
Tokon Kai Gradings
Overview
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.
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 syllabus sheet and licence book upon membership/licence payment. Students will need these items before they will be able to progress through the belt system.
Once students have completed 18 lessons and mastered their syllabus moves, they will be assessed for their 1st belt- a grading
SUBSEQUENT BELTS
All subsequent belts vary in the minimum number of lessons and additional requirements.
Students must have trained for a minimum of 3 months since their last grading. Gradings are by invite only



Tokon Kai Belt System & Syllabus
The pre-black belt grades are called kyu grades and are numbered in descending order from 10th kyu (white belt) to 1st Kyu (brown double stripe); see below chart.
After 1st kyu are the dan grades, which are numbered in ascending order. All dan grades wear black belts and usually have stripes on their belt to denote their dan grade.
Grade | Colour Belt | Lessons | Minimum Period |
|---|---|---|---|
10th Kyu - 9th Kyu | 18 | 3 Months | |
9th Kyu - 8th Kyu | 18 | 3 Months | |
8th Kyu - 7th Kyu | 18 | 3 Months | |
7th Kyu - 6th Kyu | 24 | 3 Months | |
6th Kyu - 5th Kyu | 24 | 3 Months | |
5th Kyu - 4th Kyu | 24 | 3 Months | |
4th Kyu - 3rd Kyu | 24 | 3 Months | |
3rd Kyu - 2nd Kyu | 30 | 3 Months | |
2nd Kyu - 1st Kyu | 30 | 3 Months | |
1st Kyu - 1st Dan | 100 | 1 Year | |
1st Dan - 2nd Dan | 200 | 2 Years | |
2nd Dan - 3rd Dan | 300 | 3 Years | |
3rd Dan - 4th Dan | 400 | 4 Years | |
4th Dan - 5th Dan | 5 Years |
Tokon Kai Karate Syllabus
Syllabus books are available to purchase at your dojo for £3
DACHI - Stances
GERI - Kicks
KAMAE - Postures
TSUKI - Punches
UCHI - Strikes
UKE - Blocks
Move | Stance |
|---|---|
HIRAKEN | Flat Fist or Fore knuckle fist |
HIZA GERI | (strike) Knee Kick |
IPPON KEN | One Knuckle Fist |
IPPON NUKITE | One Finger Strike |
IPPON TSUKI | One Finger Thrust |
JIYU KAMAE | Free Sparring Posture |
JO UKE WAZA | Jo Blocking Techniques |
JODAN UKE | High Level Block |
JUJI UKE | X Block |
KAGI KAMAE | Hooking Posture |
KAGI TSUKI | Hook Punch |
KAGI UKE | Hooking Block |
KAISHO UKE | Open Hand Block |
KAKATO GERI | Axe Kick |
KAKE UKE | Hooking Block |
KAKIWAKE UKE | Reverse Wedge Block |
KAMAE | (sometimes spelt Gamae) Posture or Stance |
KAMAETE | A command given by the instructor for students to get into position |
KEITO UCHI | Chicken Head Strike |
KEITO UKE | Chicken Head Block |
