I used Recorder Karate for the first time last year, and my students just loved it. They especially liked the idea of the whole school seeing their progress. I made certificates for each student and placed them on a bulletin board outside my room. Using a graphics program, I found a ribbon that looked like a karate belt. By shrinking it down I could fit all the belt levels on one page. I printed the color in each belt for reference.

As the students reached a new level, they colored in the next belt with a marker. Stickers were added to those who went beyond black belt. It was so easy. The kids loved being able to mark their own progress. At the end, the students took their certificates home.

The whole school would stop and check out the progress on the way to lunch every day. This sure kept the kids motivated. Editor's Note: Downloadable karate belts are available in the Recorder Karate Dojo under "Graphics."