Grading Requirements

Grading opportunities for individual students are considered collectively by the senior dan (black belt) ranked instructors and assistants of Brighton dojo but the final decision rests with the Head Instructor John Cahill Sensei. 

Grading examinations within our organisation, JKA/WF Australia, must be conducted by authorised and qualified senior instructors of black belt level.  Sensei John Cahill holds JKA (Japan Karate Association) qualifications to examine students to 1^st kyu level.  Sensei Paula Smith also has JKA examiner qualifications. 

Grading levels are referred to as kyu grades and dan grades. Kyu grades are coloured belts and start from 10^th kyu progressing to 1^st kyu.  Beginners commence with a white belt and at 10^th kyu a black tip is added and then the student progresses through the kyu grade levels.  Dan grades are black belt levels and rise from first Dan upwards.

Within the kyu system, there is a level referred to as “kari” e.g. 9^th kyu kari. Within the relevant kyu level there are two steps, first is, for example, 9^th kyu kari,  then 9^th kyu. The kari comes first, perhaps being a “probationary” step and then the full kyu level. Grading requirements for both levels are the same. This system progresses through to 1^st kyu (brown belt) or until the student reaches 14 years of age. ALL STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 14 YEARS MUST BE GRADED USING THIS SYSTEM.  

There are minimum lesson number requirements and a minimum length of time training requirements between ALL grade levels before a grading opportunity is offered. These requirements are determined by the Japan Karate Association, the world governing body of our particular style of karate with who we are affiliated. We MUST comply with these requirements.  Having attained the minimum number of lessons and attending for the nominated time is just the first criteria. I does not equate that having done so, the student will automatically be asked to attempt a grading examination. Further consideration that will be invoked includes:

• Ability of the student to perform to a satisfactory level the requirements of the grade.
• Consistency in attendance.
• Attitude to instruction and training, showing a willingness to learn and progress.
• Showing respect to Instructors and fellow students.

Lesson counts and length of time training requirements commence as of the date the student becomes a financial member of the Japan Karate Association World Federation Australia Brighton Dojo. We utilise a software system jointly with all JKA/WF Australia clubs, storing individual student information. By students “logging on “ at training nights, the lesson numbers are recorded electronically, and we access this system when determining the lesson number criteria regarding grading eligibility. 

LESSON NUMBER REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE

• Beginner to 10^th kyu, white belt with black tip, minimum 24 lessons.
• 10^th kyu to 9^th kyu kari, yellow belt with white stripe minimum 18 lessons.
• 9^th kyu kari to 9^th kyu, yellow belt white stripe, minimum 18 lessons, and so on through the kari/kyu levels.

LESSON NUMBER REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT STARTING STUDENTS 14 YEARS AND OLDER.

In this group there is no requirement for the “kari” levels.  Students grade direct through kyu grades, for example 9^th kyu to 8^th kyu, 8^th kyu to 7^th kyu etc. This will continue through to 1^st kyu.  

• Minimum lesson numbers between kyu levels for those in this category, is 36.