Grading System
In Karate, the grading system serves as a structured path for students to progress in skill, knowledge, and character. Practitioners begin as beginners with white belts and advance through a series of colored belts, each representing increased technical ability, understanding of kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and the spirit of Karate-do. Gradings are not just tests of physical techniques but also of discipline, respect, and perseverance. The highest levels, represented by black belts, signify a deep commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.
The following grading system is used in WSK Sekishinkan Karate-do:
INTRODUCTORY LEVEL
Kids Program (ages 4-7)
LEVEL
KK0
KK1
KK2
KK3
KK4
KK5
KK6
KK7
KK8
KK9
KK10
9 KYU
BELT COLOR
PREREQUISTE
Entry level, no test required
Minimum age of 4 and 8 classes practice at KK0 level
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK1 level
Minimum age of 5 with 12 classes practice at KK2 level
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK3 level
Minimum age of 6 with 12 classes practice at KK4 level
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK5 level
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK6 level
Minimum age of 7 with 12 classes practice at KK7 level
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK8 level
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK9 level
Age of 8, Minimum 12 classes practice at KK10 level
GOJU-RYU LEVEL
Goju-Ryu Karate-do (ages 8 and up)
LEVEL
BELT COLOR
PREREQUISTE
10 KYU
Entry level, no test required
9 KYU
Minimum 24 classes within 4 months at 10 KYU
8 KYU
Minimum 24 classes within 4 months at 9 KYU
7 KYU
Minimum 24 classes within 4 months at 8 KYU
KATA
KUMITE
TOURNAMENT
n/a
n/a
n/a
Taikyoku Jodan,
Taikyoku Chudan
n/a
0
Taikyoku Jodan 2 & 3,
Taikyoku Chudan 2 & 3
n/a
1
Taikyoku Gedan,
Gekisai Ichi
Yes
1
6 KYU
Minimum 36 classes within 6 months at 7 KYU
Gekisai Ni, Sanchin
Yes
2
5 KYU
Minimum 36 classes within 6 months at 6 KYU
Sensei’s recommendation required
Saifa, Sanchin
Yes
2
4 KYU
Minimum 36 classes within 6 months at 5 KYU
Sensei’s recommendation required
Seienchin, Sanchin, Tensho
Yes
2
3 KYU
Minimum 6 months of practice at 4 Kyu with at least 42 classes attended. Sensei’s recommendation required
Taikyoku Gedan,
Shisochin, Sanchin,
Tensho
Yes
2
2 KYU
Minimum 9 months of practice at 3 Kyu, with at least 60 classes attended. Sensei’s recommendation required
Taikyoku Gedan 2,
Sanseiru, Sanchin,
Tensho
Yes
2
1 KYU
Minimum 9 months of practice at 2 Kyu with at least 60 classes attended. Sensei’s recommendation required
Taikyoku Gedan 3,
Seipai, Sanchin,
Tensho
Yes
2
SHODAN-HO
Minimum 9 months of practice at 1 Kyu with at least 60 classes attended. Sensei’s recommendation required. Required to take the evaluation test every 6 months to maintain the Shodan-Ho status.
Taikyoku Gedan 3,
Seipai, Sanchin,
Tensho
Yes
2
YUDANSHA (BLACKBELT LEVEL)
Goju-Ryu Karate-do (ages 8 and up)
LEVEL
BELT COLOR
PREREQUISTE
KATA & BUNKAI
KUMITE
TOURNAMENT
SHODAN
Minimum 80 classes within 12 months of practice and service at SHODAN-HO with Dojocho’s recommendation. Required to take the evaluation test every 6 months to maintain the SHODAN status.
Kata: Seisan, Sanchin, Tensho
Bunkai: Taikyoku, Gekisai, Saifa
Yes
2
NIDAN
Minimum 2 years of active practice and service at SHODAN with 85% attendance and Dojocho’s recommendation. Required to take the evaluation test every 6 months to maintain the NIDAN status.
Kata: Kururunfa, Sanchin, Tensho
Bunkai: Seienchin, Shisochin
Yes
2
SANDAN
Shidoin
Minimum 3 years of active practice and service at NIDAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
Yes
2
YONDAN
Shidoshi
Minimum 4 years of active practice and service at SANDAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
Yes
0
GODAN
Shihan
Minimum 5 years of active practice and service at YONDAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
No
0
ROKUDAN
Renshi
Minimum 6 years of practice and service at GODAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
No
0
NANADAN
Kyoshi
Minimum 7 years of practice and service at ROKUDAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
No
0
HACHIDAN
Hanshin
Minimum 8 years of practice and service at NANADAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
No
0
KYUDAN
Hanshin
Minimum 9 years of practice and service at HACHIDAN with Dojocho’s recommendation.
All Kata + Bunkai and Knowledge
No
0