Training & Grading Syllabus
This page shows the Karate techniques each student needs to practice which are required for their grading.
All the grading criteria are listed below in sections, each section shows the techniques for a particular grade, i.e. section Yellow Belt 7th Kyu shows the student what they must know and perform in order to pass for their 7th Kyu (yellow belt).
Grading for 10th Kyu White Belt
10th Kyu (White Belt) or for 10 lesson Foundation Course completion
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backwards in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke 3 times
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Kata – Moves 20 – Time 38 Seconds
Kiai on moves 8 & 16
Yoi, Your kata is Kihon Kata
When grading it is important to remember that the students have only completed a 10 week foundation course in Shotokan Karate, so pay attention to the students ability to LOOSELY understand the concepts of Kihon basics such as Stance transition, mid and upper levels, shoulders, hips rotation, when to bow etc etc, we are not expecting perfection in any way.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Try using Japanese at all times when training and grading, but be prepared to use English terms if students fail to understand what they are being told.
When using Japanese Speak more slowly
Grading for 9th Kyu - Orange Belt
9th Kyu (Orange Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke 3 times
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Kata – Moves 20 – Time 38 Seconds
Kiai on moves 8 & 16
Yoi, Your kata is Kihon Kata
Kumite (3 step) kiai on 3rd step/gyaku-zuki
Sanbon Kumite
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Forwards Jodan Oi-zuki 3 times
Backwards Jodan Age-uke 3 times then
Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
Forwards Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Backwards Chudan Soto-ude-uke 3 times Then
Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
When grading it is important to remember that the students have only completed a 10 week foundation course in Shotokan Karate, so pay attention to the students ability to LOOSELY understand the concepts of Kihon basics such as Stance transition, mid and upper levels, shoulders, hips rotation, when to bow etc etc, we are not expecting perfection in any way.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Try using Japanese at all times when training and grading, but be prepared to use English terms if students fail to understand what they are being told.
When using Japanese Speak more slowly
Grading for 8th Kyu - Red Belt
8th Kyu (Red Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Fodan Age-uke 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke 3 times
Chudan Shuto-uke 3 times
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Kata – Moves 21 – Time 40 Seconds
Kiai on moves 9 & 17
Yoi, Your kata is Heian Shodan
Kumite (5 step) kiai on 3rd step/gyaku-zuki
Gohon Kumite
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Forward Jodan Oi-zuki 5 times
Backwards Jodan Age-uke 5 times then
Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
ForwardChudan Jun-zuki 5 times
Backwards Chudan Soto-ude-uke 5 times then
Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
Examiners will look predominately for correct basic form and smooth tranistion between techniques.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Try using Japanese at all times when training and grading, but be prepared to use English terms if students fail to understand what they are being told.
Grading for 7th Kyu - Yellow Belt
7th Kyu (Yellow Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke 3 times
Forward/Backwards in Kokutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
FMae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Hidari/Migi in Kiba-dachi
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-Keage 3 times
Yame
Kata – Moves 26 – Time 40 Seconds
Kiai on moves 11 & 26
Yoi, Your kata is Heian Nidan
Kumite (5 step) kiai on 3rd step/gyaku-zuki
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Gohon Kumite Forward/Backwards
Forward Jodan Oi-zuki 5 times
Backwards Jodan Age-uke 5 times then
Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
Forward Chudan Jun-zuki 5 times
Backwards Chudan Soto-ude-uke 5 times Then
Chudan Gyaku-Zuki
Examiners will look predominately for correct basic form and smooth transition between techniques.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Grading for 6th Kyu - Green Belt
6th Kyu (Green Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backwards in Kokutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Performed in Kiba-dachi
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-keage 3 times
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-kekomi 3 times
Yame
Kata – Moves 21 – Time 40 Seconds
Kiai on moves 10 & 21
Yoi, Your kata is Heian Sandan
Kihon Ippon Kumite (1 step) kiai on all
techniques, each student performs both
left and right attacks and defences.
Attacker in Zenkutsu-dachi
Defender in Shizen-tai
Forwards Hidari Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Hidari Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Each student starts in Shizen-tai.
Both perform Rai.
Aattacker steps back with right leg into zenkutsu-dachi and shouts Jodan before attacking once with kiai.
Defender must use any block to counter the attack and then must counter attack with either hand or foot technique.
Once left has been completed, start again and perform on the right side.
Now change roles, atacker now defends and defender is now the attacker.
Examiners will look predominately for correct basic form and smooth transition between techniques.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Grading for 5th Kyu - Purple Belt
5th Kyu (Purple Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backwards Shuto in Kokutsu-dachi
then Nukite in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke + Nukite 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Jodan Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Stepping left/right in Kiba-dachi
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-keage 3 times
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-kekomi 3 times
Yame
Kata – Moves 27 – Time 50 Seconds
Kiai on moves 13 & 25
Yoi, Your kata is Heian Yondan
Kihon Ippon Kumite (1 step) kiai on all
techniques, each student performs both
left and right attacks and defences.
Attacker in Zenkutsu-dachi
Defender in Shizen-tai
Forwards Hidari Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Hidari Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Migi Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Each student starts in Shizen-tai.
Both perform Rai.
Aattacker steps back with right leg into zenkutsu-dachi and shouts Jodan/Chudan before attacking once with kiai.
Defender must use any block to counter the attack and then must counter attack with either hand or foot technique,
Then both students Rai and then start in same position for the next attack/defend until all techniques in the sequence have completed.
Once left has been completed, start again and perform on the right side.
Now change roles, atacker now defends and defender is now the attacker.
Examiners will look predominately for correct basic form and smooth transition between techniques.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Grading for 4th Kyu - Purple with White Strip Belt
4th Kyu (Purple + 1 White Stripe Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Jodan Jun-zuki 3 times
Chudan Jun-zuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Chudan Soto-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backwards Shuto in Kokutsu-dachi
then Nukite in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke + Nukite 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Jodan Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Stepping left/right in Kiba-dachi
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-keage 3 times
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-kekomi 3 times
Yame
Kata – Moves 23 – Time 50 Seconds
Kiai on moves 12 & 19
Yoi, Your kata is Heian Godan
Kihon Ippon Kumite (1 step) kiai on all
techniques, each student performs both
left and right attacks and defences.
Attacker in Zenkutsu-dachi
Defender in Shizen-tai
Forwards Hidari Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Hidari Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Migi Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Each student starts in Shizen-tai.
Both perform Rai.
Aattacker steps back with right leg into zenkutsu-dachi and shouts Jodan/Chudan before attacking once with kiai.
Defender must use any block to counter the attack and then must counter attack with either hand or foot technique,
Then both students Rai and then start in same position for the next attack/defend until all techniques in the sequence have completed.
Once left has been completed, start again and perform on the right side.
Now change roles, atacker now defends and defender is now the attacker.
Examiners will look predominately for correct basic form and smooth transition between techniques.
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Grading for 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt
3rd Kyu (Brown Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Sanbon Renzuki (Jodan Oi-zuki, Chudan Gyaku-zuki + oi-zuki)
Sanbon-renzuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backward Soto in Zenkutsu-dachi then Empi in Kiba-dachi
Chudan Soto-ude-uke + Yoko-empi 3 times
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backwards Shuto in Kokutsu-dachi then Nukite in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke + Nukite 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi in Kamae
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Chudan Mawashi-geri 3 times
Mawate
Jodan Mawashi-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Stepping left/right in Kiba-dachi in Kamae
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-keage 3 times
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-kekomi 3 times
Yame
Kata – moves 29 – time 50 seconds
Kiai 15 & 29
Yoi, Your kata is Tekki Shodan
Jiju Ippon Kumite (1 step semi free style) kiai on all techniques, each student performs both left and right attacks and defences. * See notes below
Attacker in Zenkutsu-dachi
Defender in Shizen-tai
Forwards Hidari Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Hidari Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Chudan Yoko-geri-kekomi 1 time
Forwards Chudan/jodan Mawashi-geri 1 time
Forwards Migi Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Chudan Yoko-geri-kekomi 1 time
Forwards Chudan/jodan Mawashi-geri 1 time
* Notes ref kumite
Each student starts in Shizen-tai.
Both perform Rai.
Aattacker steps back with right leg into zenkutsu-dachi and shouts Jodan/Chudan before attacking once with kiai.
Defender must use any block to counter the attack and then must counter attack with either hand or foot technique,
Then both students Rai and then start in same position for the next attack/defend until all techniques in the sequence have completed.
Once left has been completed, start again and perform on the right side.
Now change roles, atacker now defends and defender is now the attacker.
* Examiners look for ease and naturalness of execution, for speedy and powerful kime, and for smooth,
instantaneous, dynamic elasticity of delivery
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Grading for 2nd Kyu - Brown with White Strip Belt
2nd Kyu (Brown + 1 White Stripe Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Sanbon Renzuki (Jodan Oi-zuki, Chudan Gyaku-zuki + oi-zuki)
Sanbon-renzuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backward Soto in Zenkutsu-dachi then Empi in Kiba-dachi
Chudan Soto-ude-uke + Yoko-empi 3 times
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backwards Shuto in Kokutsu-dachi then Nukite in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke + Nukite 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi in Kamae
Ren-geri migi (Jodan Mae-geri) hidari (Chudan mae-geri)
Ren Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Ren-geri migi (Chudan Mae-geri) hidari (Jodan mea-geri)
Ren Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Chudan Mawashi-geri 3 times
Mawate
Jodan Mawashi-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Stepping left/right in Kiba-dachi in Kamae
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-keage 3 times
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-kekomi 3 times
Yame
Sentai Kata – Students Choice
Preferred kata is Bassai-Dai Moves 39 – Time 60 Seconds
Bassai Dai count 38 time 60 seconds Kiai 13 & 39
Kanku Dai count 58 time 90 seconds Kiai 14 & 57
Jion count 44 time 60 seconds Kiai 15 & 44
Empi count 36 time 60 second Kiai 15 & 36
Yoi, Your kata is Students Choice
Jiju Ippon Kumite (1 step semi free style) kiai on all techniques, each student performs both left and right attacks and defences. * See notes below
Attacker in Zenkutsu-dachi
Defender in Shizen-tai
Forwards Hidari Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Hidari Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Chudan Yoko-geri-kekomi 1 time
Forwards Chudan/jodan Mawashi-geri 1 time
Forwards Migi Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Chudan Yoko-geri-kekomi 1 time
Forwards Chudan/jodan Mawashi-geri 1 time
Jiju kumite (Free style – start 1 meters apart)
Any combination of techniques, must stop on yame
Jiju kumite 2 minutes
* Notes ref kumite
Each student starts in Shizen-tai 3 meters apart.
Both perform Rai, then steps back left leg into kamae.
Attacker advances forward cautously and shouts Jodan/Chudan before attacking once with kiai.
Defender must use any block to counter the attack and then must counter attack with either hand or foot techniques,
Then both students cautiously in kamae return to 3 meters apart and starts the next attack defence sequence until all 5 moves have been completed.
Once left has been completed, start again and perform on the right side.
Now change roles, atacker now defends and defender is now the attacker.
* Examiners look for ease and naturalness of execution, for speedy and powerful kime, and for smooth,
instantaneous, dynamic elasticity of delivery
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.
Grading for 1st Kyu - Brown with 2 White Strip Belt
1st Kyu (Brown + 2 White Stripe Belt)
Direction Technique and Count
Kihon
Yoi, Hidari Gedan-barai
KIAI on 3rd technique of each set
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Sanbon Renzuki (Jodan Oi-zuki, Chudan Gyaku-zuki + oi-zuki)
Sanbon-renzuki 3 times
Jodan Age-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backward Soto in Zenkutsu-dachi then Empi in Kiba-dachi
Chudan Soto-ude-uke + Yoko-empi 3 times
Forward/Backward in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Uchi-ude-uke + Gyaku-zuki 3 times
Forward/Backwards Shuto in Kokutsu-dachi then Nukite in Zenkutsu-dachi
Chudan Shuto-uke + Nukite 3 times
Yame
Forward in Zenkutsu-dachi in Kamae
Ren-geri migi (Jodan Mae-geri) hidari (Chudan mae-geri)
Ren Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Ren-geri migi (Chudan Mae-geri) hidari (Jodan mea-geri)
Ren Mae-geri 3 times
Mawate
Chudan Mawashi-geri 3 times
Mawate
Jodan Mawashi-geri 3 times
Mawate, Yame
Stepping left/right in Kiba-dachi in Kamae
Yoi, Hidari Kiba-dachi
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-keage 3 times
Hidari/Migi Yoko geri-kekomi 3 times
Yame
Sentai Kata – Students Choice
Preferred kata is Bassai-Dai Moves 39 – Time 60 Seconds
Bassai Dai count 38 time 60 seconds Kiai 13 & 39
Kanku Dai count 58 time 90 seconds Kiai 14 & 57
Jion count 44 time 60 seconds Kiai 15 & 44
Empi count 36 time 60 second Kiai 15 & 36
Yoi, Your kata is Students Choice
Jiju Ippon Kumite (1 step semi free style) kiai on all techniques, each student performs both left and right attacks and defences. * See notes below
Attacker in Zenkutsu-dachi
Defender in Shizen-tai
Forwards Hidari Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Hidari Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Chudan Yoko-geri-kekomi 1 time
Forwards Chudan/jodan Mawashi-geri 1 time
Forwards Migi Jodan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Migi Chudan Oi-zuki 1 time
Forwards Chudan Mae-geri 1 time
Forwards Chudan Yoko-geri-kekomi 1 time
Forwards Chudan/jodan Mawashi-geri 1 time
Jiju kumite (Free style – start 1 meters apart)
Any combination of techniques, must stop on yame
Jiju kumite 2 minutes
* Notes ref kumite
Each student starts in Shizen-tai 3 meters apart.
Both perform Rai, then steps back left leg into kamae.
Attacker advances forward cautously and shouts Jodan/Chudan before attacking once with kiai.
Defender must use any block to counter the attack and then must counter attack with either hand or foot techniques,
Then both students cautiously in kamae return to 3 meters apart and starts the next attack defence sequence until all 5 moves have been completed.
Once left has been completed, start again and perform on the right side.
Now change roles, atacker now defends and defender is now the attacker.
* Examiners look for ease and naturalness of execution, for speedy and powerful kime, and for smooth,
instantaneous, dynamic elasticity of delivery
The use of Japanese at all times must be encouraged.