The Karate Grading System
The grading system for Karate, like all Japanese, derivative martial arts is very formalised. In 1924 Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate, adopted the Dan system from Judo founder Jigoro Kano, using a rank system with a limited set of belt colors. Kano himself adopted the Dan ranking system, which was invented by Honinbo Dosaku a professional go player in the Edo period. Dosaku valued the then highest title holder, Meijin at 9 Dan.
In modern Japanese martial arts, holders of dan ranks often wear a black belt. Dan ranks are still given in arts such as the strategy board games Go and Renju, the art of flower arrangement (ikebana)and tea ceremony. The character of Dan (段 dan) is used in Japanese to mean step or grade, and is commonly equated with degree. However, the origin of the Chinese character, pronounced duán in modern Pinyin, was used to mean “phase”. Dan rank is often used along with the lower rank system, Kyu(級 Kyū) rank. Kyu is a Japanese term used in martial arts, go and ikebana, such as Japanese traditional culture, and academic tests and in other similar activities to designate various grades or levels or class of proficiency or experience.
he use of belts to denote ranks were used by different athletic departments within the Japanese school system, most notably for swimmers, prior to their adoption by Kano. Karate, as we know also adopted the white Gi along the Judo lines.
In the Kyu/Dan system the beginner grades start with a higher numbered kyū (e.g., 10th Kyū or Jukyū) and progress toward a lower numbered kyū. The Dan progression continues from 1st Dan (Shodan, or ‘beginning dan’) to the higher dan grades. Kyū-grade karateka are referred to as “color belt” or mudansha (“ones without dan/rank”). Dan-grade karateka are referred to as yudansha (holders of dan/rank). Yudansha typically wear a black belt. Requirements of rank differ among styles, organizations, and schools. Kyū ranks stress stances, balance and coordination. Traditionally, speed and power are a condition of passing higher grades. The number of Kyu grades that apply vary from system to system – some having 10 kyu grades and some 8. Very occasionally, there may be a sub-division of the kyu grade into the ‘Mon,’ or ‘half grade’ reserved for Junior students.
The following is a typical division of kyu level belts and the associated colour:s
- 10th Kyu – White Belt
- 9th Kyu – Yellow Belt
- 8th Kyu – Orange Belt
- 7th Kyu – Green Belt
- 6th Kyu – Blue Belt White Stripe
- 5th Kyu – Blue Belt Black Stripe
- 4th Kyu – Purple Belt White Stripe
- 3rd Kyu – Purple Belt Black Stripe
- 2nd Kyu – Brown Belt White Stripe & Black Stripe)
- 1st Kyu Solid Brown Belt–
In modern times, a dan-ranked practitioner of a style is usually recognized as a martial artist who has surpassed the Kyu, or basic, ranks. They may also become a licensed instructor in their art. In many styles, however, achieving a dan rank means that while one is no longer considered a beginner, one is not yet necessarily an expert. Rather it means that one has learned the basics.
The total number of dan ranks is style-specific (1st through 5th and 1st through 10th are common in Japanese arts). The lower dan grades can normally be attained through a grading examination or sometimes through competition. The higher dan grades usually require years of experience and contribution to the relevant martial art. This may be through instruction or research and publication. These grades can only be awarded by a higher-graded representative of the principal dojo or sometimes by a steering committee.There is no set achievement level that is universal. Ranking systems are specific to the school or style, so ranks do not necessarily translate across different martial arts styles. In fact, dan ranks do not necessarily indicate one wears a black belt. In certain martial arts such as iaido, kendo, or jodo, no external signifier of rank is worn, though it is by far the most common and recognizable symbol by the general public.
Wearing a black belt is a great privilege
A grade is a measure of the level of attainment of a Karate or Kickboxing student. Each grade is signified by a different coloured belt, starting with the White belt and progressing to Black. Below the black belt, grades are referred to as Kyu, Black belts are called Dan.
next grading: Sunday, 6 September
Gradings are formal assessments to review your or your child progress in acquiring skills in the Art of Karate (or Kickboxing). They may be considered to be like "milestones" in learning. However, it must be remembered that Gradings are not the "be all and end all". It is a means of giving feedback and recognition for your child skills. Each grade is signified by a different coloured belt, starting with the White belt and progressing to Black belt.
Wearing a black belt is a great privilege, and carries a deal of responsibility. Fewer than 1 in10000 people ever try their hand at a martial art. For every 1000 people who do begin Karate, only one will achieve a Dan grade. Most will drop out before they achieve a senior grade (senior grades are 3rd Kyu - brown belt - and above). Above this point the 'drop-out' rate is somewhat smaller, but still less than half those who achieve 3rd Kyu will eventually reach black belt.
Gradings at Mosman Martial Arts Academy
Child Gradings are RADICALLY different to conventional Adult GradingsThe belt system of ranking that you will find in most karate and kickboxing clubs/organisations is based on the original system created by the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano. Unfortunately, that ranking system was never designed with children in mind. In particular, children learn differently, think differently, grow differently and are constantly evolving individuals (physiologically, anatomically, psychologically, developmentally etc.).
At Mosman Martial Arts Academy we teach children from 3 years upwards (most clubs start at 5 or, more commonly, at 7 years of age). Our Chief Instructors (Karate All Style NSW Champion, Sydney Karate Champion, ex World Champion and author of two Kata and Kumite referees exams for World All Styles Karate Championships) are acutely aware of the diverse and complex nature of child development. As such, the ranking system for karate students in our Academy reflect this.
Children's gradings need to be of a transitional nature. This is because, unlike adults, they are constantly changing. When an adult learns something, it is 'static' learning - what they can do today is similar to what they could do if they were to repeat it tomorrow. Change is slow with adults, it is rapid with children. When a child learns something, it is 'dynamic' learning - as their minds and bodies change, their depth of maturity and skills evolve radically.
Adult gradings take into account only the physical, emotional and psychological development. Child gradings also take into account the multidimensional neuro-developmental aspects too. This means that the methods of assessment need to be radically different and are more challenging to undertake well, from an examiners point of view. Few 'specialist' karate teachers/examiners exist for children. Most karate teachers and examiners are experiential practitioners. In other words, they examine and teach based on their own experience of being a student and their experience of teaching/examining. Few have formal training in child psychology and child development. Even fewer know how to apply that to teaching and examining environment, to the best advantage of the child student.
What Is A Grading?
Gradings are where students get the opportunity to show to the Academy Chief Instructors and other Black Belt Dan grades how they have progressed since their previous grading. Equally, gradings are where our Academy Instructors are also assessed, to see how well they have taught their students! So, while it is natural for students to feel a little aprehensive, they should take comfort in the knowledge that their instructors are feeling just the same!
Gradings are held once every 3 -6 months (depending on the Kyu level). Gradings are a great opportunity to meet students from different clubs.
Am I Ready To Grade?
All students, not just junior grades (below 3rd Kyu), should be guided by the advice of Sensei. Remember that Sensei has already gone through all the gradings ahead of you, so has a wealth of experience in this area!
If you are determined to attend a grading, regardless of what Sensei recommends, no-one will prevent you. But bear in mind that ignoring Sensei's advice can mean the difference between a good grading and poor one.
The minimum amount time between moving from one grade to the next, up until brown belt (3rd Kyu), is 3 months. From brown belt to Brown & one white stripe (2nd Kyu) takes a minimum of 6 months, and a further minimum of 6 months must go by before reaching Brown & two white stripes (1st Kyu). A full year must pass before a student becomes eligible to grade for the Black belt.
These minimum times should more accurately be described by the number of hours a student trains at the Dojo. As an Association we have many years of experience, and this has taught us that a student who trains once a month for 3 months is never going to achieve the standard required! So we have set a tariff of a minimum of 20 hours Dojo training in each 3 month period. That works out to roughly 2 hour a week. As students progress in their training towards being senior grades, they will see for themselves that this is far too little, and 4 hours a week becomes the expected hours for high grades (3rd Kyu and above)...
So, in summary, students should remember the following:
- The time between gradings is a minimum - many students take longer to prepare for a grading.
- No student is expected to grade every time - students will not be expected to progress faster than they feel is comfortable.
- No student should expect to grade every time - follow the advice of your Sensei.
What Happens At A Grading?
Gradings begin with registration. Please make a point of registering as soon as you arrive.
Next, all students gather for a quick warm-up, usually taken by one of the senior Kyu grades. Don't worry about it - the warm-up will follow the familiar routine that you observe in your Dojo. After the warm-up,grading itself begins.
You are asked to demonstrate skills, in front of Association instructors, in three areas:
- Kihon (basics) is just that. Remember all the punching and blocking you've done, up and down the Dojo floor, over and over again? That's all there is to it. You will be asked to perform different techniques (for example, downward block, stepping punch, upper-rising block) a number of times in front of the judges.
- Kata (from). Here you demonstrate the Kata you've been practicing. For your very first grading this is the just first 8 moves of Taikyoku Shodan
- Kumite (sparring, only for experts) is where you show your ability to perform formal attacks and defences against an opponent. Once again, you've done this many times in the Dojo, paired up with a partner. Note that beginners (first belts) do not have any Kumite exercises to perform.