What is Squad?
Squad is BBMA’s Kumite Competition Team—a gateway to becoming a skilled karate competitor. BBMA boasts a proud history of success, with members achieving national and state titles, as well as international recognition. Starting with Kyoshi Liz and Shihan Lliam, this legacy has passed through generations, including teachers like Sensei Josh, and now, it’s your turn to continue the tradition.
At BBMA Hornsby, our Kumite Squad is our Athletic Development Program. It’s relatively new, and aims to be a stepping stone - building the foundations for an ELITE squad program—a future pathway for state and national team members.
This is where your journey begins: learning the basics of competition karate, mastering fundamentals, and understanding the rules of sports karate at a pace designed for fully committed (more about that below) beginner and developing kumite athletes.
Why Should I Compete?
At BBMA, we believe, “Karate is not only karate, it is life.” Competition karate challenges you to grow under constructive pressure, fostering resilience, courage, and confidence. For some, regular classes and dojo sparring are enough; for others, competition is the crucible where they become their best selves.
What do I Need to Do?
While medals and titles are rewarding, Squad’s true focus lies in personal growth. As a Squad member, you’ll receive exclusive, advanced instruction—far beyond what is offered in regular classes—at no additional charge for most Squad activities. Membership is by invitation only, granting you special status within Hornsby Dojo. However, with this privilege come responsibilities and obligations.
Am I the ‘right’ person to join Squad?
Squad team members can answer a confident and resounding YES to the following questions:
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?
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?
Are you willing to take ownership of your own competition journey?
There is quite a lot to think about, and to organise in advance in competition Kumite. This includes looking up competition schedules, finding all the information you need about the comp (where, when, what, how…) via the tournament organisers, 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 division, getting yourself organised before and on the day of competition etc.
Sensei Josh will not be managing this process for you. YOU must be willing to 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.Can you commit to attending ALL the training sessions?
See below for more on Squad mandatory training requirements.
Note: ‘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.
Expectations & Obligations of a Squad Athlete
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.
Participation in Competition
All Squad 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.
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.
Leadership
All Squad members must enroll in the Squad Leadership Program, developing leadership skills both on and off the mat, the BBMA way.
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.
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. For example through volunteering, ‘‘Team Leading’, and by assisting more junior students.
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.
Attendance at all Kumite Class and Squad Class training sessions: See Schedule below.
Attendance at Kumite Events
Special paid Kumite events, such as ‘Immersion’ seminars, are designed to enhance your skills and set you up for success. Attendance is mandatory for all Squad members.
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.
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.
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 - Term 1 2025
These sessions are mandatory for Squad Team Members:
Kumite Immersion Series - January 13 to January 17 (find more information here)
2025 Squad ‘Try Outs’ and Squad Class - 6pm January 24
Squad Class - 6pm Friday Feb 7
Squad Class - 6pm Friday Feb 14
Squad Class - 8pm Monday Feb 17
All Styles Karate Championships - Saturday Feb 22
(entries are now closed)Squad Class - 8pm Monday Feb 24
Squad Class (combined with CBB class) - 8pm Monday March 3 (TBC)
Squad Class (combined with CDG class) - 1:15pm Saturday March 8 (TBC)
NSW State Championships - Saturday March 8
(there are no Developmental Divisions in this event)Australian Open - April 4 to April 6
(there are no Developmental Divisions in this event)NSW Open - May 10
NSW Cup - June 14
Kumite Squad Classes usually run for 90 minutes.
Additionally, Squad team members must attend our weekly (regular) Kumite Classes
Every Tuesday of Term (except Graduation & ‘Holiday Program’ weeks) at 5:45pm
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 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 2025 competition 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.
Mandatory Equipment & Uniform Requirement:
If you do not already own this equipment, it must be purchased up-front, on entry to the Squad Team:
2 x WKF approved white Kumite Gi’s
We recommend taking 2 Kumite Gi’s with you on competition day - to allow an option to change into in case of accidental damage during your competition.WKF approved white Kata Gi - for those competitors also entering Kata divisions
A BBMA ‘patch’ (with our school logo) is required for your WKF-approved kata and kumite Gi’s. These must be ordered well in advance and attached (sewn on) to your Gi prior to the day of competition.
WKF approved Red AND Blue Gloves
WKF approved Red AND Blue Shin & Foot Guards
WKF approved groin guard (men/boys)
WKF approved body-guard
WKF approved breast guard (women/girls)
WKF approved head-gear with full face guard (13 years and under)
Clean, sanitary and well-fitted mouth guard. We recommend considering a custom-fit mouthguard, which can be purchased from your dentist.
Uniforms and equipment must be well fitting, kept clean & in excellent (‘as new’) condition. Uniforms & equipment must be replaced when necessary.
The Mandatory equipment list may change, subject to WKF/Karate Aust competition regulations.
Please purchase your competition gear via our online store here
We also recommend regular competitors purchase a BBMA tracksuit.