GRADING

The coloured belt gradings are like stepping stones on the path to a student’s goal of Black belt. Grading is when we assess students ability to remember and perform the syllabus that is learned in class. Gradings are made up of 6 components;
1) Kihon 2) Kata 3) Combos 4) Escapes 5) Kumite and 6) Spirit.
Kihon, Kata, Combos and Escapes are in our structured syllabus, and can be found above. Below this you can see exactly what is required for each grade. Kumite means sparring, and in each grade the number of rounds required increases. Escapes and Partner Kumite does not begin until grading for 8th Kyu (Red belt).

Each ‘Kyu’ grade is represented by a new belt and ‘Mon’ essentially means a half grade (white stripe through the belt). Typically, all students go through every Mon and Kyu Grade through until Black Belt (however there is no 2nd and 1st Mon, only 2nd and 1st Kyu). Achieving a Mon grade is done by performing the syllabus at that grade well, allowing for a few mistakes. To achieve the Kyu (full colour) grade, the required syllabus must be performed to a high standard. It is possible to skip a Mon grade (aka double grading), for those students that show good focus in class, have exhibited extra training outside of class, and perform at grading at a high level.

We don’t like to fail students at grading. Therefore, students are invited to grading, it is not guaranteed. Generally, there are gradings held once per term, however students will only be invited to grade a maximum of twice per year.