Up to Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt), the Coloured belt grading system is used to demonstrate progression through training to a point where you are able to demonstrate proficiency and teach your subject safely, effectively and to a high standard

Once Shodan has been achieved, further grades are awarded to acknowledge further progress, length of time training, teaching achievements, proficiency and knowledge of Karate-do

Some students may become confused why another student may be a higher grade when they do poor kata or kumite compared to a student of a lower grade. At Three Valleys Karate, students are judged on their personal maximum potential. Time training, handicaps, personality, age, sex, and actual ability are all taken into account. The student of a higher grade might well be close to the maximum potential that they are capable of whereas the student of a lower grade may well only be using a small amount of what they are capable of. The purpose of training and grading at Three Valleys Karate is to make YOU as good as YOU can possibly be. The most important part of any grading is TO TRY YOUR BEST AND WORK HARD

Click on the relevant colour to see the grading syllabus
juniors & seniors

adults
 
9th Kyu
9th Kyu
8th Kyu
8th Kyu
7th Kyu
7th Kyu
6th Kyu
6th Kyu
5th Kyu
5th Kyu
4th Kyu
4th Kyu
3rd Kyu
3rd Kyu
2nd Kyu
2nd Kyu
1st Kyu
1st Kyu
1st Dan
1st Dan


Students may also be asked for any previous grading material that has been completed prior the the present grade being undertaken
 
You will be marked on the 10 items on the relevant grading syllabus. Each item will be awarded up to 10 points for a maximum score of 100. 20% of your marks (attendance and fitness) are achieved before you even start the grading. A score of 75 or above is required to pass your grading. Scores above 90 indicate an excellent performance at the very highest level and are quite rare. Marks above 80 indicate a very good achievement that you should be very proud of. Scores of 74 and below will result in a failure
 

Generally at least two senior instructors will judge your performance. Each will mark you fully and independently. These marks will then be averaged to give your final score. This is to avoid favoritism

Should you fail a grading and subsequently give up training, all you will have achieved is to make the instructors confident that they made the right decision. The chief instructor has failed gradings - this is the poorest reason of all to stop your training and demonstrates that you have little understanding of the deeper meanings of katate-do. CARRY ON, train hard, work on the areas that were weakest, improve and try again at the next grading. You may even jump a grade if you are good enough. That is the way forward. Remember - A black belt is just a white belt who never gave up !
 

If you pass your grading ensure you obtain your new coloured belt as soon as possible, preferably before the next lesson

Kyu (Coloured belt) gradings usually take place three times per year and are held at the club under Sensei Copperwhite & Sensei Johnson - see the news page for upcoming dates

Dan (Black belt) gradings are held once a year at Hombu Dojo in Wigan under Sensei Christian
 

For some gradings, students are asked to write a short essay about karate and what it means to them. Please click the names below to see what students have written

  • Sophie Gibbs - Grading for Shodan - 2005 - Age 13 - What Does Karate Mean To Me?
  • Jason Smith - Grading for Shodan - 2005 - Age 13 - Karate In My Life
  • Dave Fishman - Grading for Shodan - 2001 - What Karate Means To me
  • Steve Johnson - Grading for Shodan - 1988 - Age 29 - What Karate Means To Me
 

Some things to remember about your grading

  • Arrive in plenty of time - at least 10-15 minutes before the time to start
  • Make sure you are well presented with a clean Gi. Smelling of alcohol (even from the night before) will result in rejection
  • Ensure your finger and toe nails are trimmed and clean, Accidentally scratching someone with dirty nails could cause an infection
  • Full attention, etiquette and discipline are required at all times during the grading - a sloppy approach will be penalised
  • Ensure you do a full body warm-up and stretch in your own time. No warm-up will be performed during the grading and you will be expected to start straight away
  • Do not over exert yourself before you start as you will need all your energy for the grading
  • Do not strain or over exert yourself during the grading
  • Ensure you maintain good control of your techniques, poor control could result in a failure
  • Do not stroll or walk during the grading. Get to your position at the double
  • Try to calm your nerves with some meditation during the waiting period before you start. Frantic practice at this point is too late
  • Remember Dojo etiquette at all times, remember to bow appropriately and show good spirit and determination
  • Good ki ai at the right times gives the instructors an indication of your power, spirit, focus and determination
  • Ensure you attend the next lesson. What message does it give your instructors if you grade and then are seen to not train as hard and frequently as possible