Karate students work
their way from novice (white belt) through
ten Kyu grades, to 1st Dan (black belt).
To achieve a Kyu grade our
students must sit a grading. Unlike some organisations our
students may only grade up to three times a year, but are tested on their
abilities every month. This helps to maintain a high standard, rather than
having students scrape through.
Each part of the
grading is tested towards the end of
each month. During
the month our classes prepare the student for that exam.
Providing the student
achieves the four passes, a grade is awarded.
In the event
of a student not achieving a full pass, they are able to
re-sit the required part the following week or in the next quarter free of
charge.
| All four
sections which must be completed. To be completed the satisfaction of the grading panel |
||
| 1) Taiiku | Series of exercises and/or bag work | |
| 2) Kihon | Basic moves. | Techniques as laid down in our grading syllabus |
| 3) Kata | Sets of techniques performed on the floor, | Each grade has a specific kata to perform, sometimes more. |
| 4) Kumite | Sparring | One step, semi free, or free fighting techniques and counters. |
Belt Structure |
|
| Belt | Grade |
| Novice | White |
| Red | 10th Kyu |
| Orange | 9th Kyu |
| Yellow | 8th Kyu |
| Yellow / Orange stripe | 7th Kyu |
| Green | 6th Kyu |
| Green / Purple stripe | 5th Kyu |
| Purple | 4th Kyu |
| Purple / Brown stripe | 3rd Kyu |
| Brown | 2nd Kyu |
| Brown /Red stripe | 1st Kyu |
| Black | 1st Dan |
There are additional colours of belt, however these are used when students either not made a full grade, or in some cases, exceeded their target grade. We are working towards phasing these out, but you may see existing students with half grade belts.
Once a student achieves 1st Kyu (brown/black stripe),
the rules of grading
change slightly, they must must have the agreement of a club
instructor before they may sit their grading.
Higher Dan grades are more
complex, the training time extends over a longer period. In
addition to our internal exams students may wish to apply to have their grade
confirmed by the national association the instructors are part of.
All Dan grades may only be applied for after at least one year
membership with Livingston Karate Club.