JKA & JSKE 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.

In addition, you can view the requirements for JKA Qualifications in PDF format.

JSKE Kyu Grading Syllabus

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 the kihon required for 9th kyu.

KATA

1. KIHON KATA

Here's a short video demonstrating kihon kata.

KUMITE

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

Here's a short video demonstrating sanbon kumite. 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.

JKA Dan Grading Syllabus (Black Belt)

1st Dan - Shodan

Ido Kihon Moving Basics

1. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKUZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE, YOKOENPI, YOKOURAKEN UCHI, GYAKUZUKI (ZENKUTSUDACHI changing stance to KIBADACHI changing stance to ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, KIZAMIZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (KOUKUTSUDACHI to ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU SHUTOU UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)
6. MAEGERI (On the spot) ,MAE GERI(step in)
7. MAWASHIGERI (step in)
8. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
9. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSUDACHI)

Kata

• Choice of BASSAI DAI, KANKU DAI, ENPI or JION

Kumite - JIYU IPPON KUMITE

• (JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN MAEGERI, CHUUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI, JOUDAN MAWASHIGERI) – right and left
  • Inform your choice of JOUDAN or CHUUDAN for MAWASHIGERI

2nd Dan - Nidan

IDO KIHON Moving basics

1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN JYUNZUKI, CHUUDAN GYAKUZUKI (step in)
3. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
4. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
5. UCHIUKE, KIZAMIZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (KOKUTSUDACHI to ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
6. KOUKUTSHU SHUTOUUKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)
7. MAEGERI (On the spot), MAEGERI(step in)
8. YOKOGERI KEAGE, YOKOGERI KEKOMI (KIBADACHI, alternate feet)
9. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
10. MAWASHIGERI, YOKOURAKENUCHI, CHUUDAN GYAKUZUKI (step in)

Kata

• Student’s favourite KATA

KUMITE

• JIYU KUMITE (free kumite)

3rd Dan - Sandan

Kihon IDO KIHON Moving basics free KAMAE

1. KIZAMIZUKI, JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN GYAKUZUKI (step in)
2. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
3. UCHIUKE, KIZAMIZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (KOKUTSUDACHI to ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
4. KOUKUTSU SHUTOUUKE, KIZAMIMAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)
5. MAEGERI・GYAKUZUKI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI・GYAKUZUKI, MAWASHIGERI・GYAKUZUKI (step in)
6. USHIROGERI (step in)
7. MAEGERI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, USHIROGERI (ZENKUTSUDACHI same feet right and left)

Kata

• Student’s favourite KATA (Question and Answer Session)

Kumite

• JIYU KUMITE

4th Dan - Yondan

IDO KIHON Moving basics free KAMAE

1. KIZAMIZUKI, SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
2. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
3. UCHIUKE, KIZAMIZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (KOKUTSUDACHI to ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
4. KOUKUTSU SHUTOUUKE, KIZAMIMAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)
5. MAEGERI, JUNZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
6. KIZAMIMAWASHIGERI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
7. MAEGERI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, USHIROGERI (ZENKUTSUDACHI same feet right and left)

Kata

• Student’s favourite KATA (Question and Answer Session)

Kumite

• JIYU KUMITE

5th Dan - Godan

IDO KIHON Moving basics free KAMAE

1. KIZAMIZUKI, SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
2. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
3. UCHIUKE, KIZAMIZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (KOKUTSUDACHI to ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
4. KOUKUTSU SHUTOUUKE, KIZAMIMAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)
5. MAEGERI, JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN GYAKUZUKI (step in)
6. YOKOGERI KEKOMI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
7. MAWASHIGERI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
8. MAEGERI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, MAWASHIGERI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)

Kata

• Kata specified by examiner
  • Chosen from HEIAN SHODAN to TEKKI SANDAN, with (Question and Answer Session)
• Student’s favourite KATA (Question and Answer Session)

Kumite

• JIYU KUMITE

6th Dan - Rokudan

Kihon

• Specified by examiner

Kata

• Specified by examiner from HEIAN SHODAN to TEKKI SANDAN BASSAIDAI, KANKUUDAI, ENPI, or JION (Question and Answer Session)
• Student’s favourite KATA (Question and Answer Session)

Kumite

• JIYU KUMITE

Additional

• Question and Answer Session on technique
• Submit a report on technique on the exam day (Submitted one week in advance)

7th Dan - Nanadan

Kihon

• Specified by examiner

Kata

• Student’s favourite KATA (Question and Answer Session)

Kumite

• JIYU KUMITE

Additional

• Question and Answer Session on technique
• Submit a report on technique on the exam day (Submitted one week in advance)

8th, 9th, 10th Dan

• Recommendation by SHIHANKAI

Notes

(Note) ＜from 2nd Dan to 7th Dan＞ General KUMITE for men / women the age of 60 and above are required JIYUU KUMITE or JIYUU IPPON KUMITE (JODAN JUNZUKI, CHUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUDAN MAEGERI, CHUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI, MAWASHIGERI) right ※Inform JOUDAN or CHUDAN as for MAWASHIGERI