Kyudokan’s tried and tested grading system combines the traditional Japanese style of continuous assessment with the use of modern technology. This method ensures every student is monitored, kept informed and supported throughout their individual journey.
Syllabus / Maintaining Standards
The comprehensive grading syllabus provides a clear, structured, pathway of attainment requirements for all grades from white belt to black belt and beyond.
To achieve your grade, you must be able to demonstrate all requirements of the syllabus to an acceptable level. Whilst following a set syllabus, our grading system and instructors, very much treat each karateka as an individual and therefore grades are also based on individual merit and their personal journeys, not just physical ability.
“It’s not the amount of time since the last grade, it’s the amount of effort and progress”
David Morris Sensei
Using Technology To Track Your Progress
After downloading the Kyudokan Karate Student App, use the password provided upon joining to access your personal progress monitor and milestones.
• Belts section shows attainment so far, along with milestones required for next grade
• Other Requirements button within Belts section shows complete grade criteria, with links to the Kyudokan website and training videos
(For families, the lead member can see everyone’s belt page by selecting member on the front page).
Extra Help When You Need It
After a student has been assessed, the Milestones on the Kyudokan app will be updated and a personal message will be sent to the student informing them of their progress.
During the sessions that follow, the student will have the opportunity to practice and improve the specific points raised in the assessment. This may include training in smaller groups or 1-2-1’s.
Allowance will be made for candidates who are unable to perform certain techniques due to physical or other restrictions.
No Grading Fees
There is no extra charge for gradings. Keeping the monthly fee inclusive ensures students are assessed and awarded grades purely on merit, not for financial gain.
The only additional cost that students may wish to consider would be for when they achieve their black belt, whereby we offer a personalised silk belt.
Important points to remember
“Practice not until you get it right, but until you can’t get it wrong!”
David Morris Sensei
• Kyudokan does not hold grading events, all assessments are completed discreetly within training sessions without the student being aware. This is so that students do not get nervous and their performance reflects their usual standard and effort.
• Consistency is key, always try your hardest in every lesson, assessments for grading can happen over several lessons and students will not be informed, e.g. Brown Belt 3rd Kyu and above, 4 members of the Kyudokan Panel assess a student over a one month period.
• Clean Gi’s (red for children and white for adults) must be worn at all times. Please remove any jewellery prior to the lesson and tie back long hair
• All students must have up to date membership.
“On reaching the coveted black belt, while being a great achievement it is the first grade of understanding”
David Morris Sensei
Students transferring from another dojo
Karateka who transfer to Kyudokan from other Karate Associations may retain their current grade and will be advised by the Kyudokan Panel regarding their integration into the Kyudokan grading system.
Syllabus Detail
19th KYU – RED BELT
KATA
Tachi Kata – Basic Karate Stances. The basic stances or feet positions are very important and continuous practice will improve muscle memory
See The Basic Stances Here.
Punches: Upper, Middle and Lower punches are practiced with speed and power
Blocks: Upper, Middle and Lower
Kicks: Knee, Front and Roundhouse kicks are practiced with speed and power
GROUND WORK
Break Fall
Technical Standup
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude.
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo; To make steady progress, the student must practice at home as often as they can. Just by attending classes is not enough to develop the grading requirements. Practicing each technique will help develop consistency, timing and co-ordination. Repetition is the secret to success
To be able to count from 1 – 10 in Japanese
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 3 - 6 months / 18 - 36 sessions
Typical Child: 4 - 6 months / 24 - 36 sessions
BASICS
28th KYU – YELLOW BELT
New KATA
Pinan- "Peaceful Mind"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Protective equipment must be worn when sparring and a satisfactory level of control must be adhered to
GROUND WORK
Forward Roll
Backward Roll
Shrimping
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
familiar with the dojo rules
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 5 - 8 months / 30 - 48 sessions
Typical Child: 6 - 8 months / 36 - 48 sessions
37th KYU – ORANGE BELT
New KATA
Gekiha - "Attack and Tear"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Protective equipment must be worn when sparring and a satisfactory level of control must be adhered to
GROUND WORK
Apply Side Guard
Defend & Escape
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
familiar with Japanese terminology.
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 6 - 10 months / 36 - 56 sessions
Typical Child: 7 - 10 months / 42 - 56 sessions
46th KYU – GREEN BELT
New KATA
Sanchin - "Three Battles"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Demonstrates control and combinations
GROUND WORK
Apply Knee on Belly
Defend & Escape
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 7 - 12 months / 42 - 72 sessions
Typical Child: 8 - 12 months / 48 - 72 sessions
55th KYU – BLUE BELT
New KATA
Unshu - "Cloud Hands (Unusual Hands)"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Demonstrates control and combinations
GROUND WORK
Apply Mount
Defend & Escape
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 8 - 13 months / 48 - 78 sessions
Typical Child: 9 - 13 months / 54 - 78 sessions
64th KYU – PURPLE BELT
New KATA
Saifa - "Smash and Tear"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Demonstrates control and combinations
GROUND WORK
Apply Back Mount
Defend & Escape
Takedown - Ankle Pick
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 9 - 15 months / 63 - 105 sessions
Typical Child: 11 - 15 months / 77 - 105 sessions
73rd KYU – BROWN BELT (One White Stripe)
New KATA
Naifanchi - "Fighting on Home Ground"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP
Pinan
Gekiha
Sanchin
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Demonstrates control and combinations
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
GROUND WORK
Apply Americana & Kimura
Defend & Escape
Takedown - Osoto Gari
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical: 10 - 16 months / 70 - 112 sessions
Typical Child: 12 - 16 months / 84 - 112 sessions
82nd KYU – BROWN BELT (Two White Stripe)
New KATA
Sanseiru - "Thirty-Six Hands"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP
Unshu
Saifa
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Demonstrates control and combinations
GROUND WORK
Apply Arm Bar
Defend & Escape
Takedown - Single Leg
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical: 11 - 16 months / 77 - 112 sessions
Typical Child: 12 - 16 months / 84 - 112 sessions
91st KYU – BROWN BELT
New KATA
Niseishi - "Twenty-Four (Hands)"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP
Naifanchi
Sanseiru
SPARRING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
GROUND WORK
Apply Foot Lock
Defend & Escape
Takedown - Double Leg
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 12 - 16 months / 96 - 112 sessions
Typical Child: 13 -16 months / 104 - 112 sessions
10Shodan Ho (Junior 1st Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Tensho - "Universal Hand (Rotating Palms)"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP & STRIKE
Up to Niseishi
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
SPARRING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
GROUND WORK
Apply Choke - RNC, Lapel, Triangle
Defend & Escape
Takedown - Schoolboy Trip
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Child: 13 - 16 months / 104 - 112 sessions
Shodan Ho (Provisional 1st dan black belt) ranking carries with it a number of formal and informal responsibilities, not the least of which is to lead by example in classes. These responsibilities demand not only physical skills and knowledge, but a level of personal maturity and experience not usually possessed by those below the age of 12. (Exceptions may apply).
11Shodan (1st Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Tensho - "Universal Hand (Rotating Palms)"The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP & STRIKE
Up to Niseishi
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
FIGHTING(note the change from Sparring, to Fighting).
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
GROUND WORK
Apply Choke - RNC, Lapel, Triangle
Defend & Escape
Takedown - Schoolboy Trip
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude. (This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s attitude is not consistent then this milestone will need to be earnt again).
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
Typical Adult: 13 - 16 months / 104 - 112 sessions
Typical Child following Passing Shodan Ho Grade: 13 - 16 months / 104 - 112 sessions
Students holding ranks of Shodan (1st dan black belt) and higher are expected to lead any example in classes. These responsibilities demand not just the physical skills and knowledge, but the application of Kyudokan Karate principles to daily life, which requires a level of personal maturity and experience not usually possessed by those below the age of 16. (Exceptions may apply).
12Nidan (2nd Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Seiunchin - "The Calm in the Storm"
The student must demonstrate they have a satisfactory understanding of the kata with no mistakes in feet or hand movement
Watch Kata Videos Here.
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP + STRIKE & Kamae
Up to current Kata
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
FIGHTING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude
Asks Constructive Questions
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Study of "The Book of Five Rings" (translated by Thomas Cleary)
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
As per students' progress.
13Sandan (3rd Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Shisochin - "Fighting in Four Directions"
Sepai - "eighteen hands"
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP + STRIKE & Kamae
Up to current Kata
Applications to take to ground
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
FIGHTING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude
Asks Constructive Questions
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Study of "The Book of Five Rings" (translated by Thomas Cleary)
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
As per students' progress.
14Yondan (4th Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Seisan - "Thirteen (Hands)"
Kururunfa - "Forever Peacefulness Stops to Smash
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP + STRIKE & Kamae
Up to current Kata
Applications to take to ground
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
FIGHTING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude
Asks Constructive Questions
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Study of "The Book of Five Rings" (translated by Thomas Cleary)
Bubishi
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
As per students' progress.
15Godan (5th Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Suparinpei - "One-Hundred-and-Eight (Hands).
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP + STRIKE & Kamae
Up to current Kata
Applications to take to ground
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
FIGHTING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude
Asks Constructive Questions
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Study of "The Book of Five Rings" (translated by Thomas Cleary)
Bubishi
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
As per students' progress.
16Rokudan (6th Dan - BLACK BELT)
New KATA
Tsurute - "Hand of the Crane".
APPLICATIONS FROM GRIP + STRIKE & Kamae
Up to current Kata
Applications to take to ground
IMPROVEMENT
Improvements of all Basics and Previous Kata
FIGHTING
Demonstrates control, combinations and strategy
STATE OF MIND
Always listens to instructions and maintains a positive attitude
Asks Constructive Questions
MAINTAINING STANDARD
This milestone is already being achieved from the previous grade pass, but is continually monitored, if the student’s standard goes backwards then this milestone will need to be earnt again
STUDY
Practice outside of the dojo
Study of "The Book of Five Rings" (translated by Thomas Cleary)
Bubishi
Attendance Guide for preparation to take grade:
As per students' progress.
