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 awarded their 1st belt. Students do not have to take a grading for their first 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 few belts students will receive a new coloured coded stamp card. Students must have trained for a minimum of 10 weeks since their last grading and their instructor must confirm the required standard has been reached. A form will them be issued.

Orange, red, Yellow belts

Students are graded up to and including yellow 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.

After School Clubs

Students are graded up to and including purple 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.

Green to Brown Double Stripe

Grading for green to Brown Double Stripe is held at the below designated locations every Sunday and under exam conditions.

Black Belt (Dan) gradings

See Dan grading section for full details

Grading Locations

Bromfords Sports Centre (Grange Avenue, Wickford)		Sunday 11.30am
Springfield Parish Centre (New Bowers Way, Springfield, Chelmsford)		Sunday 6pm

To book your grading please first check with your main club instructor that you have reached the required standard to attempt your belt.  Then you must download the relevent form or ask you instructor for one and return to them with the grading fee and your black licence book before the day you would like to grade.

Click here to download the White to Orange Belt Grading form

Click here to download the Main Grading form

Click here to download the Afterschool Grading form