Foundation Program Graduation Requirements

Welcome to the culmination of your journey in the Foundation Program at Dark Horse Martial Arts. To progress to the Elevate Program, students must demonstrate proficiency in a series of fundamental techniques and combinations. These techniques form the bedrock of your martial arts skills and are essential for advanced training.

Required Techniques:

  1. Stance: The foundation of all movements, ensuring balance and readiness.

  2. Box Step: A fundamental footwork pattern to enhance mobility and positioning.

  3. Jab: A quick, straight punch with the lead hand.

  4. Cross: A powerful straight punch with the rear hand.

  5. Lead Hook: A curved punch with the lead hand aimed at the side of the opponent’s head or body.

  6. Rear Knee: A powerful knee strike delivered with the rear leg.

  7. Switch Knee: A knee strike performed by switching the stance to generate power.

  8. Rear Push Kick (Teep): A defensive front kick with the rear leg to push the opponent away.

  9. Front Push Kick (Teep): A defensive front kick with the lead leg to maintain distance.

  10. Rear Round Kick: A powerful kick delivered with the rear leg in a circular motion.

  11. Switch Round Kick: A round kick executed by switching the stance for added speed and deception.

Required Combinations:

1. Basic Combos:

  • Jab, Rear Knee: A fundamental combo to engage and control distance.

  • Jab, Rear Push Kick: Combines striking with defensive kicking.

  • Jab, Rear Round Kick: Integrates punching and kicking for effective striking.

2. Intermediate Combos:

  • Jab, Cross, Switch Knee: A seamless combination of punches and knee strikes.

  • Jab, Cross, Lead Teep: Combines punches with a lead leg push kick for versatility.

  • Jab, Cross, Switch Round Kick: Blends punches with a swift stance-switching round kick.

3. Advanced Combos:

  • Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Rear Kick: A complex sequence integrating punches and a rear kick.

  • Switch Kick, Cross, Lead Hook, Rear Round Kick: An advanced combination requiring fluidity and precision in both kicks and punches.

To graduate from the Foundation Program, each student must demonstrate these techniques and combinations with precision, control, and confidence. Mastery of these fundamentals is crucial for your progression to the Elevate Program, where more advanced techniques and strategies will be introduced. Keep training hard, and prepare to elevate your skills to the next level!