Kata Requirements for Dan Grade Level Examinations
Yudansha Black Belt
There is a two (2) kata minimum for all dan grade examinations. The examinee will choose one kata from the designated listed groups 1-5 as required. The examiner will choose the second kata from either the dan grade level group being examined or below. Although only two kata are required as a basic minimum standard, the examiner may require that additional kata be performed in order to meet or exceed the dan grade being examined. No more than two additional kata will be requested.
Dan Grade Examinee's Choice Examiner's Choice
Shodan One from group 2 One from group 1
Nidan One from group 3 One from group 1 or 2
Sandan One from group 4 One from group 1-2 or 3
Yondan One from group 5 One from group 1-2 or 3
Godan One from group 5 One from group 2 or 3
As a general rule, neither the examinee or the examiner should select Heian Shodan as a choice in any examination above the Kyu level. For that reason alone, it has been deleted from group 1 of the following kata selections.
Kata Group Selections
Group One Group Two Group Three Group Four Group Five
Heian Nidan Bassai Dai Tekki Nidan Tekki Sandan Meikyo
Heian Sandan Enpi Bassai Sho Sochin Unsu
Heian Yondan Jion Hangetsu Chinte Wankan
Heian Godan Kanku Dai Kanku Sho Jiin Gojushiho Dai
Tekki Shodan Jitte Gankaku Nijushiho Gojushiho Sho
Kata difficulty in terms of execution
Least Group 1 and 2
Middle Group 3 and 4
Most Group 5