Kyudokan Grading

 

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.
  • BASICS

  • 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
  • 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.
  • 14Yodan (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.