Hishou Washi Wado Ryu Karatedo Syllabus
Grading Students will be invited to grade to their next Kyu (belt) only when their instructor considers they are advanced enough to do so. Please be aware that karate involves individual development and moving to a higher belt requires students to be confident and capable at the next level. This takes longer for some students than others. So, even if you start with someone else, you may not grade at the same time. Although gradings occur at regular intervals, students will not automatically be eligible to grade each time. Junior students will be able to take half grades to help encourage and motivate them, but only at the discretion of the instructor. Although the syllabus lays out the techniques needed to complete the level, it also means that all basic skills and techniques will be required as requested on the day. Grading may take different formats dependant on the mix students arriving on the day. This will be determined by the Chief Instructor Students are not obliged to grade and there will be no pressure brought to bare on anyone not wanting to go through the grading procedure. Gradings may be presided over by the Chief instructor alone, or by a panel of Dan grade instructors.
Grading Format Form This is a very important part of all grading after 9th Kyu. Katas are the formal exercises containing pre-arranged sequence of movements and techniques that demonstrate both defensive and offensive actions against one or more imaginary attackers. Performing kata requires not only learning the sequence but also timing and correct technique of each movement. It also involves the connection of mind, body and spirit. Kumite: Sparring This is another essential element. Sparring is not the ability to cave in the ribs of your opponent. It is the ability to demonstrate fighting techniques learned in class in a controlled and accurate manner. It is a skill of judging distance and timing. With Jiyu Kumite (free sparring) it is up to the individual to make decisions and judgements based on their opponent s actions and reactions. Kihon Kumite is pre-arranged attack and defence techniques, working in pairs demonstrating strong and efficient defence against given attacking techniques. Basic techniques Karate is all about the fundamental techniques of punching, striking, kicking and blocking. These form the building blocks of learning karate. You will uses theses throughout all grades and during all classes and training. It is not to assume that once you have learned a technique that is it! You will go on to refine and perfect that technique over and over again. Renraku Waza Combination techniques. Basic techniques, once combined become Karate. Demonstrating set combinations aids the ability to find effective and strong combinations not only for sparring but also for self defence. It also promotes the art of body movement and avoidance as well as using transitional movements and stances between techniques.
Grading Etiquette What you need to do: 1) You will need to arrive on time at the grading venue, but not too early as there is usually restricted space and arriving too early can increase your nervousness., but do allow yourself sufficient time to change into your gi. 2) You will need to bring your licence, your letter of invitation to grade and the grading fees. 3) You need to make sure that your gi is clean and pressed. Presentation is marked as it is considered disrespectful to arrive with a crumpled or dirty gi. 4) You must remember to bring your belt. You will not be permitted to grade if you are not wearing your existing belt. 5) Anyone with long heir should ensure it is tied back tidily and will not cause them distraction during the session. What to expect: Prior to your grading assessment you will have a lesson that will not only warm you up but will take you through your syllabus and you will have the opportunity to practice anything you are unsure about. There will be instructors on hand to help! The group as a whole will then take part in the traditional class lines and kumite. You will only be asked to perform techniques to your kyu level. Each kyu group will then move to another room where they will all bow on entering. When called to demonstrate the rest of their required elements in front of the grading panel. It is important to remember to walk to the middle of the room and bow to the panel. When you have finished bow again before returning to your seat.
Grading Etiquette Once this is completed then your grading is over! You bow to the panel, when you reach the door you bow to the dojo and then return to the first room. You need to inform the instructor there who will dismiss you. Please do not just leave, it would be considered very disrespectful. Your licence will be returned to you at your next lesson and if you have passed the grading you will also get your certificate, a brief report on your grading and new belt. Time: The time it takes to complete the grading will vary. Grading is done from lower to higher, the higher the belt the longer it will take, as well as, the more people taking any one kyu grade will have an impact on how long it takes. The higher the belt the more time will be needed to complete all aspects of the grading Please be aware of this and if you are on a tight time schedule for something else on grading day then it may be as well to reconsider grading that particular day and to wait until the next session. Parents: Parents or other relatives are welcome to stay if there is room. They will be able to watch the lesson, but not the actual grading, nor to film or photograph the grading. Everyone finds the situation tense and it only adds to the tension and often distracts children if their parents are present. Children will not be allowed to leave, the venue until parents are there to collect them, From the time you arrive at the grading, your behaviour and attitude are very important and will be assessed. Respect and helpfulness to others is the expected norm. If you do not pass the grading you will be able to re-take the grading next time without any further grading fees payable.
9th Kyu Red Belt Kumite Hands only Tsuki, Self Defence Single attacker Demonstrating techniques:- Roundhouse kick, front kick, side kick Rising block, downward block, inside forearm block Snap punch, reverse punch, rising punch, elbow strike back fist Cat stance, horse riding stance, lunge punch stance Combinations:- Snap punch reverse punch rising block. Front kick downward block reverse punch. Roundhouse kick back fist elbow strike Side kick - backfist roundhouse punch - reverse punch. Junzuki - kette junzuki
8th Kyu Yellow Belt Pinan Nidan; Kumite Hands only Tsuki, Self Defence Demonstrating techniques: Outside palm block, outside forearm block, inside palm block, knife hand block Palm heel strike, spear hand strike, round house punch Crescent kick, axe kick, hook kick Inverted cat stance, reverse punch stance, Knife hand stance Combinations:- One step front kick palm heel strike - outside forearm block - reverse punch. Roundhouse kick spear hand strike back fist crescent kick. Knife hand block knife hand stance - front kick outside palm block - axe kick. Junzuki - kette junzuki gyakazuki kette gyakazuki
7th Kyu Orange Belt Kata Pinan Nidan; Pinan Shodan; Kumite Hands & feet One Step Sparring Chudan tsuki attack Keri Self Defence Single attacker Demonstrating techniques:- Knife hand strike, ridge hand strike, hammer fist, Outside palm block, outside forearm block, X block, Back kick, hopping front kick, hopping roundhouse kick. Combinations:- Hopping front kick X block back fist ridge hand strike. Outside forearm block reverse punch hopping roundhouse kick palm heel strike. Inside palm block elbow strike hammer fist side kick spear hand strike. Junzuki - kette junzuki gyakazuki kette gyakazuki - shuto uke
6th Kyu Green Belt Pinan Nidan; Pinan Shodan; Pinan Sandan; Jiyu Kumite Hands & feet Ippon Kumite Junzuki jodan & chudan attack Tsuki, Keri Self Defence Demonstrating techniques:- Rising punch, rising elbow strike, Inverted crescent kick, knee strike, one step side kick Formal stance, short fighting stance, Demonstrating techniques moving forward & turning: Gyakazuki; Junzuki; Jodan uke; Mae geri; Mawashi geri Combinations:- Step back outside forearm block reverse punch double roundhouse kick. Jump scissors front kick snap punch elbow strike rising punch. Junzuki - kette junzuki gyakazuki kette gyakazuki - shuto uke mahanmi neko dachi - uchi ude uke soto ude uke
5th Kyu Blue Belt Pinan Nidan; Pinan Shodan; Pinan Sandan; Pinan Yodan; Kumite Jiyu Kumite Ippon Kumite Tsuki & Keri jodan & chudan attack Kihon Gumite (1) Tsuki, Keri Self Defence Demonstrating techniques Foot hook sweep; spinning crescent kick; jumping back kick. Augmented forearm block; augmented punch; Demonstrating techniques moving forward & turning: Shuto uche; nukete uche; taisho uche; yoko Geri; mikazuki geri; jodan uke; gedan barai; empi uche kiai. Renwaku Waza:- Three punch three kick combination. Inside forearm block outside forearm block rising block reverse punch back fist with kiai Junzuki - kette junzuki gyakazuki kette gyakazuki - shuto uke mahanmi neko dachi - uchi ude uke soto ude uke junzuki no-tsukomi gyakazuki no-tsukomi
4th Kyu Purple Belt Pinan Nidan; Pinan Shodan; Pinan Sandan; Pinan Yodan; Pinan Godan Jiyu Kumite One Step Sparring Tsuki & Keri jodan & chudan attack Tsuki, Keri Self Defence Kihon Gumite (1) Demonstrating techniques: Kokutsu dachi, misubi dachi; hidari gamae, migi gamae, Ushiro empi uche, age uchi, ren zuki, yama zuki Demonstrating techniques moving forward & turning: Uchi ude uke, soto ude uke; jodan uke gedan barai, gyakazuki. Mae geri, mawashi geri, yoko geri, junzuki, gyakaziuki. Renwaku Waza: Hanmi gamae; hiza geri; kage zuki; ippon ken jodan; tobi mae geri, yama zuki; kiai. Ashi barai; tata mikazuki geri; gyakazuki; kin haito uche; shuto uche jodan; keage zuki. Junzuki - kette junzuki gyakazuki kette gyakazuki - shuto uke mahanmi neko dachi - uchi ude uke soto ude uke junzuki notsukomi kette junzuki no-tsukomi gyakazuki no-tsuskomi kette gyakazuki no-tsukomi tobikomizuki
Becoming 3rd Kyu and beyond! Third Kyu and beyond is considered moving to higher belt status, as such, there is an expectation that you are preparing for 1st Dan. You will now be expected to take on more responsibility in class, helping students with lower belts to understand their syllabus, demonstrating techniques and katas and showing a deeper understanding of karate. This will include: Bunkai (kata application); (traditional class line techniques) and the principles of tabi sabaki (body shifting). You will have a greater understanding of Japanese, even if you think you will never remember it! Constant use of the Japanese terms for techniques both in class and during your practice, will help. When you achieve this level, all your techniques should be sharp and strong, your katas should be crisp and clear and your sparring should demonstrate good form. Bear in mind, not everyone is a natural fighter and sparring often seems daunting. Approach it like you do any other aspect of your karate, once you learn the techniques and art of sparring, then it is putting into practice what you have learned. You are not expected to become Bruce Lee or Jean Claude Van Dam, winning a sparring session is not imperative to demonstrate good form and solid, well executed techniques. From here on your grading will not just depend on what you achieve on the actual grading day, but you will be assessed in class for other elements, such as teaching both individuals and the class as a whole, refereeing class sparring and constructively assessing kata performance. Don t look at this as a change in your training, but the natural progression due to your own hard work, dedication and training. The only person who got you this far, is you, and only you can take you on from here. Well done, don t give up now, 1st Dan is not unachievable!
3rd Kyu Brown Belt All Pinan Katas Kushanku Ippon Kumite Kihon Gumite (1-2) Jiyu Kumite Self Defence Prior to Grading Students will have had experience of helping other students with their syllabus
2nd Kyu Brown and White Belt All Pinan Katas Kushanku Naihanchi Ippon Kumite Kihon Gumite (1-3) Jiyu Kumite Self Defence (single attacker) Prior to Grading Students will have had experience of helping other students with their syllabus.
1st Kyu Brown and Black Belt All Pinan Katas Kushanku Ippon Kumite Kihon Gumite (1-4) Naihanchi Seishan Jiyu Kumite Self Defence (single attacker) Prior to Grading Students will have had some experience of teaching other students. Students will also have started to experience refereeing class sparring
1st Dan Black Belt All Pinan Katas Kushanku Naihanchi Seishan Chinto Bassai Ippon Kumite Kihon Gumite (1-5) Jiyu Kumite Self Defence (multiple attackers) Prior to Grading Students will have had experience of teaching other students; taking class warm up / cool down. Students will also have experience of refereeing class sparring.
2nd Dan Black Belt All Pinan Katas Kushanku Naihanchi Seishan Chinto Bassai Wanshu Niseishi Ippon Kumite Kihon Gumite (1-7) Jiyu Kumite (multiple opponents) Self Defence (multiple attackers) Prior to Grading Students will have had experience of teaching other students; taking class warm up / cool down. Students will also have experience of refereeing competition sparring and judging kata. Minimum 2 years training since 1st Dan.
3rd Dan Black Belt All Pinan Katas Kushanku Naihanchi Seishan Chinto Bassai Wanshu Niseishi Jitte Jion Rohai Ippon Kumite Kihon Gumite (1-10) Jiyu Kumite (multiple opponents) Self Defence (multiple attackers) Prior to Grading Minimum 3 years training since 2nd dan. Students will have experience of teaching other students; taking class warm up / cool down. Students will also have experience of refereeing competition sparring and judging kata. Involved in the development of the club