Prior to presenting yourself or your dependent at a grading, students must wear the official uniform as herein defined.
The sensei may disbar any student who does not comply with this requirement.
- Students must keep their bodies clean, nails must be cut short and karate uniform should be cleaned and pressed.
- The club badge must to stitched on the left breast of the jacket.
- The jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must be of a minimum length that covers the hips, but must not be more than three quarters thigh length.
- Students must wear their current belt and bring their membership book with their passport sized photo.
- Students may wear a plain white T- shirt beneath the karate jacket. Jacket ties must be tied.
- The maximum length of the jacket sleeves must be no longer then the bend of the wrist and no shorter than halfway down the forearm. Jacket sleeves may not be rolled up.
- The trousers must be long enough to cover at least two thirds of the shin and must not reach below the anklebone.
Trouser legs may not be rolled up.
- All jewellery should be removed prior.
Q.1 How long will the examination take?
For each student, the exam time may vary however a Kyu examination may last anywhere from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. Students are tested in three areas; Kihon (Basics), Kata (Form – patterns of movement) and Kumite (Sparring). For most Kyu gradings, the kumite (sparring) section of the examination is highly controlled and the drills are prearranged. Beginner students perform five / three step sparring exactly as practiced during class. Contact is forbidden during Junior Kyu examinations and all students are asked to demonstrate good control.
Typically, two to four students will test simultaneously. Kihon and Kata are performed first. Kumite usually follows a brief break.
Q.2. What is the purpose of the examination?
Ideally, the exam is an opportunity for students to perform and demonstrate what they have learned in the dojo. Training in the dojo and taking the exam are much the same. In fact, each student has practiced the required drills hundreds of times prior to taking the exam. One of the assessment areas will be on how does the student perform under pressure? Are the techniques second nature? Is the student intimidated by the process and is this reflected in their performance? Does the student perform with confidence? (Confidence comes only with repetition and regular training).
Q.3. How should students prepare for the examination?
Students' performance should reflect their cumulative effort. Every student that puts forth good effort and maintains a steady training regimen will get a grading that is commensurate with their level of commitment.
Students should find a quiet place, close their eyes and envision themselves performing each movement precisely, with confidence. On the day of the exam, you are required to arrive early enough to warm up thoroughly and practice. During the exam, remain calm, breath in a natural and comfortable pattern and try to enjoy the experience.
Q.4. How many training days are required prior to testing?
Each student must be familiar with level appropriate skills and techniques. We highly recommend a training twice a week at the dojo plus a minimum of three times a week at home. Students are urged to practice at home and be consistent in their attendance. Normally, students with the best attendance and regular home practise perform the best. The most important element is effort and ones' commitment to training and overall development.