Progress
in karate training is rewarded by the
issue of coloured belts in a set order,
upon successful completion of grading
(exam). Gradings also provide students
with a guide on how their karate
techniques are improving.
Gradings test each of the three
disciplines of karate (kihon, kata and
kumite). Students are usually in groups
when performing their gradings.
Kihon (basics) consist of students
performing sets of 5 techniques with a
kia on the 5th technique. These range
from simple stepping punches and blocks
for beginners, through to advanced
combinations for the higher grades. The
examiner will pre-announce each set of
moves.
Each grade has an associated kata which
students will perform at the grading.
For younger children 9yrs and below kata
is not performed at a grading until they
reach yellow belt.
At 1st Dan gradings, students must also
perform kata applications.
Finally, the kumite (fighting) or pair
work, starts with three-step for
beginners, one step for coloured belts
and Kumite (free sparring) for 1st Kyu
and above
ATTENDANCE CARD & YOUR FIRST BELT
(orange)
Students receive a grading attendance
card and licence book upon
membership/licence payment. Students
will need these items before they will
be able to progress through the belt
system. At each lesson the attendance
card is stamped by the main club
instructor.
Once students have completed 18 lessons
on their stamp card and their instructor
agrees the required standard has been
reached, students will be assessed for
their 1st belt.
SUBSEQUENT BELTS
All subsequent belts vary in the minimum
number of lessons and additional
requirements. These will be shown on the
attendance stamp card. Every belt
students will receive a new coloured
coded stamp card. Students must have
trained for a minimum of 3 months since
their last grading and their instructor
must confirm the required standard has
been reached. A form will then be
issued.
Grading Location
Bromfords Sports Centre
(Grange Avenue, Wickford)
11:30 am
Last Sunday of every month
Please see the
Annual
Agenda page for exact dates of the
gradings.
After School Clubs
Students are graded up to and including
green belt, during their normal lesson. Students will be assessed during the lesson and if they pass their grading they will be awarded their belt at the end of the lesson.
