Belt Progression System

Gradings

Your path from white belt to black belt. 14 belt levels, each representing growth in skill, discipline, and understanding.

How do Gradings Work?

Have you observed the white uniforms and the variety of colored belts? For newcomers to Karate, here is an explanation of the grading system. White through green belts undergo grading, typically three times annually, while blue through third brown belts are graded twice a year. Younger students receive a red stripe upon passing a grading, and upon earning two red stripes, they advance to the next belt rank.

What You'll Be Tested On

Each grading tests your proficiency across these six core areas

基本

Kihon

Basics

Kihon is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals." The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts.

型

Kata

Forms

Kata is a Japanese word meaning "form". It refers to a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements. It is practiced in Japanese martial arts as a way to memorise and perfect the movements being executed.

組手

Kumite

Sparring

Kumite literally translated means "grappling hands" or in another word it means "sparring" and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with "Kata" and "Kihon". "Kumite" is the part of karate in which a person trains against one or more adversaries, using the techniques learned from the "Kihon" and "Kata".

補助運動

Hojo Undo

Fitness

Hojo undō is a Japanese language term, translated as "supplementary exercises", that refers to conditioning exercises used in martial arts, especially in karate. Hojo undō training was designed to develop ambidextrous physical strength, stamina, muscle coordination, speed, and posture.

掛け手

Kakie

Pushing Hands

Kakie is a traditional training method that focuses on developing close-range combat skills, sensitivity, and the ability to respond to an opponent's movements through tactile feedback. Kakie can be translated as "pushing hands" or "hooking hands," and it involves two practitioners maintaining continuous contact between their arms while performing various techniques.

分解

Bunkai

Analysis

Bunkai, literally meaning "analysis" or "disassembly", is a term used in Japanese martial arts referring to process of analysing kata and extracting fighting techniques from the movements of a "form" (kata). The extracted fighting techniques are called Oyo.