Eligibility for Belt Promotion
- Outstanding attendance & work ethics and following the dojo rules
- Outstanding physical skills as well as knowledge of the art
- Outstanding results in shiai (tournaments); both in form and sparring
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Students should practice regularly for at least three months between each kyu rank and participate in local tournaments and dojo seminars. A test fee must be paid before the testing date.
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Between Sankyu and Shodan, students should practice regularly for at least six months and participate in federation tournaments.
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All kata techniques are mandatory, while kumite, bunkai, and jutsu techniques are chosen by the student. As students progress, techniques should become more complex and demonstrate proficiency without pauses, performed on both the right and left sides.
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Variations in ground (ne waza) and standing (tachi waza) techniques can be pre-approved for testing.
Progress is indicated by rank & belt color
There are no strict timelines for achieving ranks. With dedication, a student can reach a brown belt in about two years and a black belt in three years of consistent training.
Progress requires mastery of basics, forms, sparring, application, and combat techniques. Rank should focus on technical and self-mastery, not pride or criticism.
Practice techniques and katas five times daily for two weeks before grading. The day before, relax. Ensure cleanliness and a clean gi, and arrive 15 minutes early for a brief practice before the test.
TEST CHART
| Rank | Rank Name | Link | Required Kata | Belt Color |
| 10th Kyu | Yu kyu |
beginner - no testing |
 |
|
| 9th Kyu | Ku kyu |  |
 |
|
| 8th Kyu | Hachi kyu | |
Heian Nidan |  |
| 7th Kyu | Nana kyu | |
Heian Sandan |  |
| 6th Kyu | Roku kyu | |
Heian Yondan |  |
| 5th Kyu | Go kyu | |
Heian Godan |  |
| 4th Kyu | Shi kyu | |
 |
|
| 3rd Kyu | San kyu | |
 |
|
| 2nd Kyu | Ni kyu | |
 |
|
| 1st Kyu | Ik kyu | |
 |
|
| 1st Dan | Shodan | |
Any SENTEI Kata |  |
| 2nd Dan | Nidan | |
Any JIYU Kata |  |
| 3rd Dan | Sandan | |
Any JIYU Kata |  |
KIHON (Basic techniques):
Hands:
- Age-uke (rising block-front stance)
- Soto-uke (middle inside block-front stance)
- Uchi-uke (middle outside block-front stance)
- Gedan-barai (down block-front stance)
- Shuto-uke (knife hand block-back stance)
- Oi-zuki (lunge punch-front stance)
- Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch-front stance)
- Enpi-uchi (elbow)
Kicks:
- Mai-geri (front kick-front stance)
- Mawashi-geri (round kick-front stance)
- Yoko-geri kekomi (side thrust kick-horse stance)
- Yoko-geri keage (side snap kick-horse stance)
- Ura-mawashi geri (round hook kick-front stance)
- Ushiro-geri (back kick)
- Ushiro-mawashi geri (back roundhouse kick)
- Mikazuki-geri (crescent kick (inside to outside). Also called soto mikazuki geri)
- Kakato otoshi-geri (rising kick to head with leg fully extended)
Jitsu/Jutsu:
- Ukemi waza - rolling and falling
- Tori gaeshi waza - escaping techniques
- Kansetsu waza - joint locking techniques
- Nage waza - throwing techniques
- Ne waza - ground techniques
- Tachi waza - standing techniques
- Suwari Waza - seated techniques
- Kyusho jutsu - Pressure Point Tactics
- Katame waza - grappling techniques
- Iai jutsu - sword drawing art
- Tanto jutsu - knife arts
- Shiatsu - finger pressure massage
- Breathing and meditation techniques
Important Points:
- Strong Spirit, and a clear mind, show through eyes. Kiai!
- Low stance. Hips go in.
- Strong standing leg. The heel stays down.
- No power in shoulders. Strong pulling hand.
- Proper breathing
