SHOTOKAN KARATE-DO GRADINGS
8TH KYU
1st DAN
| Sensei Ross has trained non-stop since 1972. He received his shotokan training from various instructors from various organizations. The Shotokan Karate-Do Gradings are a combination of all the various karate associations that made Sensei Ross what he is today. It is also a mark of respect for all his past instructors and their dedication to the shotokan style of karate-do Just click on the belt colour of your choice to see the requirements. |
7TH KYU
2nd DAN
6TH KYU
3rd DAN
5TH KYU
4th DAN
4TH KYU
5th DAN
3RD KYU
2ND KYU
1ST KYU
Karate Ranking
The Shotokan Karate Do Dojo holds Kyu promotion exams on an average of
every three months. They are open to all students who have met the necessary
requirements, including time training, knowledge of required kata, and
specific technical competence. Students should consult a Senpai, or Sensei, if
they are uncertain about their readiness for testing.
The colored belt ranking system used at the Shotokan Karate Do Dojo is based
on similar systems found in other Japanese martial arts. Karate ranking is
based on technical competence and character development. It measures one's
improvement, provides valuable feedback and helps to motivate the student.
Belt ranking in our dojo uses a system with 9 levels, or Kyu. 9th Kyu (white
belt) is the lowest, and 1st Kyu (brown belt) is the highest. After the Kyu are
the Dan, or black belt degrees. 1st Dan black belt is the lowest and 10th Dan
black belt is the highest. A Shotokan Karate-Do student can expect to train 3
to 4 years to earn the rank of 1st Dan black belt. This level is not considered an
end, but a new beginning in karate training.
Students participating in a promotion exam are responsible for making
themselves familiar with all of the requirements and judging criteria for their
specific level of desired promotion.
Students are not judged in comparison to one another, but are judged against
a minimum standard necessary to earn each specific rank. Examiners will take
into consideration the age, individual progress and improvement of each
student. Some specific technical areas of importance include: (1) the ability to
move correctly and smoothly from one stance to another, (2) weight
distribution in stances, (3) breathing in correspondence with body
movements, (4) coordination, (5) physical endurance in stance work and
kumite, (6) proficiency in kata and knowledge of application of kata, (7) ability
to focus, (8) use of hip, (9) proper usage of the different striking surfaces of the
hands, arms, feet and legs, (10) knowledge of effective target areas.
The Shotokan Karate Do Dojo holds Kyu promotion exams on an average of
every three months. They are open to all students who have met the necessary
requirements, including time training, knowledge of required kata, and
specific technical competence. Students should consult a Senpai, or Sensei, if
they are uncertain about their readiness for testing.
The colored belt ranking system used at the Shotokan Karate Do Dojo is based
on similar systems found in other Japanese martial arts. Karate ranking is
based on technical competence and character development. It measures one's
improvement, provides valuable feedback and helps to motivate the student.
Belt ranking in our dojo uses a system with 9 levels, or Kyu. 9th Kyu (white
belt) is the lowest, and 1st Kyu (brown belt) is the highest. After the Kyu are
the Dan, or black belt degrees. 1st Dan black belt is the lowest and 10th Dan
black belt is the highest. A Shotokan Karate-Do student can expect to train 3
to 4 years to earn the rank of 1st Dan black belt. This level is not considered an
end, but a new beginning in karate training.
Students participating in a promotion exam are responsible for making
themselves familiar with all of the requirements and judging criteria for their
specific level of desired promotion.
Students are not judged in comparison to one another, but are judged against
a minimum standard necessary to earn each specific rank. Examiners will take
into consideration the age, individual progress and improvement of each
student. Some specific technical areas of importance include: (1) the ability to
move correctly and smoothly from one stance to another, (2) weight
distribution in stances, (3) breathing in correspondence with body
movements, (4) coordination, (5) physical endurance in stance work and
kumite, (6) proficiency in kata and knowledge of application of kata, (7) ability
to focus, (8) use of hip, (9) proper usage of the different striking surfaces of the
hands, arms, feet and legs, (10) knowledge of effective target areas.