Section "A" Objective

Objective of the grading manual and procedures.

Section "B" Definition of Terms

Terminology used throughout the manual

Section "C" Grading Procedure

Steps to follow prior to grading Procedure for Applicants with no Instructor Affiliation Ranking of Other Styles Joining Wado-Kai

Section "D" Grading Structure

Sample of the steps to follow at a grading with approximate times associated to each area

Section "E" Grading Format

Steps to follow on the day of the grading.

Section "F" Joseki Board

Selected members to oversee a grading

Section "G" Grading Requirements

Prerequisites for all ranks.

Note on Minimum Requirements January 16, 2004

Black Belt Gradings Requirements

As chairperson of the grading committee, I need to make it clear what “minimum requirements” mean. It has been stated many times and yet we still have a problem. Minimum requirements mean… “They must not be average but outstanding at their present rank.” I have only seen a hand full eligible for the minimum requirement. Instructors are sending their students way too early and are forcing the Joseki board to fail them. No one wants to fail anyone, however, when a student is presented in front of a Joseki board with minimum requirements and fails, it’s a reflection on the instructor and not the student. There is no reason to rush. It doesn’t change who you are. Best being a great Shodan than a weak Nidan.

As for ranks above Godan, these ranks are considered honorary ranks and black belts need not apply; they are recommended by the senate only.

As a personal note, people put too much emphasis on rank. It’s not the belt you wear but who you are on and off the dojo floor that makes you that rank. I need your cooperation on reinforcing these guidelines and I appreciate your help.

Thank you Sensei Ron Mattie

Section "H" Grading Sheets

To download the Application Form click here.

To download the written test sample click here.

To download the sample grading summary form click here.

Many thanks go to Sensei Peter Ciolfi for his editorial service on the Pinan katas

KATA Meaning

The kata is an artistic presentation in which all movement is defense and counter attack, and put together in a refined manner with no wasted effort. Karate is and concentrates on defense.

MAIN FEATURES OF KATA

1. Good for all ages.
2. Builds the body and helps the practice of self defense in areas such as speed, mental concentration, spirit, focus, and stamina.

KATA HITETRU SANNEN

Means kata requires three to four years of practice to understand and perform properly.

SU HARI

SU - indicates that the beginner must copy ALL karate techniques from his instructor correctly. HA - means that after a number of years of training, when a karateka has reached a high degree of black belt, he is allowed to develop new techniques, provided they are improvements. This applies to all movements ACCEPT basic techniques. RI - is the highest form. It means that after even a longer period of time, the karateka must be able to perform ALL forms of karate automatically, not stopping to think of or about the moves.

FORMS COMPETITION

CONTESTANTS

All contestants must present themselves suitably attired and ready to compete. They should be divided into separate divisions based on style, or the origin of the form to be executed.

THE FORM

Each contestant shall perform one fight choreographed routine.

NUMBER OF OFFICIALS

One head official, and four judges (5 total) shall be used to evaluate each routine.

SCORING

1. The officials shall each award scores on the basis of 10.0 for a perfect routine, with the use of decimal intervals. The 10.0 points are awarded as follows: Showmanship 2.0 - Difficulty 3.0 - Execution 5.0.
2. The scorekeeper shall carefully record the scores dictated to him by an assistant.
3. After marking down scores, the highest and lowest marks are eliminated, using the sum of the remaining evaluations for the grading of the performance. e.g.. if the marks of the officials on one routine are 7.0, 7.0, 7.5, 6.0, 8.0, the highest mark (8.0) and the lowest mark (6.0) are discarded. The three intermediate marks of 7.0, 7.0 and 7.5 are added together to make the value of the routine 21.5.
4. When there are two or more identical high marks, only one will be discarded. The same applies for the low marks.
5. In the case of more than one kata, the "total points" score of each kata will be added together to give an "overall score". This overall score will be used to rank the placings.
6. When a tie occurs, the high and low marks discarded are added back in. If a tie still occurs, a show of hands by the judges will decide.
7. Average scores may vary from region to region. It is up to the tournament organizers to explain to the judges what the scoring normals are.

PROCEDURE

1. All judges and competitors line up and bow in.
2. Competitors proceed to the designated waiting area and sit down.
3. Judges assume appointed positions - sitting correctly with feet flat on the floor, back straight, and hands resting on thighs.
4. There will be one center/head judge who will sit opposite the scorekeeper's table, and four judges on each corner of the ring.
5. The scorekeeper or timekeeper will call the name of the contestant out after having sorted and shuffled the contestants cards.
6. Competitors approach the ring from the center judges LEFT, always at a walk, and bows into the ring. A second competitor will be called "on deck" where they may warm up or stretch only.
7. The competitor assumes an appropriate spot to begin, bows to the center judge, and states the name of the kata.
8. The center judge calls back the name of the kata, the Competitor bows, and commences with the kata.
9. Upon completion. the competitor bows, and waits for his scores.
10. Center judge calls "scores up", judge's show scores to the scorekeeper who calls out the marks and records them.
11. The competitor bows to the center judge, and if applicable, calls the name of the second mandatory kata. The same bowing and scoring process is completed.
12. After the last mark has been rendered, the center judge will thank the contestant, who will then bow, and leave the ring walking.
13. The contestant will bow out of the ring once the boundary has been reached. The contestant on deck will be the next into the ring.
14. Scores will be between 0 and 10.
15. No score is given to an incomplete kata in the black belt division.
16. Kyu belts may retry their kata at the discretion of the judges.
17. In the case of a tie, the center judge will select a kata that the contestants must perform.
18. Adult division kata will be judged bearing in mind two qualities.

Artistic Impression and Technical Merit. One score shall be given only. Technical merit will examine the fundamental concepts of the Kata, and artistic impression will examine the effort and spirit of the competitor.

JUDGING OF KATA

1. Judges must show proper form when sitting down. Sit straight, feet flat on, the floor, back straight,, hold marks properly.
2. Look for form, speed, power, proper sequence, fast turns, proper extension technique, presentation.,
3. Be attentive, give 110%, judge for yourself.
4. Do not show indecisiveness in giving a mark.
5. Give what you think is a fair mark based on your knowledge of the kata. Do not give a low mark just because you do not like the competitor. Be fair and unbiased.
6. If you do not know the kata, judge it on stance, power, speed. and crispness.
7. Remember, each student, no matter how low in rank, is trying their best in the way they know the kata. Take this into consideration, but always keep in mind the proper way you have been taught. Give each student the benefit of their knowledge. REMEMBER your feelings when you perform and apply them to the competitor.
8. If you are center judge, give your fellow judges time to consider the kata performed and to reach a fair and equitable mark before calling "scores up".
9. Maintain a serious attitude at ALL times when judging. Do not talk, laugh, or make remarks. People are watching YOU as well as the competitor.
10. If two people tie in kata, the scorekeeper will add up the total scores. If total scores are tied, they will be asked to do the kata again. A show of hands will break the tie.

KIKIOJI MIKUZURE FUTANREN HISTORICAL SAMURAI MAXIM

KIKIOJI - being afraid before fighting because of opponent's reputation. MIKUZURE - being afraid because the opponent looks intimidating. FUTANREN - being afraid because of lack of and inadequate training. Any of the above is enough to create a mental disadvantage in a contest and the end results to lose the match.

MA-Al (DISTANCING)

Proper distance - near enough to opponent to knock him down by taking half a step forward with leading foot from the ready position, but far enough away to allow for maneuvering and body shifting. Judgment of distance, good balance, correct body movement, timing) This is the correct way to attack with maximum effect.

OHYO KUMITE - semi free style fighting SAN BON KUMITE - controlled formal free style fighting

ATTACKER

• The attack must be to the correct area.
• Technique and stance end at the same time.
• Attack must be true and not held back.
• Attack as fast and violently as possible.
• Create a dominate presence (mental, spiritual, and physical) to your opponent.

DEFENDER

• Not to move before the attack begins.
• Let the opponent come to you and open himself up.
• Must move back or to the side at the same speed the attacker uses, maintaining correct striking distance.

KUMITE COMPETITION

CONTESTANTS

1. No rings, watches, necklaces, etc. may be worn by competitors with the exception of medic alert.
2. Wearing Kote (hand guards), athletic supports, and mouth guards are strongly advised.
3. No head contact is permitted. Light to medium contact is permitted to the body.
4. No kicks below the belt.
5. Foot sweeps must be controlled and executed properly.
6. No open hand strikes or offensive techniques.
7. No strikes to the back of the head, spine, neck or throat with any technique, Illegal or otherwise.
8. Objectionable behavior will result in ejection from the tournament.
9. A point is scored when a contestant delivers a controlled, focused blow to any of the permissible target areas. A scoring technique must be delivered with good form, balance, proper distancing, explosive motion, retraction, controlled force and concentration.
10. A foul is committed in one of the following manners:
    1. A block that contacts the head, face, throat, groin, or spine.
    2. A deliberate strike, kick or punch below the belt.
    3. Objectionable behavior subject to the discretion of the center judge.
    4. Uncontrolled technique, landed or otherwise.
    5. Open hand or any illegal technique.
    6. Deliberate running out of the ring.

• 1st time - verbal warning.
• 2nd time - point penalty.
• 3rd time - point awarded to opponent Kumite must be realistic and exhibit the true fighting spirit of the classical martial art, while developing the virtues of of self control and respect for others.

SCORING

1. The match runs two minutes long, or until one contestant scores three points.
2. In the case of a draw, there will be one two minute sudden victory match. If a draw still exists the center judge must render a decision.
3. In the medal rounds, the first competitor to score three points prior to the duration of the two minute match will be declared the winner.
4. A match winner shall be determined on the basis of:
   1. Point/match time.
   2. Decision of the center judge.
   3. Forfeit.
   4. Disqualification.

PROCEDURES

1. Center referee calls competitors to positions.
2. Red tag is placed on competitor to center judge's right. The red tag is held above the head to indicate placement to corner judges and the tag is then placed firmly in the competitors belt.
3. Competitors are brought to attention stance, (REI) bow to each other, face and bow to the center judge, then face each other again.
4. Distancing (MA-Al) behind floor markers.
5. JUNBI - ready.
6. HAJIME - begin.
7. When a condition occurs, either the corner judge(s) will show their flags, or the center judge will call (JAMI) stop, and bring the fighters to proper positions in natural stance.
8. The center judge will check all corner judges flags and then indicate the condition by PROPER VERBAL CALL and HAND MOVEMENT as below:
   1. (AKA/SHIRO IPPON) red/white point.
   2. (TORANDAl} Not enough.
   3. (AIUCHI TORANTI) Clash, not enough flags for a point.
   4. (AKA/SHIRO TOGAI CHUI) Red/white out of ring - warning.
   5. (AKA/SHIRO ATTATE IRU) .Red/white contact.
   6. (AKA/SHIRO HANSOKU MAKE) Red/white disqualification.
9. Center judge calls (JUNBI) ready. and then (HAJIME) begin.
10. The above is done until enough points are awarded, or a disqualification occurs.
11. Fighters are brought up to proper positions in natural stance.
12. Center judge indicates the winner (if the match is won by a disqualification, indicate reason, and winner) (AKA/SHIRO ATTATE IRU HANSOKU MAKE) Red/white contact disqualification, (AKA/SHIRO NO KACHE) Red/white winner.
13. Center judge brings competitors to attention stance, bows to each, turns and bows to center judge, and indicates winner with proper call and hand motion.
14. (SORE MADE) End of match.

JUDGING OF KUMITE

1. The control of the kumite match rests upon the effectiveness of the center judge. It is their responsibility to control the pace and temperament of the fight. They must enforce the rules through their own common sense, sound judgment, experience, and learning.
2. All kumite is to be judged in strict Japanese terminology. Judges not knowing the terminology and proper format of the kumite ring will not be allowed on the floor.
3. Corner judges must sit in the proper fashion with their feet flat on the floor, backs straight, holding the flags in the proper position, and placing them in the correct manner when making calls.
4. Center judge takes command of this position, explaining to the competitors what they and their judges want to see, and explaining to their judges what they want from them in terms of points.
5. Look for good technique, sharpness, crispness, good control, definite and precise ki, and flowing movements in a point.
6. Give 110% of your attention to each fight.
7. Show no partiality to any competitor.
8. Do not show indecisiveness in giving points or in making a decision.
9. Call what YOU think is a good point regardless of what the other judges do.
10. Maintain an honorable and sportsmanlike attitude in the ring. Others are watching YOU as well as the match.
11. Do not hesitate to disqualify a fighter or both if their conduct is unbecoming. You are part of a well run organized system, and we all must adhere to the rules set down by Shintani Sensei . The same applies to attitudes.
12. No shaking of hands is allowed. Follow the code of Karate etiquette.
13. If there is a discrepancy in awarding of a point, the center judge calls the corner judges together to discuss. All opinions are heard and considered, and the majority decides.
14. Warnings may be given for minor infractions, major infractions require automatic disqualification.

Pre-requisite for a Shodan

To receive a Shodan, a karateka must have met the minimum kyu belt requirements listed below:

To receive the rank of SHODAN

To receive the rank of NIDAN

To receive the rank of SANDAN

To receive the rank of YODAN

To receive the rank of GODAN

To receive the rank of ROKUDAN