Grading Curriculum

There has always been an Eigth Kyu (level) within Shin Bu Kai as had been in the original Karate grading systems of Japan.

Eighth Kyu - White belt

This is the stage where the beginner earns the right to wear the White belt. This is at least one month of regular training where one should have a basic ability to perform:

  • stances
  • blocks
  • punches
  • kicks


Some understanding of Dojo etiquette is necessary and the Karate Ka must be able to fold the Gi.

Seventh Kyu - White belt with yellow tab

It stands to reason that all previous requirements are met along with some new techniques including:

  • Shuto (knife hand)
  • Empi (elbow)
  • Uraken (backfist)

Strength and balance must be improved from the previous rank with combination basics culminating in the "Box Kata"

Sixth Kyu - Yellow belt

This level shows a more confident practitioner with a good understanding of all basic techniques as well as San Bon Kumite (three step sparring) and Kumite (free sparring).


Kata requirements for this rank are:

  • Taikyoku Kata Shodan
  • Taikyoku Kata Nidan
  • Taikyoku Kata Sandan
  • Heian Kata Kata Shodan

Fifth Kyu - Yellow belt with green tab.

The Karateka should now have a more confident manner in the dojo also have some Jiu Jitsu (self defense) ability such as hand reversals, defense against hair grabs and choke holds, one step takedowns and kumite against three separate opponents.

Kata requirements for this rank are:

  • Heian Kata Nidan

Fourth Kyu - Green belt

This level is once again a difficult one to attain as the character of the Karate Ka must be prominent and the confidence evident in all aspects of the previous grades and the new experiences. Fitness must be at a respectable level. Jiu Jitsu, Sanbon Kumite, take down techniques and kumite with six separate opponents must be added to the previous list.

Kata requirements for this rank are:

  • Heian Kata Sandan

Third Kyu - Green belt with brown tab

Karate Ka of this rank must display strength of character and confidence. Further, they are have a good understanding and use of Dojo terminology and a clear history of Shin Bu Kai and Karate. They must be able to assist the lower grades, have some tournament or public experience and have spent some time in front of a class of different grades.

Tameshi Wari (breaking technique) is introduced in this level, ability to perform all previous Kata and other subjects at a higher level, Kumite against eight (8) separate opponents including Black belts.

Second Kyu - Brown belt

This could be classed as one of the hardest gradings where the Karate Ka must display a greater level of strength, confidence, balance, speed, stamina and humility.

A display of all subjects including Ji Jyu, Kumite and all Kata including

  • Heian Kata Yondan


Basic blocks, stances and punches also the strikes which should have become a daily ritual are to be performed individually and in combinations. These strikes are:

Strikes

  • Shuto
  • Haito
  • Koken
  • Uraken
  • Empi
  • Palm
  • Heels

Kicks (geri)

  • Mae Geri (front)
  • Yoko Geri (side)
  • Ushiro Geri (back)
  • Mawashi Geri (Round house)

All these kicks must be able to be performed in Tobi Geri and combinations. These must all be of a high standard of ability plus a clear understanding of all Dojo etiquette and the bow in ceremony to the stage that the Brown Belt can perform this without assistance.


Kumite against no less than ten (10) separate opponents with the Karate Ka grading has control of all fights. Jiu Jitsu must be spontaneous including weapon attacks.

Clear and audible commands and Dojo terminology must be well developed at this stage.

First Kyu - Brown belt with black tab

Here the Brown Belt is being groomed for the advent of the Black Belt. All previous grading requirements apply here to a much higher level and the Karate Ka of the future emerges.