As students progress their belt colour changes, reflecting an increased level of proficiency across the various elements of Karate. Fenland Shotokan Karate has the following belt system implemented. Remember to check our information page about the 3 K’s of Karate to familiarise your self with the terminology.
PLEASE NOTE our grading system is NOT a test, A test is something that you pass or fail and this is not what Karate is about, Our grading system is a mark of improvement and for the student to identify where they sit within the complete system of Shotokan Karate. The system is so big that if you do not have this reference point on your journey for most students they will feel lost, a little like stepping out of a spaceship and having the rope cut, you will get lost in space or rather for us you will get lost in understanding what you have or have not learnt.
All Gradings/Belts consist of 3 parts, Kihon, Kata & Kumite. To allow us to have a clear visual aid in class we use the system below, It is our goal that everyone should aim for a full belt on their assessment day but are aware that this can be a struggle for some of our younger students so with this in mind we use this system.
This belt represents that the student has successfully passed 1 of the 3 parts of their next grading, and the colour shows what belt they are working towards.
This belt represents that the student has successfully passed 2 of the 3 parts of their next grading, and the colour shows what belt they are working towards.
This belt represents that the student has passed all parts ( Kihon, Kata, Kumite ) successfully and is ready to continue their learning towards the next level.
Commitment to train
Basic kihon
Taikyo-ku ( Beginner Kata )
Self-defence ( 3 Basic escape drill )
Basic Kihon
Heian Shodan (1st Basic Kata )
All previous kata
Go Hon Kumite ( 5 step sparring ) Jodan ( head ) + Chudan ( mid section )
Basic Kihon
Hiean Nidan ( 2nd Basic Kata)
All previous kata
Kihon Ippon Kumite ( basic 1 step Sparring )
Basic Kihon
Hiean Sandan ( 3rd Basic Kata)
All previous kata
Kihon Ippon Kumite ( basic 1 step Sparring )
Basic Kihon
Hiean Yondan ( 4th Basic Kata)
All previous kata
Demonstrate Kata Bunkai
Kihon Ippon Kumite ( basic 1 step Sparring )
Basic Kihon
Hiean Godan ( 5th Basic Kata)
All previous kata
Demonstrate Kata Bunkai
Kihon Ippon Kumite ( basic 1 step Sparring )
Oral Terminology Test
Advanced Kihon
Teki Shodan (1st advanced Kata)
All previous kata
Demonstrate Kata Bunkai
Kihon Ippon Kumite ( basic 1 step Sparring )
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Short written Terminology test
Advanced Kihon
Bassai Dai Kata
All previous kata
Demonstrate Kata Bunkai
Kihon Ippon Kumite
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Short written Terminology test
Advanced Kihon
Choice of Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai or Empi Kata
All previous kata
Demonstrate Kata Bunkai
Kihon Ippon Kumite
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Okuri Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Written Terminology test
Advanced Kihon
Choice of Jiopn, Jiin or Jitte Kata
All previous kata
Demonstrate Kata Bunkai
Kihon Ippon Kumite
Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Okuri Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Written Terminology test
Be able to demonstrate a competent level of technical skill and knowledge of any technique or combination of techniques requested.
Favourite Advanced kata
any other previous kata
all Forms of Kumite
Advanced written test.
