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Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Kyu Grades

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There are ten Kyu levels in the Shotokan system and these levels are awarded in the following order starting from lowest (white belt - 10th Kyu) to the highest 1st Kyu).

The following are the Kyu examination requirements and standards, of the ESA and these requirements are subject to change at anytime. All students should familiarize themselves with the various requirements for each belt level prior to turning in their grading application. If you are unfamiliar with any of the kihon, kata, or kumite required for your next belt level, you should not attempt to grade, but instead you should continue to train until you feel comfortable with all of the requirements. If in doubt speak with your sensei.

• White Belt (Beginner).
• Orange Belt (9th Kyu).
• Red Belt (8th Kyu).
• Yellow Belt (7th Kyu).
• Green Belt (6th Kyu).
• Purple Belt (5th Kyu).
• Purple and White Stripe Belt (4th Kyu).
• Brown Belt (3rd Kyu).
• Brown & White Stripe Belt (2nd Kyu).
• Brown & 2 White Stripe Belt (1st Kyu).

Note

1. The waiting time between each Kyu grade is a minimum of 3 months training based upon a minimum 3 hours of training per week.
2. The waiting time for 1st Kyu taking Shodan is a minimum of 6 months training.
3. All 1st Kyu examinations must be taken at an association Black & Brown Belt course.
4. For a 1st Kyu to be eligible to grade to Shodan, the candidate must have attended a minimum of 2 association Black & Brown Belt courses during the 12 month period prior to the examination.

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Orange Belt (9th Kyu)

Kihon

1. Gyaku Tsuki (In stationary Zenkutsu Dachi ) x 4 & rpt other side.
2. Oi Tsuki Chudan x 4 Forward.
3. Age Uke (Age Uke No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 Backwards.
4. Oi Tsuki Jodan x 4 Forward.
5. Soto Uke (Soto Uke-No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 Backwards.
6. Mae Geri Keage Chudan (starting from double Gedan Barai) x 4 Forward.
7. Uchi Uke (Uchi Uke No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 Backwards.
8. Mae Geri Keage Jodan (starting from double Gedan Barai) x 4 Forward.
9. Gedan Barai (Gedan Barai No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 Backwards.

Kumite

1. Sanbon Kumite.
2. Jodan and Chudan Oi Tsuki attacks.

Kata

• Taikyoku Shodan.

"In karate nothing comes to he who waits, but nothing is withheld from those who practice".

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Red Belt (8th Kyu)

Kihon

1. Gyaku Tsuki (single techniques) - from Shizentai step forward into Zenkutsu Dachi preparing with front hand extended; execute Gyaku Tsuki & step back Yamae x 4 each side.
2. Oi Tsuki (Chudan or Jodan selected by examiner) x 4 forward.
3. Age Uke (Age Uke No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 backward.
4. Sanbon Tsuki x 4 forward.
5. Uchi Uke (Uchi Uke No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 backward.
6. Mae Geri Chudan (starting position double Gedan Barai) x 4 forward.
7. Soto Uke (Soto Uke No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 backward.
8. Mae Geri Jodan (starting position double Gedan Barai) x 4 backward.
9. Gedan Barai (Gedan Barai No Kamae after each block before starting the next) x 4 forward.
10. Shuto Uke (Kokutsu Dachi) x 4 forward.
11. Shuto Uke (Kokutsu Dachi) x 4 backward.
12. Yoko Geri Keage (from Kiba Dachi with right and left legs) x 3 Mawatte & rpt.

Kumite:

1. Sanbon Kumite.
2. Jodan and Chudan Oi Tsuki attacks.

Kata:

1. Heian Shodan; and
2. Taikyoku Nidan.

"A bad day of training Shotokan Karate beats a good day doing anything else".

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Yellow Belt (7th Kyu)

Kihon

1. Sanbon Tsuki x 4 forward
2. Age Uke, Gyakutsuki (Uchi Uke No Kamae) x 1 backwards.
3. Uchi Uke, Gyakutsuki (Soto Uke No Kamae) x 1 backwards.
4. Soto Uke, Gyakutsuki (Gedan Barai No Kamae) x 1 backwards.
5. Gedan Barai, Gyakutsuki x 1 backwards.
6. Oi Tsuki (Chudan or Jodan selected by examiner) x 4 forward.
7. Shuto Uke (Kokutsu Dachi), Nukite (Zenkutsu Dachi) x 4 backwards.
8. Maegeri Rengeri Chudan / Jodan (starting position Kamae Dachi) x 2 Mawatte & rpt.
9. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi) x 2 Mawatte & rpt.
10. Yoko Geri Kekome (in Kiba Dachi) x 2 Mawatte & rpt.
11. Mawashi Geri X 2 Mawatte & rpt.

Note

1. Repeat 1 starting right side.
2. Repeat 2 starting left side.

Kumite

1. Sanbon Kumite.
2. Seme Waza.
3. Uke Waza.
4. Seme Waza.
5. Nuke Waza.

Kata

1. Heian Nidan; and
2. Taikyoku Sandan.

"Quality is easily promised, but often as not, seldom delivered".

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Green Belt (6th Kyu)

Kihon

1. Oi Tsuki Chudan.
2. Sanbon Tsuki.
3. Age Uke, Gyaku Tsuki, Soto Uke, Yoko Empi (Uchi Uke No Kamae), Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki (Gedan Barai No Kamae), Gedan Barai, same hand Uraken Uchi, Gyaku Tsuki.
4. Repeat 2 starting right side.
5. Repeat 3 starting left side.
6. Mae Geri Ren Geri - Chudan/Jodan (From Zenkutsu Jiyu Kamae).
7. Shuto Uke (Kokutsu Dachi), Mae Ashi Mae Geri, Nukite (Zenkutsu Dachi).
8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi).
9. Yoko Geri Kekome (in Kiba Dacha).
10. Mawashi Geri – Chudan.
11. Mawashi Geri – Jodan.

Kumite

1. Ippon Kumite.
2. Seme Waza:
   • Oi Tsuki Jodan,
   • Oi Tsuki Chudan,
   • Oi Tsuki Chudan,
   • Mae Geri Keage
3. Uke Waza:
   • Age Uke,
   • Soto Uke,
   • Uchi Uke,
   • Gedan Barai (with Gyaku Tsuki counters only).

Note

1. Left side then right side start.
2. Examiner to give first start command only.)

Kata

1. Heian Sandan
2. Taikyoku Shodan (ura)

"The truth lies in your effort, not in the outcome".

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Purple Belt (5th Kyu)

Kihon

1. Sanbon Tsuki.
2. Age Uke, Gyakutsuki, Uraken Uchi (Soto Uke No Kamae).
3. Soto Uke, Yoko Empi, Otoshi Uraken, Gyakutsuki (Uchi Uke No Kamae), Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyakutsuki (Gedan Barai No Kamae), Gedan Barai, same hand URAKEN UCHI, GYAKUTSUKI (Shuto-No-Kamae), SHUTO UKE (Kokutsu Dachi), Mae Ashi Mae Geri, Nukite (Zenkutsu Dachi).
4. Repeat 2 starting right side.
5. Repeat 3 starting left side.
6. Oi Tsuki (Jodan), Gyaku Tsuki (Chudan).
7. Shuto Uke (Kokutsu Dachi),Mae Ashi Mawashi Geri, Nukite (Zenkutsu Dachi).
8. Mae Ashi Mae Geri (Chudan), Mae Geri (Jodan).
9. (From Zenkutsu Dachi) Yoko Geri Keage.
10. (From Zenkutsu Dachi) Yoko Geri Kekome.
11. Mawashi Geri (Jodan).
12. Ushiro Geri.

Kumite

1. Hachi Ho Kumite (from Shizentai)*.
2. Seme Waza:
   • 3 X Jodan Oi Tsuki, 3 X Chudan Oi Tsuki, 2 X Mae Geri Keage.
3. Uke Waza:
   • Jodan:
     • Straight back Age Uke, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
     • 45º outside Soto Uchikome, Gyakutsuki counter punch.
     • 45º inside Furre Age Uke, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
   • Chudan:
     • Straight back Otoshi Uke in Kiba Dachi, Uraken Uke, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
     • 45º inside Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
     • 45º outside Soto Uke, Uraken Uchi, Gyakutsuki counter punch.
   • Mae Geri:
     • 45º inside Gedan Barai, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
     • 45º outside Nagashi Uke, Gyakutsuki counter punch.

Note

1. Examiner to give first start command only.
2. *for juniors replace Hachi Ho Kumite with Kihon Ippon Kumite:

Kata

1. Heian Yondan
2. Taikyoku Nidan (ura)
3. Any previous lower level kata at examiners discretion.

"Understanding what you think you know, is the hardest part of learning".

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Purple and White Stripe Belt (4th Kyu)

Kihon

1. Sanbon Tsuki x 5.
2. Stepping backwards on each combination:
   • Age Uke, Gyak Tsuki, Uraken Uchi x1.
   • Soto Uke, Yoko Empi, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki x1.
   • Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki x1.
   • Gedan Barai, same hand Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki x1.
   • Shuto Uke (Kokutsu Dachi), Mae Ashi Mae Geri, Nukite (Zenkutsu) x1.
3. Repeat sequence 1 & 2 on opposite side.
4. Mae Geri, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back) x4 Mawatte & Rpt.
5. Mae Ashi Mae Geri Chudan, Mae Geri Jodan, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back but return to Jiyu Kamae) x2 Mawatte & Rpt.
6. From Jiyu Kamae (back leg) Okuri Ashi, 45°Mae Ashi Yoko Geri Keage, Uraken Uchi (Okuri Ashi means helping step. In this case move the back leg out 45° transferring the weight to this leg then kick with the front leg. Return front foot to straight line after completion of each combination) x2 Mawatte & Rpt.
7. From Jiyu Kamae Yoko Geri Kekome, Uraken Uchi (no snap back) (normal stepping through technique) x2 Mawatte & Rpt.
8. Mawashi Geri Jodan, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back) x4 Mawatte & Rpt.
9. Mae Ashi Mae Geri Chudan, Mawashi Geri Jodan, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back) (Mae Ashi = Front leg) x2 Mawatte & Rpt.
10. Ushiro Geri, Uraken Uchi x2 Mawatte & Rpt.

Kumite

1. Ippon Kumite: (from Shizentai)*.
2. Seme Waza:
   • 3 x Jodan Oi Tsuki, 3 x Chudan Oi Tsuki, 2 x Mae Geri Keage, Chudan Yoko Geri, Jodan Mawashi Geri, Chudan Ushiro Geri.
3. Uke Waza:
   • Jodan:
     • Straight back Age Uke, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º outside Soto Uchikome, Gyaku Tsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º inside Furre Age Uke, Gyaku Tsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
   • Chudan:
     • Straight back Otoshi Uke in Kiba Dachi, Uraken Uke, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º inside Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º outside Soto Uke, Uraken Uchi, Gyaku Tsuki counter punch.
   • Mae Geri:
     • 45º inside Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki in zenkutsu dachi,
     • 45º outside Nagashi Uke, Gyaku Tsuki counter punch.
   • Yoko Geri:
     • 45º outside Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki.
   • Mawashi Geri:
     • 45º inside Furre Age Uke, Gyaku Tsuki (alternative block permitted if Tori cannot kick Jodan).
   • Ushiro Geri:
     • back 45º inside Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki (inside here means inside the turning direction of the kick i.e. if Tori is kicking with the right leg the defender moves 45° to the left side and blocks with the right hand).

Kata

1. Heian Godan
2. Taikyoku Sandan (ura)
3. Any previous lower level kata at examiners discretion

"The difference between success and failure, can often be measured in the blink of an eye".

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Brown Belt (3rd Kyu)

Kihon

1. Each to be performed once through from left side before changing and repeating right side. Starting position for A1 is Jiyu Kamae:
   1. Back Age Uke, Gyaku Tsuki, Uraken Uchi - forward Sanbon Tsuki.
   2. Back Soto Uke, Yoko Enpi, Uraken, Gyakutsuki - Forward Sanbon Tsuki.
   3. Back Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyakutsuki - Forward Sanbon Tsuki.
   4. Back Gedan Barai same hand Uraken, Gyakutsuki - Forward Sanbon Tsuki.
   5. Back Shuto Uke, Kizami Mae Geri, Nukite - Forward Sanbon Tsuki.
2. Each to be performed 4 times from Jiyu kamae then turn Mawatte:
   1. Maegeri, Jun Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back but return to Jiyu Kamae after each combination).
   2. Yoko Kekome Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back but return to Jiyu Kamae after each combination).
   3. Mawashi Geri, Gyaku Tsuki, Uraken (no snap back but return to Jiyu Kamae after each combination).
   4. Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back but return to Jiyu Kamae after each combination).
3. C ( x 1 forward Mawatte x1 forward):
   1. Maegeri - Yoko Kekome - Mawashi Geri - Ushiro Geri - Uraken - Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back).

Kumite

1. Ippon Kumite: (from closed Jiyu Kamae which means both karateka with the same leg forward).
2. Seme Waza:
   • 3 x Jodan Oi Tsuki, 3 x Chudan Oi Tsuki, 2 x Mae Geri Keage, Chudan Yoko Geri, Jodan Mawashi Geri, Chudan Ushiro Geri.
3. Uke Waza:
   • Jodan:
     • straight back Age Uke, Gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º outside Soto Uchikome, Gyakutsuki In Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º inside furre age uke, gyakutsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi.
   • Chudan:
     • straight back Otoshi Uke in Kiba Dachi, Uraken Uke, Gyaku Tsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º inside Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º outside Soto Uke, Uraken Uchi, Gyaku Tsuki counter punch.
   • Mae Geri:
     • 45º inside Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi,
     • 45º outside Nagashi Uke, Gyaku Tsuki counter punch.
   • Yoko Geri:
     • 45º outside Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki.
   • Mawashi Geri:
     • 45º inside Furre Age Uke, Gyaku Tsuki (alternative block permitted if Tori cannot kick Jodan).
   • Ushiro Geri:
     • back 45º inside Gedan Barai, Gyaku Tsuki.

Kata

1. Tekki Shodan.
2. Ten No Kata (in fudo dachi).
3. Any previous lower level kata at examiners discretion.

"A good effort is the result of having the proper mental attitude".

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Brown & White Stripe Belt (2nd Kyu)

Kihon

1. Each to be performed once through from left side before changing and repeating right side:
   1. Forward Sanbon Tsuki - Back Age Uke, Gyakutsuki, Uraken Uchi (no snap back).
   2. Forward Sanbon Tsuki - Back Soto Uke, yoko enpi, Uraken, Gyakutsuki (no snap back).
   3. Forward Sanbon Tsuki - Back Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyakutsuki (no snap back).
   4. Forward Sanbon Tsuki - Back Gedan Barai same hand Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back).
   5. Forward Sanbon Tsuki - Back shuto Uke, Mae Ashi Mae Geri, Nukite (no snap back).
2. B Whole sequence to be performed 1 times from Jiyu Kamae then turn Mawatte and repeat:
   1. Mae Geri, Jun Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back).
   2. Yoko Kekome Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back).
   3. Mawashi Geri, Gyaku Tsuki, Uraken (no snap back).
   4. Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back).
3. 1 forward Mawatte x1 forward:
   1. Mae Geri, Yoko Kekome, Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (no snap back)
4. D x 2 Stepping forward Mawatte & repeat
   1. Mae Geri, Yoko Geri (same leg)
   2. Mae Geri, Mawashi Geri (same leg)

Kumite

1. Jiyu Ippon Kumite (to demonstrate the application of Ippon Kumite from 3rd Kyu syllabus in a moving situation).
2. Seme Waza:
   • Jodan Oi Tsuki, Chudan Oi Tsuki, Chudan Mae Geri Keage, Chudan Yoko Geri, Jodan Mawashi Geri, Chudan,
   • Ushiro Geri - attack & defend right & left. side.
3. Jiyu Kumite - demonstrate the application of Ippon Kumite from 3rd Kyu Syllabus in a free environment).

Kata

1. Bassai Dai.
2. Any previous lower level kata at examiners discretion.

"You alone know what is best for you, everyone else is just guessing".

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Brown & 2 White Stripe Belt (1st Kyu)

Kihon

1. Each to be done twice (once from left side & once from right side) then turn Mawatte.
   
   1-2 to be done together turning after each double set and then begin the next.
   
   No Yori Ashi on Kizame Tsuki or Gyaku Tsuki. with Kizame Tsuki transfer the weight forward onto front leg in preparation for stepping Oi Tsuki.
    
   1. Forward Kizame Tsuki, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki back Age Uke Gyaku Tsuki, Uraken forward Mae Geri, Jun Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki (hold the Gyaku Tsuki at the end of each set and move directly into Kizame Tsuki).
   2. Forward Kizame Tsuki, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki back Soto Uke, Yoko Enpi, Otoshi Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (focus Otoshi Uraken then change to Gyaku Tsuki) forward Yoko Kekome Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (hold the Gyaku Tsuki at the end of each set and move directly into Kizame Tsuki).

   A3-4 to be done together turning after each double set and then begin the next.
    

   3. Forward Kizame Tsuki, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki back Uchi Uke, Kizame Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki forward Mawashi Geri, Gyaku Tsuki, Uraken (after Uraken return to Jiyu Kamae before starting Kizame Tsuki).
   4. Forward Kizame Tsuki, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki back Gedan Barai same hand Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki forward Ushiro Geri, Uraken, Gyaku Tsuki (hold the Gyaku Tsuki at the end of each set and move directly into Kizame Tsuki).

   A5 is performed twice with left leg forward then Mawatte and twice with right leg forward.
    

   5. Forward Kizame Tsuki, Oi Tsuki, Gyaku Tsuki back Shuto Uke, Mae Ashi Mae Geri, Nukite.
2. Each to be performed x5 then Mawatte:
   1. Mae Geri / Yoko Kekome same leg kicking.
   2. Mae Geri / Mawashi Geri same leg kicking.
   3. Yoko Keage / Yoko Kekome same leg kicking.

Kumite

1. Jiyu Ippon Kumite (to demonstrate the application of Ippon Kumite from 3rd Kyu syllabus in a moving situation).
2. Seme Waza:
   • Jodan Oi Tsuki,
   • Chudan Oi Tsuki,
   • Chudan Mae Geri Keage,
   • Chudan Yoko Geri,
   • Jodan Mawashi Geri,
   • Chudan Ushiro Geri,
     
     Attack & defend right & left. side.
      
3. Jiyu Kumite (to demonstrate the application of Ippon Kumite from 3rd Kyu syllabus in a free environment).

Kata

1. Bassai Dai.
2. Any previous lower level kata at examiners discretion.

"The simplest things are often the most complex, yet their complexity is usually unravelled when viewed by an open mind".

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