Grading requirements

Each section lists what you perform at the examination for that belt — for example, a white belt performs the 8th Kyu (yellow belt) section, a yellow belt the 7th Kyu (orange belt) section. Based on the JKA HQ Kyu/Dan Grading Guideline (effective Apr 1, 2022) with our dojo's kata sequence, shown in Japanese with an English translation underneath each line. Time-in-grade minimums are set by our dojo for kyu grades and by JKA HQ for dan grades. See the belt ladder for the whole path at a glance.

9th Kyu 8th Kyu 7th Kyu 6th Kyu 5th Kyu 4th Kyu 3rd Kyu 2nd Kyu 1st Kyu Shodan Nidan Sandan Yondan Godan Rokudan Shichidan

9th Kyu

starting grade · no examination · what white belts train

Kihon 基本 · basics

In place basics in SHIZEN TAI to ZENKUTSU DACHI and back to SHIZEN TAI

In place basics in natural posture to front stance and back to natural posture

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki)

2. JODAN AGE UKE

2. upper level (face) rising block

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block

4. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE

4. back stance knife-hand block

5. MAE GERI (HEISOKU DACHI, GEDAN KAKIWAKE)

5. front kick (feet-together stance, lower-level wedge (spreading) block)

* "GOREI" command (from right side, two actions in turn for each Waza 1–4)

* "command (count called by the examiner)" command (from right side, two actions in turn for each Waza 1–4)

Kata 型 · form

—

Kumite 組手 · sparring

—

Starting grade at our dojo: new students are registered as 9th Kyu (white belt) and there is no 9th Kyu examination. These in-place basics are what white belts train before their first grading.

8th Kyu

examination for this belt · min 8 weeks in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE (step in)

2. upper level (face) rising block (step in)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block (step in)

4. GEDAN BARAI (step in)

4. downward block (step in)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block (step in)

6. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

6. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

HEIAN SHODAN

Heian Shodan — "peaceful mind", first level

平安初段 Heian Shodan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

GOHON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI)

five-step sparring (upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki))

Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

7th Kyu

examination for this belt · min 3 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE (step back)

2. upper level (face) rising block (step back)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block (step in)

4. CHUDAN UCHI UKE (step back)

4. middle level (body) inside (inward) block (step back)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block (step in)

6. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

6. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

7. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in HEISOKU DACHI, right and left alternating)

7. side snap kick (in feet-together stance, right and left alternating)

8. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (in HEISOKU DACHI, right and left alternating)

8. side thrust kick (in feet-together stance, right and left alternating)

Kata 型 · form

HEIAN NIDAN

Heian Nidan — "peaceful mind", second level

平安二段 Heian Nidan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

GOHON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI)

five-step sparring (upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki))

Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

6th Kyu

examination for this belt · min 4 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE (step back)

2. upper level (face) rising block (step back)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block (step in)

4. CHUDAN UCHI UKE (step back)

4. middle level (body) inside (inward) block (step back)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block (step in)

6. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

6. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

7. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

7. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side thrust kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

HEIAN SANDAN

Heian Sandan — "peaceful mind", third level

平安三段 Heian Sandan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI – right and left, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI – right and left)

basic one-step sparring (upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki) – right and left, middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) – right and left)

Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

5th Kyu

examination for this belt · min 4 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. upper level (face) rising block, reverse punch (step back)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block, reverse punch (step in)

4. CHUDAN UCHI UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

4. middle level (body) inside (inward) block, reverse punch (step back)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block (step in)

6. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

6. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

7. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

7. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side thrust kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

HEIAN YONDAN

Heian Yondan — "peaceful mind", fourth level

平安四段 Heian Yondan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI – right and left, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI – right and left, CHUDAN MAE GERI GEDAN KAKIWAKE – right and left)

basic one-step sparring (upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki) – right and left, middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) – right and left, middle level (body) front kick lower-level wedge (spreading) block – right and left)

Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

4th Kyu

examination for this belt · min 4 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. SANBON REN ZUKI (step in)

2. triple punch (three consecutive punches) (step in)

3. JODAN AGE UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

3. upper level (face) rising block, reverse punch (step back)

4. CHUDAN SOTO UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

4. middle level (body) outside (outward) block, reverse punch (step in)

5. CHUDAN UCHI UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

5. middle level (body) inside (inward) block, reverse punch (step back)

6. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)

6. back stance knife-hand block, front stance spear-hand strike (step in)

7. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

7. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

9. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

9. side thrust kick (in front stance) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

HEIAN GODAN

Heian Godan — "peaceful mind", fifth level

平安五段 Heian Godan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI – right and left, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI – right and left, CHUDAN MAE GERI GEDAN KAKIWAKE – right and left, CHUDAN YOKO GERI KEKOMI – right and left)

Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

3rd Kyu

examination for this belt · min 6 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. SANBON REN ZUKI (step in)

2. triple punch (three consecutive punches) (step in)

3. JODAN AGE UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

3. upper level (face) rising block, reverse punch (step in)

4. CHUDAN SOTO UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

4. middle level (body) outside (outward) block, reverse punch (step back)

5. CHUDAN UCHI UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (as KOKUTSU DACHI is) (step in)

5. middle level (body) inside (inward) block, reverse punch (as back stance is) (step in)

6. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)

6. back stance knife-hand block, front stance spear-hand strike (step back)

7. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

7. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

9. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

9. side thrust kick (in front stance) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

TEKKI SHODAN

Tekki Shodan — "iron horse", first level

鉄騎初段 Tekki Shodan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN MAE GERI) – right and left

semi-free one-step sparring (upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) front kick) – right and left

Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

2nd Kyu

examination for this belt · min 6 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

1. upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) reverse punch (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. upper level (face) rising block, reverse punch (step back)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block, reverse punch (step in)

4. CHUDAN UCHI UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

4. middle level (body) inside (inward) block, reverse punch (step back)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block, front stance spear-hand strike (step in)

6. MAE GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)

6. front kick (lower-level wedge (spreading) block) (step in)

7. MAWASHI GERI (step in)

7. roundhouse kick (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

9. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

9. side thrust kick (in front stance) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

BASSAI DAI

Bassai Dai — "to storm a fortress" (major)

披塞大 Bassai Dai ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN MAE GERI, CHUDAN YOKO GERI KEKOMI, MAWASHI GERI) – right and left

semi-free one-step sparring (upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) front kick, middle level (body) side thrust kick, roundhouse kick) – right and left

Inform your choice of JODAN or CHUDAN for MAWASHI GERI. Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

1st Kyu

examination for this belt · min 6 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

1. upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) reverse punch (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. upper level (face) rising block, reverse punch (step back)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE, YOKOENPI (ZENKUTSU DACHI changing stance to KIBA DACHI) (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block, side elbow strike (front stance changing stance to horse-riding stance) (step in)

4. CHUDAN UCHI UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

4. middle level (body) inside (inward) block, reverse punch (step back)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block, front stance spear-hand strike (step in)

6. MAE GERI (on the spot), MAE GERI (step in)

6. front kick (on the spot), front kick (step in)

7. MAWASHI GERI (step in)

7. roundhouse kick (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

9. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

9. side thrust kick (front stance) (step in)

Kata 型 · form

BASSAI DAI

Bassai Dai — "to storm a fortress" (major)

披塞大 Bassai Dai ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN MAE GERI, CHUDAN YOKO GERI KEKOMI, MAWASHI GERI) – right and left

Inform your choice of JODAN or CHUDAN for MAWASHI GERI. Dojo policy: kata is one grade ahead of the JKA HQ guideline because we start at 9th Kyu.

Shodan

examination for this belt · min 12 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. SANBON REN ZUKI (step in)

1. triple punch (three consecutive punches) (step in)

2. JODAN AGE UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. upper level (face) rising block, reverse punch (step back)

3. CHUDAN SOTO UKE, YOKOENPI, YOKOURAKEN UCHI, GYAKU ZUKI (ZENKUTSU DACHI changing stance to KIBA DACHI changing stance to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

3. middle level (body) outside (outward) block, side elbow strike, side back-fist strike, reverse punch (front stance changing stance to horse-riding stance changing stance to front stance) (step in)

4. CHUDAN UCHI UKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (KOKUTSU DACHI to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step back)

4. middle level (body) inside (inward) block, jab (leading-hand punch), reverse punch (back stance to front stance) (step back)

5. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)

5. back stance knife-hand block, front stance spear-hand strike (step in)

6. MAE GERI (on the spot), MAE GERI (step in)

6. front kick (on the spot), front kick (step in)

7. MAWASHI GERI (step in)

7. roundhouse kick (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)

8. side snap kick (in horse-riding stance, right and left) (step in)

9. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSU DACHI)

9. side thrust kick (front stance)

Kata 型 · form

BASSAI DAI, KANKU DAI, ENPI or JION (student's choice)

Bassai Dai — "to storm a fortress" (major), Kanku Dai — "to view the sky" (major), Enpi — "flying swallow" or Jion — named for the Jion temple (student's choice)

披塞大 Bassai Dai ›観空大 Kanku Dai ›燕飛 Enpi ›慈恩 Jion ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN MAE GERI, CHUDAN YOKO GERI KEKOMI, JODAN MAWASHI GERI) – right and left

Inform your choice of JODAN or CHUDAN for MAWASHI GERI. JKA HQ: minimum 1 year at current rank; cannot apply the same day as attaining 1st Dan.

Nidan

examination for this belt · min 12 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics

moving basics — moving basics

1. CHUDAN JUN ZUKI (step in)

1. middle level (body) lunge punch (oi-zuki) (step in)

2. JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

2. upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) reverse punch (step in)

3. SANBON REN ZUKI (step in)

3. triple punch (three consecutive punches) (step in)

4. AGE UKE, SOTO UKE (with same arm), GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

4. rising block, outside (outward) block (with same arm), reverse punch (step back)

5. UCHI UKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (KOKUTSU DACHI to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

5. inside (inward) block, jab (leading-hand punch), reverse punch (back stance to front stance) (step in)

6. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)

6. back stance knife-hand block, front stance spear-hand strike (step back)

7. MAE GERI (on the spot), MAE GERI (step in)

7. front kick (on the spot), front kick (step in)

8. YOKO GERI KEAGE, YOKO GERI KEKOMI (KIBA DACHI, alternate feet)

8. side snap kick, side thrust kick (horse-riding stance, alternate feet)

9. YOKO GERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

9. side thrust kick (front stance) (step in)

10. MAWASHI GERI, YOKOURAKENUCHI, CHUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

10. roundhouse kick, side back-fist strike, middle level (body) reverse punch (step in)

Kata 型 · form

Student's favorite KATA

Student's favorite form (prearranged sequence of techniques)

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU KUMITE

free sparring

JKA HQ: minimum 1 year at 1st Dan. Age 60 and over may do JIYU IPPON KUMITE instead of JIYU KUMITE.

Sandan

examination for this belt · min 24 months in the previous grade · age 18+

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics, free KAMAE

moving basics — moving basics, free ready posture / guard

1. KIZAMI ZUKI, JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

1. jab (leading-hand punch), upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) reverse punch (step in)

2. AGE UKE, SOTO UKE (with same arm), GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. rising block, outside (outward) block (with same arm), reverse punch (step back)

3. UCHI UKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (KOKUTSU DACHI to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

3. inside (inward) block, jab (leading-hand punch), reverse punch (back stance to front stance) (step in)

4. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, KIZAMI MAE GERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)

4. back stance knife-hand block, front-leg front kick, front stance spear-hand strike (step back)

5. MAE GERI · GYAKU ZUKI, YOKO GERI KEKOMI · GYAKU ZUKI, MAWASHI GERI · GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

5. front kick · reverse punch, side thrust kick · reverse punch, roundhouse kick · reverse punch (step in)

6. USHIRO GERI (step in)

6. back kick (step in)

7. MAE GERI, YOKO GERI KEKOMI, USHIRO GERI (ZENKUTSU DACHI, same foot, right and left)

7. front kick, side thrust kick, back kick (front stance, same foot, right and left)

Kata 型 · form

Student's favorite KATA (question and answer session)

Student's favorite form (prearranged sequence of techniques) (question and answer session)

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU KUMITE

free sparring

JKA HQ: minimum 2 years at 2nd Dan; age 18 and over. Age 60 and over may do JIYU IPPON KUMITE.

Yondan

examination for this belt · min 36 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics, free KAMAE

moving basics — moving basics, free ready posture / guard

1. KIZAMI ZUKI, SANBON REN ZUKI (step in)

1. jab (leading-hand punch), triple punch (three consecutive punches) (step in)

2. AGE UKE, SOTO UKE (with same arm), GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. rising block, outside (outward) block (with same arm), reverse punch (step back)

3. UCHI UKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (KOKUTSU DACHI to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

3. inside (inward) block, jab (leading-hand punch), reverse punch (back stance to front stance) (step in)

4. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, KIZAMI MAE GERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)

4. back stance knife-hand block, front-leg front kick, front stance spear-hand strike (step back)

5. MAE GERI, JUN ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

5. front kick, lunge punch (oi-zuki), reverse punch (step in)

6. KIZAMI MAWASHI GERI, YOKO GERI KEKOMI, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

6. front-leg roundhouse kick, side thrust kick, reverse punch (step in)

7. MAE GERI, YOKO GERI KEKOMI, USHIRO GERI (ZENKUTSU DACHI, same foot, right and left)

7. front kick, side thrust kick, back kick (front stance, same foot, right and left)

Kata 型 · form

Student's favorite KATA (question and answer session)

Student's favorite form (prearranged sequence of techniques) (question and answer session)

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU KUMITE

free sparring

JKA HQ: minimum 3 years at 3rd Dan. Age 60 and over may do JIYU IPPON KUMITE.

Godan

examination for this belt · min 48 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

IDO KIHON — moving basics, free KAMAE

moving basics — moving basics, free ready posture / guard

1. KIZAMI ZUKI, SANBON REN ZUKI (step in)

1. jab (leading-hand punch), triple punch (three consecutive punches) (step in)

2. AGE UKE, SOTO UKE (with same arm), GYAKU ZUKI (step back)

2. rising block, outside (outward) block (with same arm), reverse punch (step back)

3. UCHI UKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (KOKUTSU DACHI to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)

3. inside (inward) block, jab (leading-hand punch), reverse punch (back stance to front stance) (step in)

4. KOKUTSU SHUTO UKE, KIZAMI MAE GERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)

4. back stance knife-hand block, front-leg front kick, front stance spear-hand strike (step back)

5. MAE GERI, JODAN JUN ZUKI, CHUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

5. front kick, upper level (face) lunge punch (oi-zuki), middle level (body) reverse punch (step in)

6. YOKO GERI KEKOMI, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

6. side thrust kick, reverse punch (step in)

7. MAWASHI GERI, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

7. roundhouse kick, reverse punch (step in)

8. MAE GERI, YOKO GERI KEKOMI, MAWASHI GERI, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)

8. front kick, side thrust kick, roundhouse kick, reverse punch (step in)

Kata 型 · form

One kata from HEIAN SHODAN to TEKKI SANDAN specified by examiner (question and answer session); student's favorite KATA (question and answer session)

One kata from Heian Shodan — "peaceful mind", first level to Tekki Sandan — "iron horse", third level specified by examiner (question and answer session); student's favorite form (prearranged sequence of techniques) (question and answer session)

平安初段 Heian Shodan ›鉄騎三段 Tekki Sandan ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU KUMITE

free sparring

JKA HQ: minimum 4 years at 4th Dan. Age 60 and over may do JIYU IPPON KUMITE.

Rokudan

examination for this belt · min 72 months in the previous grade

Kihon 基本 · basics

Specified by examiner

Kata 型 · form

From HEIAN SHODAN to TEKKI SANDAN, BASSAI DAI, KANKU DAI, ENPI or JION specified by examiner (question and answer session); student's favorite KATA (question and answer session)

From Heian Shodan — "peaceful mind", first level to Tekki Sandan — "iron horse", third level, Bassai Dai — "to storm a fortress" (major), Kanku Dai — "to view the sky" (major), Enpi — "flying swallow" or Jion — named for the Jion temple specified by examiner (question and answer session); student's favorite form (prearranged sequence of techniques) (question and answer session)

平安初段 Heian Shodan ›鉄騎三段 Tekki Sandan ›披塞大 Bassai Dai ›観空大 Kanku Dai ›燕飛 Enpi ›慈恩 Jion ›

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU KUMITE

free sparring

Question and answer session on technique. Submit a report on technique on the exam day (submitted one week in advance). JKA HQ: minimum 6 years at 5th Dan.

Shichidan

examination for this belt · min 84 months in the previous grade · age 50+

Kihon 基本 · basics

Specified by examiner

Kata 型 · form

Student's favorite KATA (question and answer session)

Student's favorite form (prearranged sequence of techniques) (question and answer session)

Kumite 組手 · sparring

JIYU KUMITE

free sparring

Question and answer session on technique. Submit a report on technique on the exam day (submitted one week in advance). JKA HQ: minimum 7 years at 6th Dan; age 50 and over. 8th, 9th and 10th Dan: recommendation by SHIHANKAI.

Source: JKA Kyu/Dan Grading Guideline (PDF). English renderings are the club's own; see the terms page.