Syllabus - 15 Years Plus
There is a timescale for progression through the grading system. Not all students will progress within this time-scale; some may take longer to achieve each grade.
Other factors that are taken into account when deciding if a student is ready for their next grade are:
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% attendance
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Ability to demonstrate techniques to an acceptable standard (this can only be judged by the instructor, unlike time and attendance)
With the increasing grades comes increasing demands upon the karate-ka. The combination of technique complexity, the meaning of kata, stress on strength and requirements of stamina test the knowledge and endurance of the student. This is why as the student approaches black belt and beyond, the time periods between grades become longer. As the student progresses then his/her knowledge of and, more crucially, understanding of karate matures.
8th Kyu: White Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Jodan tobikomizuki (Lead hand jab to head)
Jodan gyakuzuki (Rear hand straight to head)
Junzuki (Stepping lunge punch)
Gyakuzuki (Stepping reverse punch)
Jodanuke (Stepping upper receipt)
Gedan barai (Stepping lower sweeping)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch)
Surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki (Step up – groin kick, rear hand straight punch)
Pad Work
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch)
Surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki (Step up – groin kick, rear hand straight punch)
Mawashigeri (Round kick to shield)
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes lightly feeding straight punches as partner blocks and covers (swap ½ way).
1 minute forearm and neck grip (swap sides ½ way)
1 minute back and triceps grip (swap sides ½ way)
1 minute ‘playing for grips’
7th Kyu: Yellow Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Jodanuke (stepping upper receipt)
Sotouke (Stepping outer receipt)
Uchiuke (Stepping inner receipt)
Kagizuki (lead hand hook punch)
Kagi-shotai (lead hand hooking palm heel)
Kicks preformed on spot with rear leg:
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch)
Shotai, Shotai, kagi-shotai (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand hooking palm heel)
Tobikomizuki, surikomi kingeri (Lead hand jab, step up – groin kick)
Triple shotai, otoshi tettsui (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand hooking palm heel, dropping hammer fist)
Pad Work
Maegeri (Front kick)
Triple shotai, otoshi tettsui (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand palm heel, dropping hammer fist)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch)
Shotai, shotai, kagi-shotai (lead hand palm heel, rear hand palm heel, lead hand hooking palm heel)
Tobikomizuki, Surikomi kingeri (Lead hand jab, step up – groin kick)
1 minute jab & cross with movement to focus mitts
Kata
Pinan Shodan, 1st half
Bunkai
Pinan Shodan bunkai – One example
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes lightly feeding straight and hooking punches as partner blocks and covers (swap ½ way)
2 minutes static continuous punching whilst partner blocks and covers (swap ½ way)
2 minutes grappling for backs
6th Kyu: Orange Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette junzuki (Front kick and lunge punch)
Kette gyakuzuki (Front kick and reverse punch)
Soto-uke gyakuzuki (Outer receipt, reverse punch)
Uchiuke gyakuzuki (Inner receipt, reverse punch)
Kagizuki (Rear hand hook punch)
Kagi-Shotai (Rear hand hooking palm heel)
Hizageri (Rear leg knee kick with neck grip)
Kicks preformed on spot rear leg:
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch)
Shotai, shotai, kagi-shotai, shotai (as above, with palm heels)
Tobikomizuki, Surikomi mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, step up – round kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch)
Mawashi empi, mawashi empi, hizageri (Lead round elbow, rear round elbow, neck grab – rear knee kick, push & drop back)
Pad Work
Yokogeri (Side kick to shield)
Mawashi empi & otoshi empi (Round elbow & dropping elbow to shield)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead hand jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch)
Shotai, shotai, kagi-shotai, shotai (as above, with palm heels)
Tobikomizuki, surikomi mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki (Lead hand jab, step up – round kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch)
2 minutes of straight punches and hooks as presented by partner
Kata
Pinan Shodan (Safe from Harm level 1)
Bunkai
Pinan Shodan bunkai – Two examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
Rear naked strangle/choke
Tate shiho gatame (mount hold)
Kesa gatame (scarf hold)
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes rounds of free sparring hands
2 minutes punching from clinch
2 minutes on ground keeping feet towards partner (swap ½ way)
5th Kyu: Green Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Maegeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead leg front kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch)
Agezuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, kagizuki (Rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand hook punch)
Maegeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, Agezuki (Rear leg front kick, drop back – rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut)
Tobikomizuki, surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri (Lead hand jab, step up – groin kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick to thigh, drop back)
Pad Work
2 minute free hand strikes (as presented by partner)
2 minutes kicks on shield (front, round & side kicks with movement)
Kingeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki (Lead leg groin kick, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch)
Agezuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, Kagizuki (Rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand hook punch)
Maegeri, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, Agezuki (Rear leg front kick, drop back – rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut)
Tobikomizuki, surikomi kingeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri (Lead hand jab, step up – groin kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick to thigh, drop back)
Kata
Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan
Bunkai
Pinan Shodan and Pinan Nidan bunkai – Two examples from each kata
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
Juji-gatame from Tate Shiho Gatame (Arm bar from mount hold)
Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side control hold)
Kumite (Sparring)
2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring hands, feet
2 minutes grappling for back
2 minutes striking from clinch
2 minutes escaping from clinch (swap ½ way)
2 minutes get up hold down (swap ½ way)
4th Kyu: Purple Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick – dropping forward lunging punch – follow through and regain posture)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist)
Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch)
Pad Work
2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet)
2 minutes kicks on shield
Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick – dropping forward lunging punch – follow through and regain posture)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist)
Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch)
Kata
Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan
Bunkai
Pinan Sandan bunkai – Two examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
1 escape from yoko shiho gatame (side control) - Candidate’s choice
Kumite (Sparring)
2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring hands, feet, clinching
2 minutes ground fighting with strikes (start back to back), one to get to feet, one preventing
2 minutes ground grappling for hold including strike (start back to back)
Escape from 2 people (grabbing and striking)
3rd Kyu: Brown Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
3 of panels choice previous grading
Pad Work
Any 3 from previous grading
2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet)
Kata
Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, and Pinan Yondan
Bunkai
Four Pinan bunkai examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
2 throws (left and right) - Candidates’ choice
2 escapes from hold panel choice
Kumite (Sparring)
2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring hands, feet, clinching
2 minutes ground fighting submissions (start back to back), one to get to feet, one preventing
2 minutes compliant throws and takedowns
Escape from 2 people (grabbing and striking)
2nd Kyu: Brown Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette Junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick )
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
2 of panels choice previous grading
Pad Work
Any 2 from previous grading
2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet)
2 minutes punching shield
Kata
5 Pinan kata
Bunkai
Four Pinan bunkai examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
2 throws (left and right) - Candidates’ choice
2 strangles/ chokes (standing or on floor) candidates choice
2 standing arm locks candidates choice
2 escapes from hold panel choice
Kumite (Sparring)
2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring (no throws or takedowns)
3 minutes ground fighting submissions (no strikes)
2 minutes clinch fighting including strikes and throws
Escape from 2 people (grabbing and striking)
1st Kyu: Brown Belt
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick – dropping forward lunging punch – follow through and regain posture)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist)
Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch)
Pad Work
Any 3 from previous grading
2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet)
2 minutes punching shield
Kata
4 Pinan kata, Kushanku, and Naihanchi
Bunkai
Three Pinan bunkai examples
Naihanchi Flow Drill
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
2 throws (left and right) - Candidates’ choice
2 strangles/ chokes (standing or on floor) - Candidate’s choice
2 standing arm locks candidates choice
Kumite (Sparring)
2 x 2 minute rounds of free sparring (vertical, stop if goes to ground)
3 minutes ground fighting (strikes and submissions)
2 minutes ground fighting (strikes and submissions), one getting up, one trying to keep down, switch½ way through
Escape from 2 people whilst protecting a 3rd (grabbing and striking)
Shodan
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Tobikomizuki, mawashigeri, gyakuzuki, mawashigeri, junzuki (jab, lead round kick, rear hand straight punch, rear leg round kick – dropping forward lunging punch – follow through and regain posture)
Tobikomizuki, gyakuzuki, kagizuki, gyakuzuki, hizageri, kingeri, shotai, shotai, otoshi tettsui (Jab, rear hand straight punch, lead hand hook punch, rear hand straight punch, neck grab and knee kick, step forwards and push, rear leg groin kick, two rear palm heel strikes, dropping hammer fist)
Tobikomizuki, kagizuki, Agezuki, gyakuzuki (Jab, lead hand hook punch, rear hand uppercut, rear hand straight punch)
Pad Work
The above renraku waza to pads, plus 2 of panel’s choice
2 x 2 minute rounds (hands)
2 x 2 minute rounds (feet)
2 x 2 minute rounds (hands and feet)
3 minutes punching shield
Kata
3 Pinan kata, Kushanku, Naihanchi, and Chinto
Bunkai
Five Pinan bunkai examples
Naihanchi Flow Drill
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
2 throws (left and right) - Candidates’ choice
2 strangles/ chokes (standing or on floor)
2 standing arm locks
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes full all-in sparring
2 minutes vertical all in sparring
2 minutes ground all-in sparring for submission
2 minutes ground all-in sparring (get back on feet switch 1/2 way)
2 minute escape from clinch (switch 1/2 way)
Any other sparring of the panel’s choice
Nidan
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Any 3 combinations of the panel’s choice from previous gradings – Can be syllabus combinations or others
Pad Work
Any 3 combinations of the panel’s choice from previous gradings – Can be syllabus combinations or others
3 x 2 minute rounds on focus mitts (1st hands, 2nd feet, 3rd hands & feet)
3 minutes on the strike shield – Hands & feet
Kata
Any Pinan kata of the panel’s choice, Kushanku, Naihanchi, Chinto, and Passai
Bunkai
Naihanchi & Kushanku examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
3 throws/takedowns
Escape from holds of the panel’s choice
3 wrist locks
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes of full all-in sparring
2 minutes of vertical all-in sparring
2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (for submission)
2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (get back to feet – Switch ½ way)
2 minutes of escape from clinch – Switch ½ way
Sandan
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Any 3 combinations of the panel’s choice from previous gradings – Can be syllabus combinations or others
Pad Work
Any 3 combinations of the panel’s choice from previous gradings – Can be syllabus combinations or others
3 x 2 minute rounds on focus mitts (1st hands, 2nd feet, 3rd hands & feet)
3 minutes on the strike shield – Hands & feet
Kata
Naihanchi, Kushanku, Chinto & Passai
Bunkai
Naihanchi, Chinto & Passai examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
3 throws/takedowns
3 counters to holds of the panel’s choice
3 chokes/strangles
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes of full all-in sparring
2 minutes of vertical all-in sparring
2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (for submission)
2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (get back to feet – Switch ½ way)
2 minutes of escape from clinch – Switch ½ way)
Yondan
Kihon Waza (Fundamental Techniques)
Kette junzuki (Kick and lunge punch)
Kette gyakuzuki (Kick and reverse punch)
Kingeri (Groin kick)
Maegeri (Front kick)
Mawashigeri (Round kick)
Yokogeri (Side kick)
Ushirogeri (Back kick )
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Any 3 combinations of the panel’s choice from previous gradings – Can be syllabus combinations or others
Pad Work
Any three combinations of the panel’s choice from previous gradings – Can be syllabus combinations or others
3 x 2 minute rounds on focus mitts (1st hands, 2nd feet, 3rd hands & feet)
3 minutes on the strike shield – Hands & feet
Kata
Naihanchi, Kushanku, Chinto, Passai & Wanshu
Bunkai
Naihanchi, Kushanku, Chinto, Passai & Wanshu examples
Tuite and Tegumi (Grappling)
Candidate to demonstrate any number and type of grappling manoeuvre as selected by panel
Kumite (Sparring)
2 minutes of full all-in sparring
2 minutes of vertical all-in sparring
2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (for submission)
2 minutes of ground all-in sparring (get back to feet – Switch ½ way)
2 minutes of escape from clinch – Switch ½ way)