The Dickinson Chidokwan Curriculum is a comprehensive martial arts curriculum that seeks to balance traditional and contemporary techniques and training methodologies. The program takes a systematic approach to producing a well-rounded martial artist, focusing on the following:

I. Self-Defense
The curriculum is designed to provide the practitioner with efficient and effective methods to avoid, defuse, and neutralize both armed and unarmed opponents. Specifically, the curriculum addresses the following areas of self-defense:

1. Prevention and awareness strategies, including avoidance and verbal de-escalation skills
2. Passive and agressive responses to common strikes, grabs, and holds
3. Defense against common weapons: handgun, knife, and baseball bat
4. Strategies for dealing with multiple opponents
5. Ground fighting skills
6. Ability to subdue an opponent using controlling techniques

II. Self-Improvement
Chidokwan Karate provides an avenue for self-cultivation by developing:

1. Improved physical strength, stamina, coordination, and flexibility
2. Improved self-image and confidence
3. Improved concentration and mental discipline

III. Sport Competition
Students of Chidokwan are encouraged to participate in sport karate, which contributes to the development of a well-rounded martial artist by:

1. Providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from different perspectives and styles.
2. Providing a sense of awareness of the martial arts community.
3. Helping to develop aggressiveness and a desire to win, both of which are vital skills necessary to survive real-life self-defense situations

IV. Academic Study
It is important for the growth of a martial artist that they supplement their physical training with academic study, focusing on:

1. The history and philosophies of the major martial arts systems
2. Basic human anatomy
3. Exercise physiology and training principals, including physical conditioning, weight training, and plyometrics
4. First-aid as it pertains to sports injuries

V. Weapons Proficiency
A modern martial artist should be concerned with both the defense against and offensive use of modern weapons. Having proficiency with weapons that he may encounter on the street will help the martial artist to better defend against them. In addition, weapons training improves hand-eye coordination and increases reaction time. The Dickinson Curriculum focuses on mastery of the escrima (bamboo stick) and the knife.

VI. Artistic Expression
Chidokwan Karate can provide an avenue for artistic expression in much the same way as studying dance or gymnastics can. There is undeniable beauty in the martial arts.

     Achievement in Chidokwan Karate is recognized by a series of ranks that are differentiated by colored belts. The philosophy of the belt system is that students tend to show greater progress if they have a visible system of recognizing achievement. In addition, the belt system helps to provide structure to the martial arts curriculum.
     Our belt system, which is listed below in the proper order, is designed around the eight academic semesters of a standard four-year education at Dickinson College. There are a total of eight different belt levels, and a well-motivated student should be able to earn a new belt at the conclusion of each semester. Thus, a student should be able to obtain a yellow belt at the end of the fall semester of his freshman year, culminating with a black belt at the end of his senior year. However, a student’s progress will vary according to the level of discipline, sincerity, and pace in which he learns.

	White Belt
		All students of Chidokwan begin at the white belt level. This belt indicates that the student has just begun their journey in the martial arts but has demonstrated the willingness to learn.

	Yellow Belt
		The yellow belt signifies that the student is familiar with the most basic blocks, strikes, and kicks of the Chidokwan system. In addition, the student is knowledgeable in self-defense techniques against many common grabs, holds, and strikes.        Yellow Belt Requirements        Yellow Belt Drill Standard        Yellow Belt Self-Defense Standard

	Orange Belt
		The orange belt indicates that the student is knowledgeable with the majority of the basic techniques of the system. The student has begun free sparring and has expanded his knowledge of self-defense to include some basic breakfalls and takedowns.        Orange Belt Requirements        Orange Belt Drill Standard        Orange Belt Self-Defense Standard

	Green Belt
		The green belt indicates that the student has continued to expand his knowledge of the techniques of the system to include advanced strikes, kicks, and takedowns. The student is also knowledgeable in self-defense techniques against almost all common grabs, holds, and strikes.        Green Belt Requirements        Green Belt Drill Standard        Green Belt Self-Defense Standard

	Purple Belt
		The purple belt indicates that the student is maturing into a serious martial artist. The student has begun learning how to defend himself against an armed opponent, including basic gun and knife attacks. In addition, the student has started to learn how to subdue an opponent using controlling techniques.        Purple Belt Requirements        Purple Belt Drill Standard

	Brown Stripe
		The brown stripe indicates that the student has expanded his knowledge of controlling techniques and self-defense against an opponent armed with a gun, knife, or baseball bat. The student has begun training in ground fighting, including escapes, submission holds, and striking techniques from the basic grappling positions.        Brown Stripe Requirements

	Brown Belt
		The brown belt indicates that the student has considerable skill in defense against unplanned attacks from either an armed or unarmed opponent. In addition, the student is knowledgeable with offensive and defensive techniques from the clinch (vertical grappling).        Brown Belt Requirements

	Black Stripe
		The black stripe indicates that the student is versed in strategies for dealing with multiple opponents. The student has knowledge of basic first aid and is certified in CPR. In addition, the student has demonstrated the willingness and ability to lead.        Black Stripe Requirements

	Black Belt
		The black belt indicates that the student has a high level of proficiency with all the techniques, self-defense strategies, and katas of the Chidokwan system. The student is now in a position to start learning and exploring the deeper elements of the martial arts, including making the art of Chidokwan his own. The student has reached a level at which he can escape the basic drills of the system and achieve spontaneity.        Black Belt Requirements