What is a grade?

A grade is a measure of the level of attainment of a Karate student. Each grade is signified by a different coloured BELT starting with the WHITE belt and progressing to BLACK. Below the black belt, grades are referred to as kyu, which means boy. Black belts are called Dan's, which can translate as man.

Wearing a black belt is a great privilege, and carries a deal of responsibility. Fewer than 1 in 10000 people ever try their hand at a martial art . For every 1000 people who do begin Karate, Fewer than 50 will achieve a Dan grade. most will drop out before they achieve a senior grade

 

What Is A Grading?

Grading's are where students get the opportunity to show to the Association Chief Instructor and other Dan grades how they have progressed since their previous grading. Equally, grading's are where club Instructors are also assessed, to see how well they have taught their students! so while it is natural for students to feel a little apprehensive, they should take comfort in the knowledge that their instructors are feeling just the same!

Grading's are held once every 3 months normally at the Dialstone centre Offerton Stockport. Grading's are a great opportunity to meet students from different clubs.

 

Am I Ready to Grade?

All students , not just junior grades below 3rd kyu, should be guided by the advice of sensei. Remember that sensei has already gone through all the grading's ahead of you, so has a wealth of experience in this area! The minimum amount time between moving from one grade to the next up until brown belt 2nd kyu is 3 months from brown belt 2nd kyu to 1st kyu is 6 months

So in summary, students should remember the following

The time between grading's is a minimum--many students take longer to prepare for grading. No students is expected to grade every time--students will not be expected to progress faster than they feel is comfortable.

No student should expect to grade every time--follow the advice of your sensei.

What happens at a grading?

Grading's begin with registration. Please make a point of registering as soon as you arrive Next. All students gather for a quick warm-up, usually taken by one of the senior Dan grade. After the warm-up students are split up into grades and receive a short lesson just to brush up on there grading syllabus. Finally there is a short recess then the grading starts. You are asked to demonstrate skills, in front of your grading examiners in three areas.

Kihon (basics) is just that. Remember all the punching and blocking you've done, up and down the Dojo floor,over and over again? that's all there is to do. You will be asked to perform different techniques (As per your syllabus book Shikata Shotokan Karate)

Kumite ( sparring) is where you show your ability to perform formal attacks and defense against an opponent. Once again, (as pert you syllabus book Shikata Shotokan Karate)

Kata (form) Here you demonstrate the kata you/ve been practicing. for your grade (as per your syllabus book Shikata Shotokan Karate)

Grading Syllabus Belts.