Gradings What level am I?
The Dinky Grading Qualification (for students under 6 years of age) is done at dojo level by the Dojo Head and students are required to complete all 8 levels of the Dinky Grading Qualification. Students are awarded a coloured stripe that is to be worn on the end of the white belt (on the non-label end) to indicate the required level of the Dinky Grade Qualification. A student ought to be able to perform at least the first 9 moves of Heian Shodan at level 8 (black stripe) of the Dinky Grading Qualification.
Junior belt grading qualification
The Junior Belt Grading Qualification (for students over 6 years of age) is outlined in the Membership Book. The grading is done at dojo level by the Dojo Head and students are awarded the belt level according to the belt syllabus. Students are required to be able to perform the full kata as per the syllabus when belt colour is changed to a new level.
The Kyu Grading Programme (for adult students and/or for beginner students over 12 years of age) is outlined in the Membership Book. The Kyu grading is done at dojo level by the Dojo Head, and students are awarded the belt level according to the belt syllabus. Students are required to be able to perform the full kata as per the syllabus when belt colour is changed to a new level.
The Dan Grading Qualification is outlined in the Membership Book. The IJKA SA Chief Instructor, together with an authorized panel of senior examiners, conducts Dan Grading at national level up to 3rd Dan (Sandan). Dojo Heads are allowed to attend the grading, but no spectators are allowed. 1st Dan (Shodan) candidates must be 12 years of age or older, with no less than 5 years of continuous training preceding the date of the grading. 2nd Dan (Nidan) candidates must be 15 years of age or older and 3rd Dan (Sandan) candidates must be 18 years of age or older. Candidates attempting the grade of 3rd Dan (Sandan) must also submit a written thesis (capable of being demonstrated) on the candidate’s personal research on their favourite technique. Dan Grading of students 4th Dan (Yondan) and above is conducted at international level. However, Dan Grading of students 4th Dan (Yondan) and above can be done, nationally or elsewhere, by the IJKA International Chief Instructor. Application for permission to grade for 4th Dan (Yondan) and above must be done in writing to the IJKA SA Chief Instructor at least 6 months prior to the grading. Candidates attempting the grade of 4th Dan (Yondan) must also submit a written thesis (capable of being demonstrated) on the candidate’s personal research and favourite technique, on the day. All Dan grading candidates must submit a national as well as a Japanese application at least 1 month prior to the grading together with all fees. All previous Dan Grading certificates must be obtained before application can be made towards a higher Dan Grading.
(minimum of 5 years training in karate)
For Shodan grading – IJKA SA Chief Instructor, with minimum 1 Nidan on the grading panel.
(2 years consecutive training after receiving Shodan)
For Nidan grading – IJKA SA Chief Instructor, with minimum 1 Sandan or 2 Nidan on the grading panel.
(3 years consecutive training after receiving Nidan)
For Sandan grading – IJKA SA Chief Instructor, together with minimum 1 Yondan or 2 Sandan on the grading panel.
(4 years consecutive training after receiving Sandan)
Grading to be conducted by the IJKA International Chief Instructor at IJKA Japan HQ or Grading to be conducted in SA with IJKA International Chief Instructor as well as IJKA SA Chief Instructor on the grading panel.
(5 years consecutive training after receiving Yondan)
Grading to be conducted by the IJKA International Chief Instructor at IJKA Japan HQ
(6 years consecutive training after receiving Godan)
Grading to be conducted by the IJKA International Chief Instructor at IJKA Japan HQ.
(7 years consecutive training after receiving Rokudan)
Grading to be conducted by the IJKA International Chief Instructor at IJKA Japan HQ.
8th Dan (Hacidan), 9th Dan (Kudan) & 10th Dan (Judan)
Grading upon International Shihankai recommendation.
The applicant to have made a significant contribution to the IJKA organization in terms of years of service, development and promotion of IJKA worldwide, and honouring and perpetuating the legacy of the founding fathers of IJKA and Karate-do in general.
Dan Grading Panel Constitution & Eligibility
Intervals between grading
- 2nd Dan, 2 years consecutive training after receiving 1st Dan (15+ years of age)
- 3rd Dan, 3 years consecutive training after receiving 2nd Dan (18+ years of age)
- 4th Dan, 4 years consecutive training after receiving 3rd Dan
- 5th Dan, 5 years consecutive training after receiving 4th Dan
- 6th Dan, 6 years consecutive training after receiving 5th Dan
- 7th Dan, 7 years consecutive training after receiving 6th Dan
- 8th Dan, 8 years consecutive training after receiving 7th Dan
- 9th Dan, 9 years consecutive training after receiving 8th Dan
- 10th Dan, 10 years consecutive training after receiving 9th Dan