Grading Schedule Grade Period/ Months Minimum Classes Minimum Age White 4 12 - Yellow 4 12 - Orange 4 12 - Green 4 12 - Purple 8 24 - Brown (3rd kyu) 8 24 - Brown (2nd kyu) 8 24 - Brown (1st Kyu) 8 24 - Black (1st Dan) 12 88 - Black (2nd Dan) 24 176 18 Black (3rd Dan) 36 264 21 Black (4th Dan) 48 352 25 Above shows a minimum timescale for progression through the grading system. Not all students will progress within this timescale; some may take longer to achieve each grade. Other factors that are taken into account when deciding if a student is ready for their next grade are: % attendance Ability to demonstrate techniques to an acceptable standard (this can only be judged by the instructor, unlike time and attendance) With the increasing grades comes increasing demands upon the karate-ka. The combination of technique complexity, the meaning of kata, stress on strength and requirements of stamina test the knowledge and endurance of the student. This is why as the student approaches black belt and beyond, the time periods between grades become longer. As the student progresses then his/her knowledge of and, more crucially, understanding of karate matures.
8 th Kyu: White Belt Jodan tobikomizuki (Lead hand jab to head) Jodan gyakuzuki (Rear hand straight to head) Junzuki (Stepping lunge punch) Gyakuzuki (Stepping reverse punch) Jodanuke (Stepping upper receipt) Gedan barai (Stepping lower sweeping) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch) Surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki (Step up groin kick, rear hand straight punch) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch) Surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki (Step up groin kick, rear hand straight punch) Mawashigeri (Round kick to shield) 2 minutes lightly feeding straight punches as partner blocks and covers (swap ½ way). 1 minute forearm and neck grip (swap sides ½ way) 1 minute back and triceps grip (swap sides ½ way) 1 minute playing for grips
7th Kyu: Yellow Belt Jodanuke (stepping upper receipt) Sotouke (Stepping outer receipt) Uchiuke (Stepping inner receipt) Kagizuki (lead hand hook punch) Kagi-shotai (lead hand hooking palm heel) Kicks preformed on spot with rear leg: Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch) Shotai, Shotai, kagi-shotai (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand hooking palm heel) Tobikomizuki, surikomi kingeri (Lead hand jab, step up groin kick) Triple shotai, otoshi tettsui (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand hooking palm heel, dropping hammer fist) Triple shotai, otoshi tettsui (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand palm heel, dropping hammer fist) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch) Shotai, shotai, kagi-shotai (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand hooking palm heel) Tobikomizuki, Surikomi kingeri (Lead hand jab, step up groin kick) 1 minute jab & cross with movement to focus mitts Pinan Shodan, 1 st half Pinan Shodan bunkai One example 2 minutes lightly feeding straight and hooking punches as partner blocks and covers (swap ½ way) 2 minutes static continuous punching whilst partner blocks and covers (swap ½ way) 2 minutes grappling for backs
6th Kyu: Orange Belt Kette junzuki (Front kick and lunge punch) Kette gyakuzuki (Front kick and reverse punch) Soto-uke gyakuzuki (Outer receipt, reverse punch) Uchiuke gyakuzuki (Inner receipt, reverse punch) Kagizuki (Rear hand hook punch) Kagi-Shotai (Rear hand hooking palm heel) Hizageri (Rear leg knee kick with neck grip) Kicks preformed on spot rear leg: Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch) Shotai, shotai, kagi-shotai, shotai (as above, with palm heels) Tobikomizuki, Surikomi mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, step up round kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch) Mawashi empi, mawashi empi, hizageri (Lead round elbow, rear round elbow, neck grab rear knee kick, push & drop back) Yokogeri (Side kick to shield) Mawashi empi & otoshi empi (Round elbow & dropping elbow to shield) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch) Shotai, shotai, kagi-shotai, shotai (as above, with palm heels) Tobikomizuki, surikomi mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, step up round kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch) 2 minutes of straight punches and hooks as presented by partner Pinan Shodan (Safe from Harm level 1) Pinan Shodan bunkai Two examples Rear naked strangle/choke Tate shiho gatame (mount hold) Kesa gatame (scarf hold) 2 minutes rounds of free sparring hands 2 minutes punching from clinch 2 minutes on ground keeping feet towards partner (swap ½ way)
5th Kyu: Green Belt Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Maegeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead leg front kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch) Agezuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, kagizuki (Rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand hook punch) Maegeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, Agezuki (Rear leg front kick, drop back rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut) Tobikomizuki, surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri (Lead hand jab, step up groin kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick to thigh, drop back) 2 minute free hand strikes (as presented by partner) 2 minutes kicks on shield (front, round & side kicks with movement) Kingeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead leg groin kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch) Agezuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, Kagizuki (Rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand hook punch) Maegeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, Agezuki (Rear leg front kick, drop back rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut) Tobikomizuki, surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri (Lead hand jab, step up groin kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick to thigh, drop back) Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan Pinan Shodan and Pinan Nidan bunkai Two examples from each kata Juji-gatame from Tate Shiho Gatame (Arm bar from mount hold) Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side control hold) 2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring hands, feet 2 minutes grappling for back 2 minutes striking from clinch 2 minutes escaping from clinch (swap ½ way) 2 minutes get up hold down (swap ½ way)
Keiryu Practical Karate 4th Kyu: Purple Belt Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick) Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick dropping forward lunging punch follow through and regain posture) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist) Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch) 2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet) 2 minutes kicks on shield Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick dropping forward lunging punch follow through and regain posture) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist) Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch) Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan Pinan Sandan bunkai Two examples 1 escape from yoko shiho gatame (side control) - Candidate s choice 2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring hands, feet, clinching 2 minutes ground fighting with strikes (start back to back), one to get to feet, one preventing 2 minutes ground grappling for hold including strike (start back to back) Escape from 2 people (grabbing and striking)
3rd Kyu: Brown Belt Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick) 3 of panels choice previous grading Any 3 from previous grading 2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet) Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, and Pinan Yondan Four Pinan bunkai examples 2 throws (left and right) - Candidates choice 2 escapes from hold panel choice 2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring hands, feet, clinching 2 minutes ground fighting submissions (start back to back), one to get to feet, one preventing 2 minutes compliant throws and takedowns Escape from 2 people (grabbing and striking)
2nd Kyu: Brown Belt Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick ) 2 of panels choice previous grading Any 2 from previous grading 2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet) 2 minutes punching shield 5 Pinan kata Four Pinan bunkai examples 2 throws (left and right) - Candidates choice 2 strangles/ chokes (standing or on floor) candidates choice 2 standing arm locks candidates choice 2 escapes from hold panel choice 2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring (no throws or takedowns) 3 minutes ground fighting submissions (no strikes) 2 minutes clinch fighting including strikes and throws Escape from 2 people (grabbing and striking)
1st Kyu: Brown Belt Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick) Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick dropping forward lunging punch follow through and regain posture) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist) Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch) Any 3 from previous grading 2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet) 2 minutes punching shield 4 Pinan kata, Kushanku, and Naihanchi Three Pinan bunkai examples Naihanchi Flow Drill 2 throws (left and right) - Candidates choice 2 strangles/ chokes (standing or on floor) - Candidate s choice 2 standing arm locks candidates choice 2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring (vertical, stop if goes to ground) 3 minutes ground fighting (strikes and submissions) 2 minutes ground fighting (strikes and submissions), one getting up, one trying to keep down, switch½ way through Escape from 2 people whilst protecting a 3 rd (grabbing and striking)
Shodan Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick) Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick dropping forward lunging punch follow through and regain posture) Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist) Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch) The above renraku waza to pads, plus 2 of panel s choice 2 x 2 minute rounds (hands) 2 x 2 minute rounds (feet) 2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet) 3 minutes punching shield 3 Pinan kata, Kushanku, Naihanchi, and Chinto Five Pinan bunkai examples Naihanchi Flow Drill 2 throws (left and right) - Candidates choice 2 strangles/ chokes (standing or on floor) 2 standing arm locks 2 minutes full all-in sparring 2 minutes vertical all in sparring 2 minutes ground all-in sparring for submission 2 minutes ground all-in sparring (get back on feet switch 1/2 way) 2 minute escape from clinch (switch 1/2 way) Any other sparring of the panel s choice
Nidan Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick) Any 3 combinations of the panel s choice from previous gradings Can be syllabus combinations or others Any 3 combinations of the panel s choice from previous gradings Can be syllabus combinations or others 3 x 2 minute rounds on focus mitts (1st hands, 2nd feet, 3rd hands & feet) 3 minutes on the strike shield Hands & feet Any Pinan kata of the panel s choice, Kushanku, Naihanchi, Chinto, and Passai Naihanchi & Kushanku examples 3 throws/takedowns Escape from holds of the panel s choice 3 wrist locks 2 minutes of full all-in sparring 2 minutes of vertical all-in sparring 2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (for submission) 2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (get back to feet Switch ½ way) 2 minutes of escape from clinch Switch ½ way
Sandan Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick) Any 3 combinations of the panel s choice from previous gradings Can be syllabus combinations or others Any 3 combinations of the panel s choice from previous gradings Can be syllabus combinations or others 3 x 2 minute rounds on focus mitts (1st hands, 2nd feet, 3rd hands & feet) 3 minutes on the strike shield Hands & feet Naihanchi, Kushanku, Chinto & Passai Naihanchi, Chinto & Passai examples 3 throws/takedowns 3 counters to holds of the panel s choice 3 chokes/strangles 2 minutes of full all-in sparring 2 minutes of vertical all-in sparring 2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (for submission) 2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (get back to feet Switch ½ way) 2 minutes of escape from clinch Switch ½ way)
Yondan Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch) Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch) Ushirogeri (Back kick ) Any 3 combinations of the panel s choice from previous gradings Can be syllabus combinations or others Any three combinations of the panel s choice from previous gradings Can be syllabus combinations or others 3 x 2 minute rounds on focus mitts (1st hands, 2nd feet, 3rd hands & feet) 3 minutes on the strike shield Hands & feet Naihanchi, Kushanku, Chinto, Passai & Wanshu Naihanchi, Kushanku, Chinto, Passai & Wanshu examples Candidate to demonstrate any number and type of grappling manoeuvre as selected by panel 2 minutes of full all-in sparring 2 minutes of vertical all-in sparring 2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (for submission) 2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (get back to feet Switch ½ way) 2 minutes of escape from clinch Switch ½ way)