Northstowe Karate Club

JSKE Kyu Grading Syllabus

Karate students progress through a series of coloured belts, known as kyu grades, by demonstrating their skills in grading exams. Each grade has specific requirements for basic techniques, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

Gradings are held regularly throughout the year. Instructors provide support and guidance to help students prepare for each grading.

For details on upcoming gradings and how to prepare, speak to your instructor or check our club communications.

10th Kyu (White with Orange)

KIHON - In place basics

  1. CHŪDAN CHOKU-ZUKI - mid level straight punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE - rising block
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE - outside block
  4. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (HEISOKU-DACHI・GEDAN KAKIWAKE) - mid level front kick

* “GOREI” command (From right side in turn for each Waza)

10th Kyu is usually reserved for very young students who aren't ready for 9th kyu but have demonstrated some progress.

9th Kyu (Orange)

KIHON Idō Kihon Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI (step in) - mid level stepping punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE (step in) - rising block
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE (step in) - outside block
  4. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick

Here's a short video demonstrating kihon for 9th kyu.

KATA

  1. KIHON KATA

Here's a short video demonstrating kihon kata for 9th kyu.

KUMITE

  1. SANBON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI) - 3 step sparring

Here's a short video demonstrating sanbon for 9th kyu. Note that these are the steps for practicing at home. Kumite is performed with a partner.

8th Kyu (Red)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI (step in) - mid level stepping punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE (step in) - rising block
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE (step in) - outside block
  4. GEDAN BARAI (step in) - lower sweep
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ-UKE (step in) - sword hand block
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick

KATA

  1. HEIAN SHODAN

KUMITE

  1. GOHON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI) - 5 step sparring

* Examiners look predominantly for correct basic form

7th Kyu (Yellow)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI (step in) - mid level stepping punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE (step back) - rising block
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE (step in) - outside block
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE (step back) - inside block
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ-UKE (step in) - sword hand block
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. YOKO-GERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, stepping in, right and left) - side snap kick

KATA

  1. HEIAN NIDAN

KUMITE

  1. GOHON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI) - 5 step sparring

6th Kyu (Green)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI (step in) - mid level stepping punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - rising block, reverse punch
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step in) - outside block, reverse punch
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE (step back) - inside block
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ-UKE (step in) - sword hand block
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. YOKO-GERI KEAGE (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side snap kick
  8. YOKO-GERI KEKOMI (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side thrust kick

KATA

  1. HEIAN SANDAN

KUMITE

  1. KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI – right and left) - one step sparring

5th Kyu (Purple)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI (step in) - mid level stepping punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - rising block, reverse punch
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step in) - outside block, reverse punch
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - inside block, reverse punch
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ-UKE (step in) - sword hand block
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. YOKO-GERI KEAGE (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side snap kick
  8. YOKO-GERI KEKOMI (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side thrust kick

KATA

  1. HEIAN YONDAN

KUMITE

  1. KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN MAE-GERI – right and left) - one step sparring

* Examiners look for correct pivoting of the hips during renzoku-waza, and clear grasp of the hand techniques

4th Kyu (Purple with White)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI (step in) - mid level stepping punch
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back) - rising block, reverse punch
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in) - outside block, reverse punch
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back) - inside block, reverse punch
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ-UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in) - sword hand block, spear hand strike
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. REN GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHŪDAN, JŌDAN) (step in) (TWICE) - mid level then face level front kicks
  8. MAWASHI-GERI (JIYŪ KAMAE) (step in) - roundhouse kick
  9. YOKO-GERI KEAGE (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side snap kick
  10. YOKO-GERI KEKOMI (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side thrust kick

KATA

  1. HEIAN GODAN

KUMITE

  1. KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN MAE-GERI – right and left) - one step sparring

* Examiners are looking for appropriate degree of strength and sharpness of execution in each technique (Kihon, Kata and Kumite)

3rd Kyu (Brown)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. SANBON REN-ZUKI (step in) - 3 punches
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - rising block, reverse punch
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE in ZENKUTSU-DACHI, changing stance to KIBA-DACHI, YOKO-ENPI (step in) - outside block, side elbow strike
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - inside block, reverse punch
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in) - sword hand block, spear hand strike
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. REN GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHŪDAN, JŌDAN) (step in) (TWICE) - two level kicks
  8. MAWASHI-GERI (JIYŪ KAMAE) (step in) - roundhouse kick
  9. YOKO-GERI KEAGE (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side snap kick
  10. YOKO-GERI KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSU-DACHI) (step in) - side thrust kick

KATA

  1. TEKKI SHODAN

KUMITE

  1. KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JŌDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN MAE-GERI, CHŪDAN YOKO-GERI KEKOMI – right and left) - one step sparring

* Examiners are looking for appropriate degree of strength and sharpness of execution in each technique (Kihon, Kata and Kumite)

2nd Kyu (Brown with one stripe)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. SANBON REN-ZUKI (step in) - 3 punches
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - rising block, reverse punch
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE in ZENKUTSU-DACHI, changing stance to KIBA-DACHI, YOKO-ENPI, YOKO-URAKEN-UCHI (step in) - outside block, elbow strike, back-fist
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - inside block, reverse punch
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in) - sword hand block, spear hand strike
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. REN GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHŪDAN, JŌDAN) (step in) (TWICE) - two level kicks
  8. MAWASHI-GERI (JIYŪ KAMAE) (step in) - roundhouse kick
  9. YOKO-GERI KEAGE (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side snap kick
  10. YOKO-GERI KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSU-DACHI) (step in) - side thrust kick

KATA

  1. SENTEI KATA – BASSAI-DAI or KANKU-DAI (your choice)

KUMITE

  1. JIYŪ IPPON KUMITE (3 METRES APART) (JODAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN MAE-GERI, CHŪDAN YOKO-GERI KEKOMI, MAWASHI-GERI, right) - semi-freestyle sparring

1st Kyu (Brown with two stripes)

KIHON IDŌ KIHON Moving basics (4 TIMES)

  1. SANBON REN-ZUKI (step in) - 3 punches
  2. JŌDAN AGE-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - rising block, reverse punch
  3. CHŪDAN SOTO-UKE, YOKO-ENPI, YOKO-URAKEN-UCHI (ZENKUTSU-DACHI changing stance to KIBA-DACHI), GYAKU-ZUKI (ZENKUTSU-DACHI) (step in) - outside block, elbow strike, back-fist, reverse punch
  4. CHŪDAN UCHI-UKE, GYAKU-ZUKI (step back) - inside block, reverse punch
  5. KŌKUTSU SHUTŌ-UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in) - sword hand block, spear hand strike
  6. CHŪDAN MAE-GERI (step in) - mid level front kick
  7. REN GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHŪDAN, JŌDAN) (step in) (TWICE) - two level kicks
  8. MAWASHI-GERI (JIYŪ KAMAE) (step in) - roundhouse kick
  9. YOKOGERI-KEAGE (in KIBA-DACHI, right and left) (step in) - side snap kick
  10. YOKOGERI-KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSU-DACHI) (step in) - side thrust kick

KATA

  1. SENTEI KATA – BASSAI-DAI, KANKU-DAI, JION, EMPI (your choice)

KUMITE

  1. JIYŪ IPPON KUMITE (JODAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN OI-ZUKI, CHŪDAN MAE-GERI, CHŪDAN YOKO-GERI KEKOMI, MAWASHI-GERI, right) - semi freestyle sparring

* Examiners look for ease and naturalness of execution, for speedy and powerful kime, and for smooth, instantaneous, dynamic elasticity of delivery.