Kyu and Dan Requirements
“The Black Belt – a dream for many, a reality for a few”
Karate is divided into two main grades or ranks which are called "Dan” and "Kyu" grades. The Dan grades are referred to as a degree or black belt. Kyu grades refer to as class or colored belts. The Dan grades rise upwards from 1st Dan to indicate the higher skill, but in kyu grades, it is the reverse; beginning at 10 kyu down to 1st, thus 1st kyu immediately precedes 1st Dan. All promotional exams are formal tests – clean, pressed white gis (uniforms) will be worn and all karate etiquette will be observed. Being a test, not all examinees automatically pass.
At Camarillo Shotokan Karate Do Center, everyone starts off as Ju Kyu or 10th Kyu White Belt. In order to qualify to test for advancement in rank, a student must be in good standing with our dojo and have trained a minimum of 70% of classes since their last exam.
Ranks are earned at our school - not promised!
To insure quality in our youth students, our juniors (16 & below) may advance in half ranks (B) or full ranks (A), depending on one’s ability. One would typically test for their “B” rank first then their “A” rank at the next exam. Should one show much promise at their “B” test, it is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners to grant the examinee a chance to test for their “A” rank at the same exam. Adults test for the “A” rank only.
One’s rank is a measurement of competency and understanding in our school – it should not be compared to winning a trophy in competition. The higher in rank one becomes, the more confident, yet humble they should be!
Ju Kyu (10th Kyu White Belt)
Everyone starts here.
Ku Kyu (9th Kyu – Yellow Belt)
After four months of training, students are now ready to test for their first belt. They must be able to perform basic techniques learned in class. Their first kata (Taikyoku) must be performed reasonably well as well in conjunction as well.
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Hachi Kyu (8th Kyu - Orange Belt)
Four months study at our school as a yellow belt. Student must be able to perform Heian #1 kata reasonably well and added basic techniques as taught in class.
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Shichi Kyu (7th Kyu – Blue Belt)
This is the final belt in the “Beginners Level”. Four months study at our school as an orange belt. Student must be able to perform previous and Heian #2 katas reasonably well. An understanding of application (bunkai/oyo) is expected. Further basic skills must be demonstrated and an improvement in skill level must be demonstrated at this time showing readiness for advancement into the Intermediate Level.
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Roko Kyu (6th Kyu Blue Belt)
This is the introductory belt of the “Intermediate Level”. Four months study at our dojo as blue belt. Student must be able to perform Heian #3 and all previous katas reasonably well. An understanding of application (bunkai/oyo) is expected. New requirements must be demonstrated and student should demonstrate a sense of control of their body at this level. With these new skills learned, they are now introduced to semi free and free sparring. If not already, students may want to begin competing in tournaments at this level.
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Go Kyu (5th Kyu – Purple/White Belt)
Four months study at our dojo as a green belt. Students must be able to perform Heian #4 and all previous katas reasonably well. Bunkai/oyo will be asked in the exam. Students should compete in tournaments to further understand their training.
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Yon Kyu (4th Kyu - Purple Belt)
This is the final belt in the “Intermediate Level”. Four months study at our dojo as a purple/white belt. Student must be able to perform Heian #5 and all previous katas reasonably well. Understanding of bunkai/oyo is expected. Student should compete in Kumite and Kata contests. Student should become familiar with Japanese terminology and well versed in karate etiquette.
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San Kyu (3rd Kyu – Brown/White Belt)
This is the beginning level in the “Advance Level”. Four months study as a 4th kyu, students must be able to perform Tekki #1 and all previous katas with sharp, crisp precision coupled with immovable firm stances. They should have a conceptual understanding of the hard and soft elements of their movements through proper breathing. Understanding of bunkai/oyo is expected. From this level forward, the exam syllabus will be called out with Japanese terms.
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Ni Kyu (2nd Kyu - Brown Belt)
Four months study as a 3rd kyu, students must be able to perform Tekki #2, one advance kata – usually Basai Dai or Kanku Dai and all previous katas reasonably well. Understanding of bunkai/oyo is expected. Student should compete in Kumite and Kata competitions. Student should demonstrate good leadership skills and be exemplary to their kohais (juniors).
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Ik Kyu (1st Kyu – Brown/Black Belt)
This the final “colored” belt prior to entering the Dan grades. All skills built and learned up to this point should be solidified at this level. Four months study as a 2nd kyu brown belt, student must be able to perform Tekki #3, one advance kata of choice and all previous katas well at this level. Understanding of bunkai/oyo is expected. Further, they should have a firm understanding of Japanese terminology, body control, execution of techniques and confidence to lead a class at this stage. Student must be a capable and willing to assistant in teaching karate classes. Student must be of good moral character and exemplary to all.
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Sho Dan Pre-Test (1st Degree Black Belt Pre-test)
To insure quality, students must have taken the Sho Dan “pre-test” six months prior to the actual exam. This exam shows one their strengths and weaknesses in preparation for their “real” Sho Dan exam.
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Sho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)
This is the level where “real karate” begins. A written exam is taken. One should now have an understanding of the fundamental basics and workings of Shotokan Karate. They know all the basic five Heian katas; three Tekki katas; have a command of their tokui (favorite) kata; can demonstrate all Kihon (basic) techniques and hold their own in Kumite (sparring). They are able to help any student rise up to their level. This is where an artist transcends from mere “copying” to “creating” art on an empty canvas.
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Advance Dan Ranks
To qualify for advance Dan ranks, one must train consistently the number of years for the rank they’re testing for. For 2nd Dan, 2 years as a 1st Dan; 3rd Dan, 3 years as a 2nd Dan, etc.
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