RANKING SYSTEM
Rockwood Karate adheres to the same high standards and principles of character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self control set forth by the Founder of Shotokan Karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi. Based on these guiding principles and attendance at training sessions, it is at the Instructors discretion to decide whether a student is ready to take an exam or not.
The ranking system and awarding of belts and certificates is an indication of a student’s current state of development within the desired discipline. The receiving of belts however, should not be a point of focus for the student. If he or she studies diligently, he or she will receive adequate recognition. The purpose of training is not to receive belts, but rather to perfect one’s character.
The colored belt system used in Karate was introduced by Master Funakoshi after noticing the positive effects the system had upon Judo.
There are two different types of official tests:
Kyu/beginner colored belt tests (8th to 1st Kyu) and Dan/black belt tests (1st to 10th Dan). It is recommended that students have a minimum attendance of two classes per week to qualify for testing, in addition to ranking criteria which naturally will be covered in class.
KYU BELT TESTING
Kyu exam requirements include: minimum training time, Kihon basic techniques, Kata “Heian Shodan”, and 3, 5 or 1 step, sparring/Kumite. For a pass to full yellow 8th Kyu, it must be evident that the student has a solid grasp of these fundamental subjects. The student must also be able to answer questions on certain aspects of technique and have displayed the required etiquette in the Dojo as recorded by her or his Sensei.
The Kyu test is not a rushed Affair.
DAN RANKING TESTS
The same basic requirements as the Kyu ranks are required for Black belt. However, to receive a Dan/black belt rank, students are expected to excel in the basic techniques, specifically their knowledge of application. Dan tests usually take twice as long as Kyu testing and the trainees are pushed to their limits of endurance and stamina. At this level the student must have displayed the proper etiquette and good manners required of a fine upstanding Karate-ka, and be well on the way to becoming an Assistant Instructor.
GENERAL TIME ALLOTMENT BETWEEN GRADINGS
The following are all minimum training times between gradings. It is important to realize that everyone does not always progress at the same rate, and that gradings are not the reason for training in Traditional Karate. Students must understand why they are training, and know what their own specific goals are in Karate.
KYU BELT RANKING:
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8th KYU/yellow |
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6 months |
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7th/orange |
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10 months |
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6th/green |
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14 months |
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5th/purple |
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18 months |
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4th/purple |
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22 months |
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3rd/brown |
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26 months |
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2nd/brown |
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30 months |
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1st brown |
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34 months |
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DAN BELT RANKING:
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1st Dan/black |
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42 months |
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2nd Dan |
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2 years after 1st Dan |
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3rd Dan |
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3 years after 2nd Dan |
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4th Dan |
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4 years after 3rd Dan |
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5th Dan |
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5 years after 4th Dan |
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