Grading Regulations & Syllabus

General Rules

WKKI Karate-ka are eligible to grade if they:

  • Have fulfilled all technical requirements
  • Hold a current licence and record book
  • Have permission from their Sensei

Record book and licence must be available for inspection by the grading examiner.

đź“„ Download Licence & Record Book Application Form (DOC)

Transfer of Grades to WKKI

  • From Wado Associations: Current grade may be retained, but must re-grade within 12 months and be assessed by the Technical Committee.
  • From Other Styles: Grade will be assessed and advised by the Technical Committee.

Grading Syllabus

  • Candidates will be examined on the syllabus for their grade.
  • Written tests are required for 2nd and 1st Kyu belts.
  • Allowances will be made for physical or other restrictions.
  • Quality of performance is the most important factor.
  • Kyu gradings require permission from the student’s senior instructor.

đź“„ Download PDF Grading Syllabus

Kyu Grading Frequency

🧍 All candidates must wear a clean white karate-gi with badge, sparring mitts, and a gum shield.

Minimum Training Time Requirements

  • 9th Kyu: 2 months
  • 9th to 6th Kyu: 3 months
  • 6th to 3rd Kyu: 4 months
  • 3rd to 1st Kyu: 6 months

➡️ Students who fail a Kyu grading may retake the exam after 3 months.

Kyu Grading Age Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 7 years
  • No upper age limit

Dan Grading Rules

  • Must hold 1st Kyu before grading for 1st Dan
  • Minimum time between 1st Kyu and 1st Dan: 9 months
  • Written permission from the student’s instructor required
  • Higher Dan grades must be recommended by a senior instructor

Dan Grade Theory Examination

  • Mandatory written test with 51 questions
  • Pass mark varies by Dan level
  • Both theory and practical must be passed
  • Failing one part allows resit within 6 months, otherwise full re-exam is required

đź“„ Download Dan Grading Application Form (PDF)

Dan Grading Frequency

  • Shodan: 9 months as 1st Kyu
  • Nidan: 18 months as Shodan
  • Sandan: 3 years as Nidan
  • Yondan: 4 years as Sandan
  • Godan: 5 years as Yondan

đź–Š Bring a pen for 2nd & 1st Kyu and Dan theory exams.

Dan Grading Failures

  • Retake allowed after 3 months (unless examiner states otherwise)
  • Must retake within 6 months or full grading is required again

Dan Grading Age Restrictions

  • 1st Dan: 12–17 years
  • 2nd Dan: 15–17 years
  • 3rd Dan: 20+ years

Junior Dan Notes:

  • 1st Dan: Choose one Ohyo Kumite, Kihon Kumite, and Kata
  • 2nd Dan: Also include one Tanto Dori
  • At 18, assessment is made during Spring Course — no regrading required

Course Attendance Record

  • Black & Brown belt students must attend at least 4 senior belt courses per year
  • Fewer than 4: Not eligible to grade for Dan rank

Grading Re-take Policy

Instructors may allow a partial re-take if:

  • Candidate is lacking in specific areas
  • Re-take must be done within 3 months
  • After 3 months, full grading must be repeated

Student Training Manual

Students may purchase a Training Manual to assist with grading and written exams.
đź“š Ask your club instructor for details.