Japanese Karate-Do

Rank and Testing Information:

Progress in Karate training is rewarded with the issue of coloured belts upon successful completion of a formal test (grading). These gradings occur four times a year, and as well as a means of progressing through the ranks, they provide a useful guide on how your overall technique is improving.

Adult students are eligible to test every three to six months up to 6th kyu and every six months after that. However, students that train at a very high rate may be nominated to test more frequently.

In addition to their regular training, students at green belt level and higher are expected to participate in two competitions or special training sessions per year.

The pre-black belt ranks are called kyu ranks, and are numbered in descending order from 10th kyu. The first time you step into the dojo you are considered to be a 10th kyu grade (white belt). Your first grading takes you to 9th kyu, and so on until 1st kyu. After 1st kyu are the dan grades which are numbered in ascending order. All dan ranks wear black belts.

Gradings test each of the three disciplines of karate (kihon, kata and kumite) separately. Each rank is graded separately and in groups of 5-10 karateka, so you are never performing solo. Kihon tests consist of you performing a set of core techniques preannounced by the examiner. These range from simple stepping punches and blocks for beginners, through to advanced combinations for the higher grades. Each rank has an associated kata that you will learn in the weeks prior to the grading. You are normally asked to perform this kata once, to no count. Finally, the kumite test spars you against an opponent of the same grade. Sparring is done in a rigid, predetermined fashion, starting with five-step and three-step sparring for beginners through to semi-free sparring for the high grades.

Since all students are individuals with different potential and rates of development, it is essential that, for testing, one student not be compare to another.  Grading should only be used as a tool to measure each student’s own individual improvement.  The opponent, in testing and karate in general, is you.

The examiner will grade the student on many factors, including:

• Form (kata)

• Basic techniques (kihon)

• Sparring (kumite)

• Correct timing, distance and judgment

• Mental, physical and emotional strength

• Etiquette and manners

As a student progresses towards black-belt, the following factors are also taken into consideration:

• Character

• Training attitude and commitment

• Hours of training

• Age

• Individual handicaps and limitations

Additionally, all 3rd kyu students must receive a World Traditional Karate Organization (WTKO) Budo passport to keep as a permanent record of their rank, seminar and competition record. This passport is to be used and updated when testing for higher rank levels, training at other dojos, and participating in special training clinics and seminars.

TEST FORMS (click "Test Forms" link to download a printable test form*)

Kyu Rank:

• Test Routines (in MS Excel)
• Test Routines in Adobe Acrobat
  • 9th kyu
  • 8th kyu
  • 7th kyu
  • 6th kyu
  • 5th kyu
  • 4th kyu
  • 3rd kyu
  • 2nd kyu
  • 1st kyu
  • Dan Testing Information
• Fitness Program
• Notice of Intent to Promote

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* Adobe Acrobat Reader is necessary. Click here if you need the reader