A grading is an examination for karate to determine if a student can progress to a higher rank. They are generally held twice a year, near the end of each semester a week or two before exams begin.

Students of different rank are often graded together, and with certain exceptions, they all are required to do the same things. However, there will be different expectations as to how well they perform various activities.

A grading is about 2.5 - 3 hours long, and is generally composed of the following:

• Junbi Undo (Warm Ups)
• Kihon (Basics)
• Moving basics
• Kata
• Bunkai
• Kumite (Sparring)
• Spirit Test
• Theory Test (sometimes)

To some degree a grading is “just another training session”, but given the nature of the event everyone tries that little bit harder and so it does tend to be more intense.

The examiner will look at each of the above categories, as well as speed, power, focus, stamina and spirit. A poor level in one or two categories may be offset by very good or excellent levels in other categories. Generally, students who have trained regularly need not fear being unsuccessful. Students are usually not put forward for grading by their instructor unless the instructor is confident that the student has reached the required level.

After a grading, passing students are awarded certificates, and (if they have one) the grading is recorded in their grading booklet (which can be purchased at cost price from the club exec).

Theory Test

Grading sometimes involves a theory test, especially at 1st dan (black belt) and above. High dan grades (San dan and above) may even be asked to submit an essay before their grading.

Theory tests generally ask questions about the History of Goju-Ryu (including the people involved), karate terminology, and technical details about things like Kata.

Study material

1. Read this wiki!
2. Two databases of potential questions are available for practice, one is hosted by Sensei Ewan (opens new window), the other by Mat (opens new window).
3. You can also ask your Sensei or Senpai for advice on where to find information.
4. Eventually, a reference section for books/videos and other study materials will be added to this wiki as well

Grading ranks and requirements

Kyu Grades - Coloured Belts

Each rank has a different belt and generally learns a specific Kata or set of Bunkai. These form the basis of the grading requirements for the next rank.

• Ungraded (White Belt)
  • Learns:
    • Gekisai Dai Ichi
• 9th Kyu (Blue Belt)
  • Learns:
    • Gekisai Dai Ichi (Bunkai)
    • Gekisai Dai Ni
    • Sanchin
• 8th Kyu (Blue Belt, one black tab)
  • Learns:
    • Gekisai Dai Ni (Bunkai)
    • Saifa
• 7th Kyu (Yellow Belt)
  • Learns:
    • Saifa (Bunkai.md)
• 6th Kyu (Yellow Belt, one black tab)
  • Learns:
    • Seiyunchin
• 5th Kyu (Green Belt)
  • Learns:
    • Seiyunchin (Bunkai)
• 4th Kyu (Green Belt, one black tab)
  • Learns:
    • Shisochin
• 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt)
  • Learns:
    • Shisochin (Bunkai)
• 2nd Kyu (Brown Belt, one black tab)
  • Learns:
• 1st Kyu (Brown Belt, two black tabs)
  • Learns:

Dan Grades - Black Belts

Uses one belt colour, black. Follows a more open syllabus than the kyu grades, as most students have learned or begun to learn all the remaining kata in the system by the time they reach Sandan.

• Shodan (1st Dan)
  • Learns:
    • Sanseiru
    • Tensho
• Nidan (2nd Dan)
  • Learns:
    • Seipai
• Sandan (3rd Dan)
  • Learns:
    • Kururunfa
    • Seisan
    • Suupaarinpei
• Yondan (4th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?
• Godan (5th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?
• Rokudan (6th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?
• Nanadan (7th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?
• Hachidan (8th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?
• Kyudan (9th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?
• Jyudan (10th Dan)
  • Learns:
  • ?