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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
Geri
Kamae
Tsuki
Uchi
Uke

DACHI - Stances

GERI - Kicks

KAMAE - Postures

TSUKI - Punches

UCHI - Strikes

UKE - Blocks

Move
Stance
KEKOMI
Thrust Kick (Literally, Kick Into/Straight). See Kerikomi
KENTSUI UCHI
Hammer Fist Strike
KENTSUI UKE
Hammer Fist Block
KERI
Kick
KERU
Kick This is used when saying kick as a verb
KIBA DACHI
Straddle Stance
KIZAMI TSUKI
Jabbing Punch
KOKUTSU DACHI
Back Stance
KOSA DACHI
Cross Stance
KOSA UKE
Crossed Block
KOSHI KAMAE
A stance where the fists are held one above the other against one of the hips
KUMADE UCHI
Bear hand strike
MAE GERI
Front Kick
MAE GERI KEAGE
Front Snapping Kick
MAE GERI KEKOMI
Front Thrust Kick
MAWASHI GERI
Roundhouse Kick
MAWASHI TSUKI
Roundhouse Punch
MIGI KAMAE
Right Posture
MIKAZUKI GERI
Crescent Kick
MOROTE TSUKI
Augmented Punch or U-Punch
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