The Art of Karate

The art of Karate is not to be compared with seasonable sports like football or rugby, because Karate-Ka must remain in a constant state of preparedness. This becomes part of your everyday way of life and becomes easier as you train.

Grading Rules

1. Always respect and acknowledge higher grades than yourself.
2. Always set a good example to lower grades and be prepared to assist them with their training.
3. If a Karate-Ka is unable to attend a grading through sickness or for any other good reason, he may apply for a special grading.
4. Do not attempt a grading until you feel sure you are ready to grade.
5. Whenever applying for a grading, your Affiliation Book must be presented to the examiner.
6. If you are disappointed with your technique during a grading, apply yourself and overcome your weaknesses, both mentally and physically.
7. Attend classes regularly to achieve perfection of character and continual preparedness of mind and body. Regular training should become a normal living habit.

Grading Information

Kimura Shukokai International have a series of gradings. These range from the novice through the Kyus (9th Kyu to 1st Kyu) to the Dans (Black belts 1st dan and upwards). Each Grade is attained by a mixture of experience and passing an assessment- both criteria have to be met before progression can be made. These assesments are held regularly throughout the year and, as you would expect, earlier grades have less demanding assessments (but still appropriate to the experience) which are able to be carried out after a set time limit.

Senior grades have to hone their skills for longer before attempting more exacting assessments. In order to gain a Black Belt it is necessary for the student to demonstrate a technical knowledge and skill to a level laid down in their Association Grading Syllabus, for each of the 3 fundamental competencies of Karate which are kihan (basic techniques), kata (set formal excercise) and kumite (sparring).

The SKA Grading structure is shown below. It is based on a student training twice a week. There are titles for the grades – 1st Kyu and 1st Dan are referred to as Senpai (Senior), 2nd Dan to 5th Dan are referred to as Sensei (Teacher) whilst 6th Dan and above are Shihan (Master).

9th Kyu White Belt
8th Kyu Yellow Belt
7th Kyu Orange Belt
6th Kyu Green Belt
5th Kyu Blue Belt
4th Kyu Purple Belt
3rd Kyu Brown Belt
2nd Kyu Brown Belt
1st Kyu Brown Belt
1st Dan Shodan
2nd Dan Nidan

Grading Requirements

A. JUNIORS

1. Under the age of 18 years, must complete approximately 40 hours of training before entering for a colour belt grading.
2. In order to enter for an advanced grade, approximately 20 hours of training must be completed.
3. Each colour belt grading is to be followed by an advance grade (black stripe). [Black stripe is only from yellow to purple belt].

B. SENIORS

1. From 18 years and older, must complete approximately 40 hours before entering for a colour belt grading (no advance grade)

C. ALL BROWN BELTS

1. And all 1st Dan gradings must be done at provincial level and be directed by the Chief Instructor, Shihan Chris Thompson (not to be done at dojo level).

D. All other DAN Gradings

1. Will solely be done by the Chief Instructors and will be recognised internationally.

IMPORTANT:Any junior student entering for Shodan grading must be 12 years of age or older.