Shogun Karate Club

Gradings

Gradings are formal assessments consisting of a series of test designed to evaluate the student’s knowledge and technical ability in the three key disciplines of karate. These are: basic technique (Kihon); forms (Kata); and sparing (Kumite). This test gives an indication of the students overall progress and will allow the instructors to ascertain if a student has reached the required skill level in their training to progress to the next grade.

            Each rank (or grade) has an associated syllabus detailing what is required in order to obtain the next grade. Each syllabus gives details of the Kata, Kihon and Kumite relevant to the grade being attempted. This is learnt in the months prior to the grading.

            A grading is not just about your ability, you will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of Dojo etiquette, so bow properly, say “Oss Sensei” when addressed or called by the examiner and show spirit. Try to put maximum effort into every technique as gradings are as much about spirit as they are about ability and pay extra attention during the training sessions before the grading as the instructors will offer useful advice to anyone grading.

            Your karate licence will need to be up to date in order to grade and must be presented to the instructors before the session starts. Students who arrive without their licence in order or arrives without it will not be permitted to grade and will have to wait until the next available grading. Also remember your karate suit (Gi) must be clean and tidy as you will be representing the club and guest instructors may be in attendance.

Grades

Progress in karate training is rewarded with the issue of a coloured belt upon successful completion of a grading. Theses occur three to four times a year.As well as a means of passing through the ranks; they provide a useful guide to how your overall training is progressing.

Tenure is the term used to describe minimum amount of time permitted between gradings and depends on the difficulty of the syllabus being learnt and varies between 3 months (12 sessions) for students from 9^th Kyu (orange belt) to 2nd Kyu (brown 1 stripe) up to 6 months (24 sessions) for 1^st Kyu (Brown 2 stripes) & 1^st Dan (black belt). But be advised that from 5^th Kyu onwards one attendance per week may not be sufficient time to learn the syllabus for the next grade.A table listing the revent tenure accoding to grade can be found at the bottom of this page.

            The tenure for students wishing to attempt black belt grades above 1^st Dan increases in years according to the grade being attempted 2 years for 2^nd Dan, 3 for 3^rd Dan and so on.