SKJF Kyu

In general, the following requirements and standards of both Kyu & Dan grades have been established to provide a uniform standard consistent with current international criteria. It must be stressed that unless otherwise indicated, ALL criteria listed must be fulfilled in order to meet the minimum standards of each corresponding rank. It should be noted that Kobudo Kata shall be included during examinations from the 5th Kyu and above.

The examination requirements for all Kyu level grades must consist of a variety of techniques in Kata, Kihon Waza, Kumite & Kobudo. With the exception of KATA, the overall minimal requirements of each Kyu rank will be left to the judgment, discretion and interpretation of the respective Dojo Sensei.

Students should not receive a percentage or letter grade (ie: 100% or A+). However, examination criteria shall be given weight via percentage values. Note that KATA is the most important section of the exam. Without an understanding of the required kata for each rank, a student SHALL NOT pass. Examination percentage values shall be as follows:

Zero (0) Kyu - White Belt: This is an entry level novice rank in which students will be introduced to the basic fundamentals and rudiments of kihon waza, kata & Shotokan history. It is this stage of development in which the student prepares for their first exam.

Ju (10th) Kyu - Yellow Belt: Students should be able to perform basic kihon waza and be familiar with the most basic historical facts related to their training thus far. Examples include: Counting 1-10 in Japanese, What does Karatedo mean?, What style do they study?, What does ShotoKan mean?, Who is Gichin Funakoshi?, What is the SKJF?, etcetera. KATA: TAIKYOKU SHODAN & TAIKYOKU NIDAN. Note that the remaining Taikyoku Kata (Sandan - Nanadan) are introduced gradually throughout the Kyu level however should not be required for grading purposes.

Ku (9th) Kyu - Orange Belt: KIHON: Continued improvement in basic kihon waza including basic, zuki, geri, uke & dachi. KUMITE: 2 Ippon Kumite. KATA: HEIAN SHODAN -plus- one kata from previous rank.

Hachi (8th) Kyu - Blue Belt: Further development of the Ku Kyu standards as above. KATA: HEIAN NIDAN -plus- one kata from previous rank.

Sichi (7th) Kyu - Purple Belt: KIHON: Further introduction of added kihon waza and simple combinations. KUMITE: 2-3 Ippon Kumite, 1-2 Jiyu Kumite Shobu. KATA: HEIAN SANDAN -plus- one kata from previous rank.

Roku (6th) Kyu - Purple Belt: Further development of the Sichi Kyu standards as above. KATA: HEIAN YONDAN -plus- one kata from previous rank.

Go (5th) Kyu - Green Belt: KIHON: Further introduction of more complex kihon waza and multiple combinations. KUMITE: 3-4 Ippon Kumite, 2 Jiyu Kumite Shobu. KATA: HEIAN GODAN, TEKKI SHODAN -plus- one kata from previous rank.

Yon (4th) Kyu - Green Belt: Further development of the Go Kyu standards as above. KATA: TEKKI SHODAN, BASSAI DAI - plus- one kata from previous rank.

San (3rd) Kyu - Brown Belt: Further introduction of more complex kihon waza and multiple combinations being demonstrated in Kumite Dachi Kamae. KUMITE: 3-4 Ippon Kumite, 2 Jiyu Kumite Shobu. KATA: TEKKI NIDAN, BASSAI DAI -plus- one kata from previous rank. KOBUDO KATA: 1 Bo and/or 1 Sai.

Ni (2nd) Kyu - Brown Belt: Further development of the San Kyu standards as above. KATA: KANKU DAI, TEKKI NIDAN -plus- one kata from previous rank. KOBUDO KATA: Same as San Kyu.

Ik (1st) Kyu - Brown Belt: Further development of the Ni Kyu standards as above. KATA: TEKKI SANDAN, ENPI -plus- one kata from previous rank. KOBUDO KATA: 1 Bo & 1 Sai

Shodan-Ho (almost/nearly) 1st Dan - Black Belt: A complete understanding of all previous Kyu rank kihon waza coupled with an apparent clarity of purpose in all applications. KATA: JION, NIJUSHIHO-SHO -plus- one kata from previous rank. KOBUDO KATA: 1 Bo, 1 Sai, 1 Tonfa

After passing your SKJF Yudansha examination, you may register your new grade for certification. Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a Japanese Yudansha Grade Diploma.

All examinees for SKJF Yudansha promotion will pay a $50.00 examination fee in advance prior to the exam itself - no exceptions.

If the examinee passes the exam they are required to submit the balance of any registration fees due (less the original $50.00 exam fee) within 30 days of the exam date.

A late fee of $25.00 will be added on the 31st day after the exam and the results will be nullified if the remaining registration fee is not submitted within 60 days from the date of the original exam.

If the student fails the exam they may either be re-examined within 2-weeks or be issued a full refund at the end of the first exam.

(Example: Shodan Examination-Registration-Diploma Fee Total = $100.00)

Exam Date: Pay $50.00 in advance prior to exam

Passed Exam: Pay balance of $50.00 within 30 days

Paid Day 31+: Add $25.00 late fee (New Balance Due Total= $75.00)

Day 60+: Exam results nullified, original fee retained.

If Failed: Re-exam within 2-weeks -or- full refund (Examiners choice)

Once again, please note that the SKJF wants you to have more for less. Grading recognition can be "paid" for in terms of your time and efforts and not out of your pocket.

In Japan, Shomei "title award" are bestowed only within the traditional martial ways (Budo) that employ traditional weapons or empty hand arts. SKJF members who qualify through outstanding dedication and leadership may be selected from any division.

In general, Senpei refers to the senior student or highest ranking member of a Dojo. This may include the highest dan grade from 2nd Dan and below. Senpei may be further used as a courtesy title to any Yudansha not yet receiving the title of Sensei.

Minimum rank, 3rd Dan. Ability to conduct training classes as an instructor on a regular basis including the ability to serve as a solo examiner during any Kyu level (including Shodan-Ho) and/or participate on an examiners board/panel for Shodan & Nidan examinations.

Minimum rank, 4th Dan. The title of O'Sensei refers directly to the "Head or Chief Instructor" of any singular Dojo that also hosts or sponsors additional branches or clubs.

Minimum rank, 5th Dan. Ability to teach practical methods and basic techniques, proven dedication to Budo through long term teaching experience. Written essay of publication required. Similar to the title, "Bachelor of Arts."

Minimum rank, 7th Dan, 40 years of age, Renshi title holder. Outstanding knowledge of the traditions and methods of Budo. Demonstrated excellence of technique and teaching methods. Written essay or publication required. Similar to the title, "Master of the fine Arts."

Minimum rank of 8th Dan, 50 years of age, Kyoshi title holder. Individual of outstanding moral and personal character. Proven leadership and exceptional contribution to Budo. Deep understanding of the techniques, history and spririt of the Martial Arts. Written essay or publication required. Similar to the titel, "Doctor of Philosophy."

Individual that has attained the highest rank of 10th Dan. Awarded by a special board of examiners. The term Meijin translates to "Grand Master."

Minimum rank of 7th Dan, Kyoshi. The term Shihan translates to "Master Chief Instructor" or "teacher of teachers."

The leader of style, or school (Ryu), who has assumed leadership through inheritance.