In order to be eligible for belt testing members must attend a minimum number of classes and meet the technical proficiency requirements of the belt level they will be testing for. Special consideration may be given under extenuating circumstances, so speak with a sensei if you have any questions. The minumum number of hours in the dojo required for testing is between 30-36 hours of regular training for kyu ranks, and 90-100 hours for those wishing to test for dan ranks. Regular training is consistant training without extensive breaks in attendance. A break of more than four months will constitute a reduction in eligibility to test once training resumes. Meeting the minimum time requirements does not automatically guarantee grading eligibility as technical proficiency must also be met.
The outline below is a general outline only. The exact techniques used in a belt test are at the descretion of the examiner.
| White Belt (9th kyu), Testing for Yellow Belt (8th kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking Techniques |
| Sparring | Sanbon Kumite (Three step sparring). Jodan (face level) and Chudan (stomach level) attacks and defences |
| Kata | Heian Shodan - 21 moves, kiai points at moves 9 & 17 |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Yellow Belt (8th kyu), Testing for Orange Belt (7th kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Sanbon Kumite (Three step sparring). Jodan (face level) and Chudan (stomach level) attacks and defences |
| Kata | Heian Nidan - 26 moves, kiai points at moves 11 &26 |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Orange Belt (7th kyu), Testing for Green Belt (6th kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Ippon Kumite (One step sparring). Jodan (face level) and Chudan (stomach level) attacks and defences, left and right side. |
| Kata | Heian Sandan - 20 moves, kiai points at moves 10 &20 |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Green Belt (6th kyu), Testing for Purple Belt (5th kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Ippon Kumite (One step sparring). |
| Kata | Heian Yondan - 27 moves, kiai points at moves 13 &25 Plus one other kata from previous gradings. |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Purple Belt (5th kyu), Testing for Purple Belt (4th kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Ippon Kumite (One step sparring). |
| Kata | Heian Godan - 23 moves, kiai points at moves 12 &19 Plus one other kata from previous gradings. |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Purple Belt (4th kyu), Testing for Brown Belt (3rd kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Ippon Kumite (One step sparring). Jodan oi zuki (face level punch), chudan oi zuki (stomach level punch), chudan mae-geri (front snap kick stomach level), yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick). |
| Kata | Tekki Shodan - 29 moves, kiai points at moves 15 & 29 Plus one other kata from previous gradings. |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Brown Belt (3rd kyu), Testing for Brown Belt (2nd kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Semi-free sparring). Jodan oi zuki (face level punch), chudan oi zuki (stomach level punch), chudan mae-geri (front snap kick stomach level), yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick). |
| Kata | Bassai Dai - 42 moves, kiai points at moves 19 & 42 Plus one other kata from previous gradings. |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
| Brown Belt (2nd kyu), Testing for Brown Belt (1st kyu) | |
| Kihon (basics) | Stances you should know and be able to move both forwards and backwards in: Zenkutsu dachi (front stance), kokutsu dachi (back stance), kiba dachi (side stance) Techniques for Belt Test Kicking techniques |
| Sparring | Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Semi-free sparring). Jodan oi zuki (face level punch), chudan oi zuki (stomach level punch), chudan mae-geri (front snap kick stomach level), yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick). |
| Kata | Bassai Dai - 42 moves, kiai points at moves 19 & 42 Plus one other kata from previous gradings. |
| Kata Bunkai | Understand bunkai for this kata and be able to demonstrate in a grading if requested. |
Class Schedule & Location
Beginner Class Starts
September 12, 2023Tuesday & Thursday
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Intermediate/Advanced Class Starts
September 12, 2023Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness
Saint Marys University
