Karate Gradings

A grading systems allows all students to proceed through levels, or grades, signifying their growth and development. Whilst it is not mandatory for students to go through the grading system, it is a great way for both adults and children to have their progress recognised.

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Seiki-Juku Karate Gradings

Gradings generally take place every 3 months for 10th to 5th Kyu grades. A student will be eligible to grade when they have gained the required number of training lessons. It is natural that the Chief Instructor will advise for or against a grading if the individual is not ready. A grading must not be rushed and equally it must be taken to show progress and to give the student a sense of achievement.

For Dan grades permission must be sought from the Chief Instructor. Dan grades are required to attend courses prior to the grading, and will be asked to demonstrate elements of sparring (Kumite), basic techniques (Kihon), and body tests.

Provisional grades

A student may receive a ‘Provisional’ grade, which means that they are not quite up to the required standard. They can however wear the full grade belt and train on the same syllabus, but in the next grading the student will need to retry for the full grade, and may be considered for further promotion to the following grade if they have the necessary hours of training between those grades, or they have achieved the required standard.

Things to remember

1. In order to grade you must have completed the minimum training requirements and be confident that you know the technical requirements in the syllabus. If you are in doubt about your ability to grade please ask your Sensei or Sempai.
    
2. You must hold a valid UKSKO licence which you will need to take along to your grading. You will not be allowed to grade without one.
    
3. Please turn up for the grading at least 30 minutes before to give you enough time to warm up.
    
4. All students grading should be wearing an Association Gi (suit) with the association calligraphy on the chest area. To purchase a Gi please ask your Sensei or Sempai.
    
5. Your Gi should be clean and neatly pressed.
    
6. Girls/Women should where a (white) T-shirt under your Gi and boys should be bare chested.
    
7. All jewellery should be removed or taped over.
    
8. If you are attempting a grade of 5th Kyu or above you will need your kumite equipment consisting of Head Guard, Hand Protectors (mits) and Shin and Instep Pads. Boys/Men should wear a Groin Guard and Girls/Women may want to wear a Chest Guard. To purchase a Gi please ask your Sensei or Sempai.
    
9. All candidates will be notified of their grading result by your Sensei or Sempai. This is usually within 1-2 weeks.