Belt Levels

and Testing Requirements

One of the first things you will probably notice when looking in on karate class is that there are several different coloured belts adorning the white uniforms. The colour of each belt corresponds to the level of experience and ability of the individual wearing it. Everyone begins wearing a white belt. From white they progress through the respective levels of yellow, orange, green, purple, brown and black. We use the Japanese term kyu to refer to the coloured belts and dan to refer to black belts.

Examinations are held four times per year. They are always scheduled to fall on a weekend. The chief examiner is Master Yaguchi who flies in from Denver, Colorado especially for the grading.

We have the opportunity to train with Master Yaguchi in special seminars held just prior to gradings. Everyone is encouraged to participate in these extra classes.

Requirements for KYU Level Testing

Rank/Belt Colour Basics Kumite Kata
other text here  
10-9 Kyu
White
Lunge punch, rising block, forearm block, downward block,
knife hand block, front kick, front stance, back stance
3 attack sparring Heian Shodan
8 Kyu
Yellow
Same As Above Same As Above Heian Nidan
7 Kyu
Orange
Same As Above Same As Above Heian Sandan
6 Kyu
Green
Add To Above
blocking and counter punch, side thrust kick, side snap kick,
straddle stance
1 attack sparring
showing shifting
Heian Yondan
5 Kyu
1st Purple
Add To Above
triple punch, counter punches with all blocks, front kicks in succession
Same As Above Heian Godan
4 Kyu
2nd Purple
Same As Above Same As Above Tekki Shodan
3 Kyu
1st Brown
Add to above
roundhouse kicks
Same As Above Bassai-Dai
3 Kyu
2nd Brown
Add to above
roundhouse kicks with counterpunch
1 attack sparring using
kicks and punches as counters
Bassai-Dai
3 Kyu
3rd Brown
Add to above
side and roundhouse kicks in succession
Same As Above Bassai-Dai

Requirements for KYU Level Testing

A B C D
 
Tekki Nidan Tekki Sandan Bassai-Sho Gojushiho-Sho
Bassai-Dai Jion Kanku-Sho Gojushiho- Dai
Kanku –Dai Gankaku Sochin Unsu
Hangetsu Jutte Chinte
Empi Nujishiho

Requirements for the Dan Level (Black Belt) Testing

Rank Basics Kumite Kata
other text here  
Shodan
1st Dan
Various combinations of blocks, punches, kicks and stances as required by examiner Free style sparring Examinee’s choice plus one of Shitei group selected by examiner
Nidan
2nd Dan
More complex combinations as above but fewer in number Same As Above Examinees choice -One from A or B above - plus one from A selected by examiner
Sandan
3rd Dan
Same As Above Plus Ability to instruct Free style sparring or Self-defense Examinees choice -one from A, B or C above - plus one from A or B selected by examiner
Yondan
4th Dan
Same As Above Plus Demonstration of special research into fighting Same As Above Same As Above
Godan
5th Dan
Same As Above Plus Demonstration of further special research into fighting Same As Above Heian Godan
Rukudan
6th Dan
Instructor level certification and very long time training Plus Recommendation of ISKF Chief Instructor or Shihan-kai
Shichidan
7th Dan
Same As Above
Hachidan
8th Dan
Same As Above
Kudan
9th Dan
Same As Above
Judan
10th Dan
Same As Above

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