Background
For information on Dan (Black Belt) Grading – Click here – Dan Grading
A grading is an examination of a students progress. Gradings help to ensure that students are developing their basic skills and techniques, and that they can employ those skills. Each gradings builds in difficulty, as students progress through the karate grades/belts.
Grading events are held at regular intervals throughout the year. There is approximately three months between gradings for beginners to purple belts. Brown belt gradings are usually every 6 months. The following criteria are important when students are selected for grading:
- They must be training regularly – beginners at least once a week, orange belts and above at least twice a week, brown belts and above as many classes as possible
- They must know the appropriate grading kata
- They must be able to perform their kihon (basic techniques) and partner work exercises
- Student must be a paid up member of USKFI – USKFI Membership Page
- Each grading builds on the work performed in earlier gradings, and adds additional techniques.
There are two general types of grading:
- KYU Grade – For white to brown belts
- Dan Grade – for black belts
Temporary Grade
A student may receive a ‘Temporary’ grade, which means that they are not quite up to the required standard. They will however wear the same coloured belt and train on the same syllabus as if they had achieved a full grade. A student must not be on a temporary grade when going for a Dan grade examination.
Grading Class / Exam
A grading usually consists of a short class, a small break and then the grading examination proper. During a grading, students are called out in belt colour order. A grading usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how many students are eligible.
NOTE: The charge for a class is included in the grading fee, so students who are grading do not have to pay it.
Grading Exam Components
Each grading is composed of three sections. A group of 4 or 6 students are out and then perform the sections in order:
Kihon
The student performs basic techniques up and down the floor, that demonstrate stances, kicking, punches and blocks.
Kata
Th students performs a predefined sequence of moves. The moves must be performed in the correct order and with good technique and timing.
Kumite
The students perform in pairs. The students take turns to execute a variety of predefined punches and kicks, which the other student must block and counter. At higher belts, the attacks and counters are performed “free-style”
KYU Grading Syllabus
Please note that any resources, such as kata videos, provided below are to be used as a guide only.
Novice/Beginner to 9th KYU (White to Orange belt)
Kihon
Oi tsuki
Jodan age uke
Chudan soto uke
Mae geri
Kata
Kihon Kata KUGB Video
Kumite
Sanbon or Gohon Kumite attacking with jodan oi tsuki and chudan oi tsuki
9th to 8th KYU (Orange to Red Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Chudan uchi uke
Shuto uke
Yoko geri keage
Yoko geri kekomi
Kata
Heian Shodan Video (KUGB)
Kumite
As previous grading
8th to 7th KYU (Red to Yellow Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Age uke, gyaku tsuki
Soto uke, gyaku tsuki
Uchi uke, gyaku tsuki
Kata
Heian Nidan Video (KUGB)
Kumite
As previous grading
7th to 6th KYU (Yellow to Green Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Sanbon tsuki
Soto uke, empi uchi
Kata
Heian Sandan Video (KUGB)
Kumite
Kihon Ippon Kumite attacking with jodan and chudan oi tsuki from right and left sides
6th to 5th KYU (Green to Purple Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Age uke, gyaku tsuki, gedan barai
Soto uke, empi uchi, uraken
Uchi uke, kizami tsuki, gyaku tsuki
Shuto uke nukite
Kata
Heian Yondan Video (KUGB)
Kumite
As previous grading plus As previous grading plus chudan mae geri attack
5th to 4th KYU (Purple to Purple/White Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Soto uke, empi uchi, uraken, gyaku tsuki
Shuto uke, mae geri, nukite
Yoko geri kekomi (from zenkutsu dachi)
Mawashi geri
Kata
Heian Godan Video (KUGB)
Kumite
As previous grading, plus chudan yoko geri kekomi attack
4th to 3rd KYU (Purple/White to Brown Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Soto uke, empi uchi, uraken, gyaku tsuki, gedan barai
Uchi uke, kizami tsuki, gyaku tsuki, gedan barai
Ushiro geri
Kata
Tekki Shodan Video (KUGB)
Kumite
As previous grading, plus jodan mawashi geri attack
3rd to 2nd KYU (Brown to Brown/White Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Mae geri, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki
Yoko geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
Mawashi geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
Ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
Kata
Bassai Dai Video (KUGB)
Kumite
Jiyu ippon Kumite attacking with jodan and chudan oi tsuki, chudan mae geri and yoko geri, jodan mawashi geri and chudan ushiro geri. All attacks are with the right side only.
2nd to 1st KYU (Brown/White to Brown/Double White Belt)
As previous grading, plus:
Kihon
Kizami tsuki, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki
Mae geri, yoko geri, mawashi geri, ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
Kata
Bassai Dai AND OPTIONALLY any Heian Kata or Tekki Shodan
Kumite
As previous grading
TIP for Beginners/White belts
After every grading students like to wear the next belt in their karate progression for photographs. Beginners might like to purchase an orange belt one week or so in advance of the event, so that they are prepared. Students who have graded before, are aware of this and usually come prepared. Also, all students must attend the examination in a karate suit.