Gradings

Gradings – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate

One’s progress through the various levels of ability and understanding of karate-do is measured by means of periodic grading. The rewards of these grading are many and are symbolised by the presentation of a coloured belt. At first, only white, brown and black belts were used. There were many grades among these though and so other colours were later added to differentiate amongst them.

Each grading should give a sense of accomplishment, the student recognising it as the next step along the journey of the martial arts. Be happy with your progress, no matter what level you are at, but do not be satisfied with your capabilities and settle at any given grade.

The coloured belts are awarded to students in recognition of training efforts and encourage the students to continue such endeavours in the future. Grading also help to establish seniority, the important Senpai/Kohai relationship, which in turn allows for the smooth running of functions and activities of the dojo.

Students should always remember that grading are a privilege, not a right. Just because you have been a member of a dojo for some time, are friends with the senior students and so on does not give you the right to do grading when YOU please. The privilege to participate in a grading for ANY level is earned through dedicated, regular attendance and determined training. The instructor has the last say as to whether you may participate in a grading or not. Do NOT take it for granted. No one is that good.

One of the worst practices one can adopt is simply turning up for training a few weeks before a grading to sharpen up a little, then expect the grading to fall into your hands. It is not that easy. Certainly, some students with talent can do this, but talent does not justify disregard for common courtesy. Such an attitude demonstrates a very fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of the grading system. It is common courtesy, to the instructor and to one’s fellow students, to participate in the activities of the dojo in a spirit of friendship and humility. In this way, the dojo grows stronger and one’s personality is broadened.

Of course, if one is genuinely unable to attend training more than once or twice a week then that is a different story. Such situations should be discussed with the instructor. From experience though, most instructors will be able to tell you that genuine reasons for failure to attend class are few and far between.

The circle – the white belt gets darker from the first training session, but once the black belt is reached the circle goes round again. The belt slowly gets lighter in colour as it becomes worn and tattered, and finally becomes white again.

Belt System

Belt System – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate Grade Belt Seniors Juniors (Under 12) 10th Kyu White Beginners grade Beginners grade   9th Kyu White   One Blue Stripe   8th Kyu Blue     7th Kyu Blue   One Yellow Stripe   Two Yellow Stripes   6th Kyu Yellow …

Examination Rules

Examination Rules – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate Rules for Examining In order to help examiners more correctly assess progress and development in Ashihara Karate, the following rules and guidelines are presented for adoption at all strata. 1. Examiners must ensure that the student is a registered member of Ashihara …

Progression

Progression – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate Remember, the belts are symbols of what to expect from training as much as rewards for your efforts. That should act as inspiration and guidance. With progression, one should become aware of the significance of each level, and strive to manifest its nature …

Requirements

Requirements – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate Please see the drop down menu for a detailed breakdown of the requirements for rank as per the AKI

Theory Tests

Theory Test – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate As part of its Promotion Testing Requirements, Ashihara Karate requires all students to write a Theory Test. These tests range from Children White Belt to Adult White Belt to Black Belt. Below find sample tests for your perusal. We hope that by …

Time Limit

Time Limit – Ashihara Karate International – Kaicho Hoosain Narker Sabaki Fighting Karate 10th Kyu & 9th Kyu – Grading may be taken at two monthly intervals. 8th Kyu to 6th Kyu – Grading may be taken at three monthly intervals. 5th Kyu to 3rd Kyu – Grading may be taken at four monthly intervals. …