GRADINGS AND EXAMINATIONS
What is a grading?
Grading’s are formal platforms where by students will be assessed and examined in order to progress to the next grade. The grading will be conducted by a senior Dan grade of the school who will have been briefed by the candidate’s class teacher.
Because the art of KarateDo is based on human spirit, kindness, respect and etiquette, the examiner will take into account each aspect when considering the promotion of a student.
The attitude of the candidate will also be of prime importance when considering any promotion. Reiwaryu emphasis mind and body.
Kata, syllabus pair works, kumite (for seniors only) and Kihon basics will be needed to demonstrate the required syllabus for the grade being tested. As each grade progresses the knowledge base will increase.
Students will be invited to grade by their class teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to show willingness to progress, and to put themselves forward for assessment but they should never ask to be graded.
What do Karate grades mean?
The grade alone is not the objective of KarateDo. The belt system is a relatively modern concept for traditional martial arts. Because classes and schools can have large amounts of students it became necessary to introduce a system to clearly show a level of experience and knowledge. The colored belt system achieves this objective.
Traditionally in Okinawa, it is believed that originally there were only two belts. White for beginners, symbolizing emptiness and a fresh capacity to learn – ‘the beginners mind’ and black belt, perhaps by its darker color to signify the passing of time and knowledge acquired.
Our belt system (kyu grades) progresses with colour, each colour gradually becoming darker. There are 7 colours, like the seven codes of Budo. White, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown and Black. At green belt level students are considered seniors and may sometimes be referred to as sempei. At black belt level grades will increase in ‘Dan’ or degrees. The title of Sensei may be used from first Dan and above depending on the students age and responsibility’s.
Students must never look at another Karateka and judge them on their technique. Time, attitude, commitment to the school and striving for correct form will have played an immense part in their grade. Remember that personal development is at our heart, not elitism.
What the belt actually means to the wearer will be formed upon the value they put on it. If they recognize their hard work and continued effort, then they should be inwardly proud. The belt (Obi) should be respected. When putting the Obi on and taking it off the student should do so on one knee. The Obi must be kept tidily and never thrown on the floor. A student should never wear another karateka’s obi or a grade above their own. When in public, i.e going to and from the Dojo, the student should not display his or her belt.
How to look after the Karate Obi is a topic of dispute! Some believe the belt should never be washed as it will take away the knowledge and heart of the student, others see no harm in lightly washing it periodically to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. We feel that students should make their own decision in this regard.
The attitude of the candidate will also be of prime importance when considering any promotion. Reiwaryu emphasis mind and body.
Kata, syllabus pair works, kumite (for seniors only) and Kihon basics will be needed to demonstrate the required syllabus for the grade being tested. As each grade progresses the knowledge base will increase.
Students will be invited to grade by their class teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to show willingness to progress, and to put themselves forward for assessment but they should never ask to be graded.
What do Karate grades mean?
The grade alone is not the objective of KarateDo. The belt system is a relatively modern concept for traditional martial arts. Because classes and schools can have large amounts of students it became necessary to introduce a system to clearly show a level of experience and knowledge. The colored belt system achieves this objective.
Traditionally in Okinawa, it is believed that originally there were only two belts. White for beginners, symbolizing emptiness and a fresh capacity to learn – ‘the beginners mind’ and black belt, perhaps by its darker color to signify the passing of time and knowledge acquired.
Our belt system (kyu grades) progresses with colour, each colour gradually becoming darker. There are 7 colours, like the seven codes of Budo. White, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown and Black. At green belt level students are considered seniors and may sometimes be referred to as sempei. At black belt level grades will increase in ‘Dan’ or degrees. The title of Sensei may be used from first Dan and above depending on the students age and responsibility’s.
Students must never look at another Karateka and judge them on their technique. Time, attitude, commitment to the school and striving for correct form will have played an immense part in their grade. Remember that personal development is at our heart, not elitism.
What the belt actually means to the wearer will be formed upon the value they put on it. If they recognize their hard work and continued effort, then they should be inwardly proud. The belt (Obi) should be respected. When putting the Obi on and taking it off the student should do so on one knee. The Obi must be kept tidily and never thrown on the floor. A student should never wear another karateka’s obi or a grade above their own. When in public, i.e going to and from the Dojo, the student should not display his or her belt.
How to look after the Karate Obi is a topic of dispute! Some believe the belt should never be washed as it will take away the knowledge and heart of the student, others see no harm in lightly washing it periodically to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. We feel that students should make their own decision in this regard.
Grades Within Our School
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五級 5TH KYU GREEN BELT
四級 4TH KYU PURPLE BELT 三級 3RD KYU PURPLE BELT 二級 2ND KYU BROWN BELT 一級 1ST KYU BROWN BELT 初段 1ST DAN BLACK BELT |
