is a new, unique way to earn official rank, instructor certification, and

master level certification in a variety of martial arts curriculum styles. These rank certifications

are given and recognized by the official martial arts governing body of Hodgyma. This program

was developed to give students across the globe the ability to earn rank in the unique

curriculum styles of Ultimate Bo, Ultimate Chuks, Complete Shotokan Karate, Total Krav Maga;

and even more styles in the future. For example, Ultimate Bo is the first and only full white to

black belt standardized Bo curriculum style in the world. Only a small amount of schools offer

this program at the time of writing this. But, through the Distance Training program; anyone

who would like to learn and progress through the official curriculum style of Ultimate Bo has

that chance. You also have the ability to become a certified instructor; and begin teaching your

own students, helping to spread this new official weapons art. The same idea goes for the

Ultimate Chuks (white to 2nd black nunchakus program); and Complete Shotokan Karate (white

bo 1st black belt shotokan program).

Whom is the Distance Training program for?

Just about anyone. Students in other martial arts styles - to black belt instructors - to master

instructors - to school owners. If you just want to earn rank and achieve your black belt in a

new style, then this program is for you. If you are a school owner, looking to add a new

program into your school; to increase retention and variety; then earning rank and official

certification is perfect for you as well.

What are the benefits to earning rank through the Distance Training program?

The ability to become an official student and certified instructor in Ultimate Bo, Ultimate

Chuks, or Complete Shotokan Karate (and more styles in the future)

Knowing that you have mastered the curriculum correctly, and have the proper ability to

pass this knowledge on to your students through an organized system.

You can train at home or in your dojo whenever you have time.

The program is self paced. You can get certified quickly if you train hard; or take longer

if you need.

You can expand your martial arts horizons! Already wearing a black belt in tae kwon do?

Work toward a new black belt in an innovative weapons style, such as Ultimate Bo or

Ultimate Chuks.

How does it work?

The Distance Training program has three simple steps to follow towards obtaining rank,

certification, and completing the program. Read below for an overview of the three steps.

That is all it takes to complete a Distance Training program and earn a black belt rank;

with the possibility of instructor and master instructor official certification. Of course, you need

to thoroughly understand each step of the Distance Training program before you can begin

your training. It is recommended that you read the next couple of pages of the manual which

explain each step in detail. This knowledge will allow you to be mistake and problem free

through your training and rank advancement.

Before you can even begin rank advancement; you obviously have to learn the

curriculum. Learning the curriculum is made simple via our intuitive video curriculum

instruction. If you are reading from this manual, that means that you must have some sort of

DVD(s) that are associated with this product. Pop in the first DVD, and check out what it has to

offer. Most DVDs have either two or three levels of advancement per disc. Next, flip to the

Rank Requirements section of your Distance Training program. Look at the first level; which

will be “Yellow Chevron” or “White Belt” depending on which program you are training in. These

are going to be the requirements for earning your first level of rank. You will most likely have

to learn new techniques and then learn a form/pattern. Now that you have looked up what your

requirements are, go ahead and get started training with the video curriculum!

Below are some tips for learning and training with the video instruction:

Take your time – The most common reason that Distance Training students miss how

to properly perform a technique, or demonstrate their kata/form wrong is because they

did not watch the full video curriculum. Sometimes you just feel like skipping chapters,

fast forwarding through material that you think are not useful; this will lead you to

missing some very important points of instruction that will determine if you are

practicing the style correctly.

Don’t Get Frustrated – This can be hard sometimes when the instructor speeds through

a new technique that you are having trouble on. Remember, you are in control! Rewind,

slow-motion; use these features to your advantage! Watch the tricky techniques in slow

motion to make sure you are performing it correctly. Then press pause and practice a

couple minutes by yourself. Then play again and make sure you were doing it right.

Just use these good video training habits for the best success.

Practice A lot – You must practice your material in order to master it and receive rank.

A good idea is to pop in the DVD; select the rank you are working towards; and review

the material along with the DVD. This way you can make sure you are always

performing the material correctly. Can you take home a real human martial arts

instructor; pause, play, rewind, and slow motion him? No. Distance Training has its

advantages. Practice in whatever format works best for you.

You are now ready for Step 2, if you have learned and mastered the correct Rank

Requirements. There is no minimum waiting period to test for the first level of rank. You

can pop in the DVD and train every day for a couple weeks and be ready for the first rank

exam. Or, you can take a day out of the week whenever you have time for a couple of

months and then be ready. Before you go through the process of testing for your next rank;

make sure you firmly know all rank requirements for your level. You don’t want to waste

your time testing, and then fail the test because you were not prepared.

Here is how to take your level certification exam:

1. Film Yourself Demonstrating the Requirements – Look in the “Level Requirements”

section for detailed instructions on taking your exam. Setup your phone or camera

and record yourself demonstrating the requirements at 100% effort.

2. Upload the Video to the Web – Simply upload your video to your YouTube account

(create an account if necessary). If you would like to keep your video from being

seen by others, select “Unlisted” on the options tab. Or, you can select “Private” and

add michael@hodgyma.com as an authorized viewer. After you have done this; send

an email to michael@hodgyma.com stating your name, the rank you are testing for,

mailing address and the URL link to your video.

3. Pay Level Exam Fee – Send your level exam fee via PayPal. From your PayPal

account, click ‘Send Money’, and enter michael@hodgyma.com as the recipient and

the amount. In the notes write, “white belt exam” for example. Or, if you don’t have

a PayPal account, let us know this via email, and we can easily send an invoice over,

so you can pay via any credit or debit card. [the fee primarily covers your instructors

time, as we do a very intense grading and overview of your exam, this also covers

the certificate, and mailing of your certificate]

What is Complete Shotokan Karate?

From Okinawa, a wonderful and mysterious martial art has passed down to us

from the past. It is often said that one who masters the techniques can defend himself readily

without weapons and can perform remarkable feats of power and skill. The essence of the

martial art style taught by Master Hodge has defensive abilities and goes beyond mere physical

defensive feats into the realm of mastery of mind, body and spirit. Practicing Shotokan Karate

Do with intensity and focus over time creates a powerful warrior spirit. Using this spirit to serve

others with, in and through peace and cooperation will create balance and harmony within the

student.

Shotokan Karate Do has its origins in Okinawa and can be traced back into China where

many earliest masters studied. For the past thousand years the study and practice of masters

and experts through which Shotokan Karate Do was nurtured and perfected took place in

Okinawa. In the last century Shotokan Karate Do has made its way to western lands where many

different derivations of martial arts have been made from the original martial art as seen in

Okinawa, Korea and China. Any practitioner today must understand that any representation of

martial art has been modified and changes to fit for public consumption. The fundamental

concepts as presented by Master Hodge are in alignment with Shotokan Karate Do and the

original Okinawa Karate Do of Gichin Funakoshi. The fundamental study of Hodge Karate Do,

Shotokan Karate Do, through first degree black belt is in alignment with Master Funakoshi. The

linage of Shotokan Karate as taught by Master Hodge is also linked through several Korean

masters however; the fundamental style through first degree practiced by all these masters is in

alignment with Master Funakoshi:

Lineage Tree

1. Gichin Funakoshi, established Shotokan Karate Do in 1939. Master Funakoshi studied from

about eleven years old under Azato Anko and Itosu Anko. He practiced diligently and in 1912

became the president of the Okinawan Shobukai. In May 1922, he relocated to Tokyo and

became a professional teacher of karate-do. He devoted his entire life to the development of

karate-do. He lived out his eighty-eight years of life and left this world on April 26, 1957.

2. Won Kuk Lee, In 1926 Won Kuk Lee travelled to Tokyo, where he attended high school and

later attended the Central University of Tokyo (Chuo University) specializing in Law. During his

school years, he started training in the martial arts currently known as Karate-Do Shotokan

style, under the tutelage of Gichin Funakoshi and his son, Gigō Funakoshi, who was the

instructor in charge of the karate club of the Central University of Tokyo. It was there that Won

Kuk became one of the first students of karate in Japan, obtaining the highest rank for a person

who was not a Japanese national. After his graduation in Chuo University, he travelled Japan,

visiting Okinawa and many other cities in China, including centers where Chuan Fa (kung-fu)

was taught.

3. Nam Tae Hi, started training in 1946 and received his first degree under Master Won Kuk

Lee. After receiving his first degree in Shotokan Karate Do went on to create Oh Do Kwan with

Master H.H. Choi.

4. Grand Master Jhoon Goo Rhee - introduced his mixture of Shotokan and Tae Kown Do

martial arts to the United States of America since arriving in the 1950s.

5. Allen Steen - was the first American to receive a first degree black belt in 1962 from Jhoon

Rhee. Steen also recognized that his first degree was Shotokan Karate Do and subsequent black

belt degrees were Tae Kwon Do oriented. In Dallas, Texas he created his Dojo that was

American Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

6. Mickey Fisher - Received his black belt from Allen Steen in the mid 1960’s and was an

instructor with Allen Steen at American Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

7. P. D. Hale - Received his black belt from Mickey Fisher in late 1960’s in American Karate and

Tae Kwon Do. In the 1970’s Master Hale studied under Jae Won Park of Korea and was awarded

another certification under Song Moo Kwan. Currently Mr. Hale is a Grand Master with the rank

of 10th degree black belt.

8. Rick Williams - Received his black belt from Grand Master P. D. Hale and created Kaufman

Karate in the early 1970’s. Currently Master Williams 9th degree black belt owns and operates

Crandall Family Martial Arts in Crandall, Texas and he and his wife are managing the Kaufman

County Children's shelter in Kaufman Texas.

9. Jon Hodge - Started training in the early 1990’s under Rick Williams and was subsequently

promoted to black belt and became an instructor for Kaufman Karate through 2003. In 2003

Master Hodge opened a school of his own in Crandall and later Seagoville, Texas where he and

his son operated the schools until 2012. Currently Master Hodge, a 5th degree black belt is a

full time instructor at Crandall Family Martial Arts in Crandall, Texas. Over the years Master

Hodge has studied many different forms of martial arts and is also a Master Chi Kung and Tai

Chi instructor.

Rank Requirements

These are the requirements for earning rank at each level. Make sure and learn each level in order; and practice hard until you have mastered each component before you take your rank exam.

Follow this format when you send in your video for a Complete Shotokan Karate Distance Training rank exam:

1. Demonstrate the techniques by yourself two times each. 2. You may demonstrate the one steps with an “imaginary partner.” Just demonstrate

the one step as if an attacker was actually there. Or, if you have a friend/family member, training partner; have them be your partner for the one step section (this is preferred)

3. For self defense you may also demonstrate with an “imaginary partner” but this is not recommended. You just need someone to “attack” you on the video (friend, family member, anyone; they do not need to know martial arts just to grab your wrist, or do a bear hug, etc.)

4. Lastly, you will demonstrate your kata at least one time through. You are free to demonstrate the kata more than once, from a different angle.

Testing Tips

Note that “White Belt” means that you are currently a white belt student, and you are actually testing for the next rank – which is Yellow Belt.

If you feel like adding explanations or commentary about techniques to demonstrate your deep understanding, this is a plus.

Have your partner attack at full speed just as if you were in a real defense situation. VERY important that you demonstrate your techniques at FULL SPEED and power. Do not

break it down, or go in slow motion for the video. This is an exam, where the full speed technique must be done correctly.

Say the name of the technique before you demonstrate it, for example, say “Next, is the Upper Block”….and then do 2 repetitions.

Pick a spot where there is fairly nice lighting and enough room for you to demonstrate correctly.

If you have mats or other training-type equipment, this is an ideal space for you to film. Don’t be nervous at all. Just take your test as if you are showing your friend what you

have been learning in your Karate training. Do a complete ‘pre-test’ rehearsal the day before. This acts as: extra physical practice, a

great workout, and a way to feel relaxed and prepared for your actual video.

WHITE BELT White Belt (10th) -> Yellow Belt (9th)

1. Techniques a. Stances (dachi)

i. attention - hiesoku dachi ii. ready position - hachiji dachi iii. front - zenkutsu dachi

b. Hand (zuki) i. fore punch - choku zuki ii. reverse punch - gyaku zuki iii. (high, middle, low) punch - (hai, chuuto, ro-) zuki

c. Blocking (uke) i. down block - gedan uke ii. upper block - age uke

d. Kicking (geri) i. stretch kicks ii. front and rear snap kick - mae geri keagi iii. front and rear thrust kick - mae geri kekomi

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. Introduction to One Steps b. One Steps Protocol c. One Steps #1-2 d. Self Defence

3. Kata a. Basic 1 - Taikyoku Shodan b. Basic 2 - Taikyoku Nidan

Exam Fee: $40 (Includes detailed grading, critiques, and the certificate of rank mailed to you)

YELLOW BELT Yellow Belt (9th) -> Green Belt (8th)

1. Techniques a. Stances (dachi)

i. cat - neko ashi dachi ii. horse - kiba dachi iii. crane - tsuru dachi

b. Hand (zuki) i. side punch - kiwa zuki

c. Block (uke) i. inside - chudan uchi uke ii. outside - soto uke

d. Kicking (geri) i. defensive side kick - boubi tohi geri ii. front roundhouse - mae washi geri

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite)

a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

3. Kata

a. Basic 3 - Taikyoku Sandan b. Chario 1 - Chario Shodan

Exam Fee: $50

GREEN BELT Green Belt (8th) -> Green Stripe (7th)

1. Techniques a. Stances (dachi)

i. back stance - kokustu dachi b. Hands (zuki)

i. knife hand chop - shuto zuki c. Blocks (uke)

i. knife hand - shuto uke ii. upper knife hand - shuto uchi uke

d. Kicks (geri) i. back kick - ushiro geri kekomi ii. offensive side kick - kougek tohi gerii iii. rear roundhouse - ushiro mae washi geri

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

3. Kata a. Chario 2 - Chario Nidan b. Chario 3 - Chario Sandan

Exam Fee: $50

GREEN Stripe BELT Green Stripe Belt (7th) -> Blue Belt (6th)

1. Techniques a. Hands (zuki)

i. ridge hand - haito uchi ii. back fist (normal and spinning) - urakan uch iii. palm heel strike - teisho zukii

b. Blocks (uke) i. bottom “hammer” fist - tetsui uke

b. Kicks (geri) i. front side snap - yoko geri keagi i. jumping snap kick ii. traveling sidekick

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

3. Kata a. Advanced 1 - Heian Shodan

Exam Fee: $50

BLUE BELT Blue Belt (6th) - > Blue Stripe Belt (5th)

1. Techniques

a. Hands (zuki) i. lapel grab and uppercut strike ii. supported groin strike iii. inside-out shuto chop iv. song soo

b. Blocks (uke) i. bo block ii. kick shield block

Kicks (geri) i. spinning back kick - ushiro geri kekomi iii. skip front roundhouse kick iv. front and rear knee

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) b. One Steps #1-3 c. Self Defense

2. Kata a. Advanced 2 - Heian Nidan

Exam Fee: $50

BLUE Stripe BELT Blue Stripe Belt (5th) -> Brown Belt (4rd)

1. Techniques

a. Hands (zuki) i. spear hand ii. rear elbow and strike to head iii. vertical hammer fist iv. parallel punch - heiko zuki v. inside-out hammer fist

b. Blocks (uke) i. double High block ii. scissor arm block

c. Kicks (geri) i. inside-out clevis ii. outside-in clevis iii. front and rear thrust knee

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

2. Kata a. Advanced 3 - Heian Sandan

Exam Fee: $50

BROWN BELT Brown Belt (4th) -> Brown Stripe (3rd)

1. Techniques

a. Hands (zuki) i. support elbow strikes ( forward, reverse and upward) - mae

empi uchi ii. vertical wrist strike iii. vertical fist - tate zuki iv. supported fist strike

b. Blocks (uke) i. window pane block

c. Kicks (geri) i. jumping thrust kick ii. head grab and knee iii. skip sidekick

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

2. Kata a. Advanced 4 - Heian Yodan

Exam Fee: $70

BROWN Stripe BELT Brown Stripe Belt (3rd) -> Red Belt (2rd)

1. Techniques

a. Hands (zuki) i. across the body punch ii. arm grab and shuto chop iii. leg capture and break iv. triple groin strike v. twin fist to head

b. Blocks (uke) i. x-block high and low ii. mountain diamond block

c. Kicks (geri) i. sliding back kick

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

2. Kata a. Advanced 5 - Heian Godan

Exam Fee: $70

RED BELT Red Belt (2nd) -> Black Belt (1st)

1. Techniques

a. Hands (zuki) i. head grab fist strike ii. supported hammer fist iii. tiger throat strike iv. deep horse strike v. double rib smash vi. mid to high roll strike vii. u-punch

b. Blocks (uke) i. mountain block ii. twin arm block

c. Kicks (geri) i. hook kick ii. skip/sliding hook kick

2. One Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite) a. One Steps #1-3 b. Self Defense

2. Kata a. Bossai

Black Belt Character Essay: Write a 3 page essay (12 pt, times new roman, double spaced) explaining: what earning a black belt means to you, and why you would or would not urge others to do so in their life. Black Belt Exam Fee: $225 Includes:

• Total Black Belt Grading (which takes a significant amount of time) • Essay and Additional Requirement Review • Framed Authentic 1st Dan Black Belt Certificate of Rank • Embroidered Deluxe Black Belt with name, Japanese, and insignia

FAQ Do I need a partner to participate in the Karate distance training program?

No, it is not necessary for the majority of the program. Actually, our Shotokan Karate program

is derived heavily from the practice and development of kata; which are the patterned

techniques/simulated fights. These are the foundation of your technique, control, power,

balance, and overall aptitude in the art. For the one steps and self defense section, you can

have an “imaginary partner”, or use a makeshift partner such as a training bag, if you have no

one to work with. But a partner will be required in your “brown belt, brown stripe, and red belt

level” tests. This can be anyone who is willing to be your “attacker” in the exam, nothing more.

Do I need to wear a uniform/Gi in my rank exam video?

This is not required, but it is recommended. We recommend purchasing a white karate Gi for

use in your rank exam videos. This is a nicer presentation and gives you a more realistic

training environment. If you cannot acquire a Gi; make sure and wear comfortable clothes which

allow you full flexibility and movement.

Do I receive an actual belt upon passing my exam?

At this time, we are only issuing the physical 1st dan black belt once it is achieved (embroidered

with your name, rank, and in Japanese). For the colored ranks, we mail your official certificate of

rank. This ALLOWS you to purchase a belt on your own. We do ask that you purchase your belt

upon passing an exam from a martial arts supplier. You can check out centurymartialarts.com

or karatedepot.com to get a belt in your size. We allow you to purchase belts on your own, after

passing a rank exam; as it is challenging for us to keep a massive inventory for all colors and

sizes. By passing a rank exam, you are official certified and able to wear that color rank.

Upon passing a “stripe” level rank; you may add two white stripes to your left belt tip.

What happens if I fail my exam?

This does happen from time to time, as we take our home study students’ level of proficiency

very seriously. (We are not even present with you in your training, so we expect you to do very

well in the exam to qualify for the level of rank). If this happens, of course, we will give you very

positive, detailed feedback and critiques for you to take and work on. We want to help you do

your best, and set you in the right direction. We will allow you to take the exam once more at

no extra fee.

Is this rank official and recognized, just like if I attended a dojo in person?

Yes. The certificate of rank, and 1st Dan black belt rank is officially recognized by our ranking

association, and throughout the international martial arts community. You are being put

through the same (if not higher) level of scrutiny, training, feedback, development, and

progress as a physically present student. Because of this, your certificate of rank is recognized

and certified at the same level.

How long does grading take?

Generally, you will receive the results in 1-2 weeks upon sending over your exam video link and

payment. We will email over your results immediately after we have completed your grading,

and then mail in your level certification.

Can I setup Skype private lessons in order to get more practice?

Yes. You may train directly with Sensei Jon via skype. We offer various private lessons packages

for you to stay on track, get highly detailed advice, and make progress at a rapid pace.

Single Lesson (30 min.) - $50

4 Lesson Package (30 min.) - $175

Email us to schedule a private lesson or get more information.

What if I have more questions?

You can email us at: michael@hodgyma.com, or visit www.blackbeltathome.com to contact us.

Also, make sure and follow our BLOG to get new training articles and ideas in your home study

journey.