The BBMA Hornsby Squad Program

Can you answer YES to all of the following questions, we would love to hear from you!

• Are you a current paying member of Black Belt Martial Arts Hornsby?

• Are you a member of the BBMA Leadership Program?

• Is Karate your MAIN sport/activity?

• Do you LOVE Kumite?

• Are you generally ‘athletic’?

• Are you willing to challenge yourself, working hard to achieve your Kumite and Karate goals?

• Are you willing to purchase all the required uniforms and safety equipment up front (on joining the team)?

• Are you willing to travel to and attend tournaments - even if you are not personally competing (we operate as a team)?

• Are you willing to compete (in an externally run competition) at least once per year?

The Competition team is the active members of the Squad program who are training in 2 Kumite classes per week and entering tournaments on a regular basis.

If a member of the Squad programs attendance needs to drop to 1 class per week (or are unable to compete) then they are welcome to continue training, but their focus then becomes on training & also helping the competition team prepare, improve and get ready for upcoming events.

As a Squad member, YOU manage the competition entry & participation process.

There is quite a lot for competitors to think about, and to organise in advance, for both Kumite and Kata tournaments.

Squad members take ownership of such things as:

• Looking up competition schedules

• Finding all the information you need about the comp (where, when, what, how…) via the tournament organisers

• Knowing the competition rules

• Understanding how ‘draws’ work

• Making sure you own all the necessary uniforms & equipment

• Ensuring event applications (and payments) are submitted on time

• Making sure you’ve been entered into the correct competition division(s)

• Getting yourself organised before and on the day of competition

• And more!
  

YOU must be willing to inform yourself, get organised, be proactive and do the necessary work.

Note: Juniors under 18:Your PARENT must be willing to take on this role, if you are not able.

Squad is an athletic development program, for passionate kumite competitors. To hold your place within the Squad team, and to get the results you desire from the program, you MUST attend all classes, training and competition sessions.Inconsistent attendance (below 80%) will result in your removal from the team - allowing someone who CAN commit to take your place.

We understand that this level of commitment is not 'doable’ for everyone, and despite your love for Kumite, you may not be able to invest the time right now. That’s ok :) Speak to us about Squad when the timing is right for you.

Attendance Requirement

To retain their place within the Squad Team, Squad members must attend a minimum of 80% of all training sessions and competition events.

For clarity, this includes:

• Designated Squad Training Sessions: the schedule is communicated to all Squad Team competition athletes at the beginning of each new term. See above for this term’s Squad Schedule.

• Weekly Kumite Classes: these are currently scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45pm.

• Kumite workshops, immersion events or seminars (approx 2 -3 held per year): these are put on for your benefit, and designed with your unique needs in mind.

• Competition events: you must enter and compete in an event at least once per year - in an external AKF-approved Kumite Competition.

  In addition, your attendance (as a spectator and team supporter) is expected at any external Kumite Competition event entered by a Hornsby Squad Team member. In ‘Squad’ you are a member of a tigh-knit team of people - all invested in YOUR success. If one of our team are competing, the whole team are excited to attend - to support and cheer them on!
  
  You can find the 20256competition schedule on the NSW Karate Federation website)

We understand that illness, emergencies and unforseen events arise. If you cannot attend any session above it is important to let us know (in advance). We build our Squad sessions around the needs of individual team members, so we need to know if you won’t be there.

If your attendance, in total for any term, falls below 80% your Squad membership will be reviewed and may be revoked.

And if you have questions about any of the above, please let us know.

1. Training and Belt Progression

   • Kyu grades (white to brown advanced belts) must maintain regular class attendance and progress through gradings. Achieving black belt remains your primary goal. Post-black belt, you may choose to focus more on competition.

2. Participation in Competition

   • All Competition Team members are required to compete at least once per year, following adequate preparation discussed with parents and instructors. We will guide you in selecting suitable competitions and divisions.

   • Competition Team members take full responsibility for ensuring events are entered, the correct divisions are selected, and payments made to BBMA Hornsby, by the stated BBMA Hornsby deadline.

3. Teamwork & Supporting Others

   • Squad is about mutual support and teamwork. Members must prioritize the team’s collective success, encouraging and supporting their teammates. Only those committed to fostering this environment will be invited to join.

4. Leadership

   • All Squad members must enroll in the Squad Leadership Program, developing leadership skills both on and off the mat, the BBMA way.

5. Financial Commitment

   • Competing involves costs—tournament fees, special (paid) events, equipment, travel, and uniforms. Some students may require a financial membership upgrade in order to enter our Squad team. Contact staff for current pricing.

6. Contribution

   • Squad members benefit from extra training and attention from Sensei Josh. In return, we expect members to contribute to BBMA’s Hornsby community and school. through regular volunteering, ‘Team Leading’, and by assisting more junior students.

7. Independence

   • Squad members must manage their own competition journey. For juniors, parents must be prepared to take the lead role in tournament administration, including seeking necessary information from Karate Australia or other organizers.

8. Attendance at all Kumite Class and Squad Class training sessions: See Schedule below.

9. Attendance at Kumite Events

   • Special paid Kumite events, such as ‘Immersion’ seminars, are designed to enhance your skills and set you up for success.
     These are offered at additional charge, and attendance is mandatory for all Squad members.

10. Well-Rounded Karateka

    • Training in all aspects of karate is essential. Kumite Squad members must also focus on kata and basics to maintain proper form and technique.

11. Flexibility & Consideration

    • Squad schedules may change due to unforeseen circumstances. We ask for your patience and understanding as Sensei Josh manages both the Squad and the broader school.

What Else is Involved in Competition?

• Equipment: Competitions require specific gear, including red and blue belts, approved gloves, shin insteps, body protectors, and mouthguards. Boys need a groin guard, and girls require a chest guard. These uniforms, and the necessary safety equipment, are mandatory, and purchased by the student at additional cost. We will guide you on what’s needed, as competition equipment requirements do vary from time to time.
  The required uniforms and allequipment must be purchased up front, on joining the Squad team.

• Divisions: Competitions are divided by age, weight, and event type (kata or kumite). We will assist you in selecting the right divisions.

• Locations: Most competitions are held in Liverpool, Sydney, with one on the Central Coast hosted by BBMA.

• Pathway: There’s a clear progression from local competitions to state and national teams. If this interests you, we will guide you every step of the way.

By joining the Squad, you commit to becoming a better athlete, a stronger teammate, and a more confident, courageous person.

We’re excited to have you on this journey!

What Else is Involved in Competition?

• Equipment: Competitions require specific gear, including red and blue belts, approved gloves, shin insteps, body protectors, and mouthguards. Boys need a groin guard, and girls require a chest guard. These uniforms, and the necessary safety equipment, are mandatory, and purchased by the student at additional cost. We will guide you on what’s needed, as competition equipment requirements do vary from time to time.
  The required uniforms and all equipment must be purchased up front, on joining the Squad team.

• Divisions: Competitions are divided by age, weight, and event type (kata or kumite). We will assist you in selecting the right divisions.

• Locations: Most competitions are held in Liverpool, Sydney, with one on the Central Coast hosted by BBMA.

• Pathway: There’s a clear progression from local competitions to state and national teams. If this interests you, we will guide you every step of the way.

By joining the Squad, you commit to becoming a better athlete, a stronger teammate, and a more confident, courageous person.

We’re excited to have you on this journey!

Squad Schedule

These sessions are mandatory for Squad Team Members:

• Kumite Immersion Seminars

• BBMA Gosford Trips

• Central Coast Cup Karate Competition

Additionally, Competition Team members must attend our 2 x weekly (regular) Kumite Classes

• Every Tuesday of Term (except Graduation & ‘Holiday Program’ weeks) at 5:45pm

• Every Thursday of Term (except Graduation & ‘Holiday Program’ weeks) at 5:45pm

Please find the 2026 Calendar on the Karate Australia Website and the NSW Karate Federation Website