ENTH

昇級昇段審査

Two karateka in yellow belts performing kata at a grading, with examiners seated at a table

JKA Karate › Grading

Kyu and Dan examinations

Grading

Grading takes place several times a year. Each grading gives you a goal worth working hard for.

It is your moment to show how far you have come by continuing to train through every challenge.

Boy Gym members holding their new grade certificates after passing the examination
Boy Gym members after passing the examination

At a glance

Examination Standard

Each examination covers Kihon (basics), Kata and Kumite. This table shows the belt, Kumite and Kata for each grade at a glance. The examination guidelines for every grade, including Kihon, follow below and in the JKA Grading Guideline (2022 version).

GradeBeltKumiteKata
10th KyuWhiteNoneNone
9th KyuYellowNoneNone
8th KyuYellowGohon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan JunzukiTaikyoku Shodan
7th KyuGreenGohon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan JunzukiHeian Shodan
6th KyuGreenKihon Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Junzuki (right and left)Heian Nidan
5th KyuVioletKihon Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Mae Geri with Gedan Kakiwake (right and left)Heian Sandan
4th KyuVioletKihon Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Mae Geri with Gedan Kakiwake (right and left), Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi (right and left)Heian Yondan
3rd KyuBrownJiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri (right and left)Heian Godan
2nd KyuBrownJiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri (right and left)Tekki Shodan
1st KyuBrownJiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri (right and left)Bassai Dai
1st DanBlackJiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Joudan Mawashi Geri (right and left)Your choice of Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi or Jion
2nd DanBlackJiyu KumiteYour favorite kata

Kari (仮): provisional pass Sometimes the examiners give the result Kari (仮) with a grade, for example Kari 5th Kyu. This is a provisional pass. The examiners will tell you what they would like to see, so that you can fully pass that grade at your next grading.

Grade by grade

Examination Guidelines

The complete Kihon, Kata and Kumite for each grade. Kihon is performed in the order listed. Additional techniques/movements may be added by the examiners. Follow their instructions.

Do you want to know what Hachiji dachi, Chuudan, or other karate terms mean in English and Thai?
Check out karate terms in the Glossary →
Cover of the JKA grading book with the gold JKA emblem
The JKA grading book
10th Kyu · White belt

Kihon

In place, in Hachiji Dachi

  1. Chuudan Chokuzuki
  2. Joudan Age Uke
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke
  4. Mae Geri (Heisoku Dachi, Gedan Kakiwake)

Kata

  • None

Note

Gorei (count) command, from the right side, in turn for each technique

Kumite

  • None
9th Kyu · Yellow belt

Kihon

In place, from Shizen Tai to Zenkutsu Dachi and back to Shizen Tai

  1. Chuudan Junzuki
  2. Joudan Age Uke
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke
  4. Kokutsu Shutou Uke
  5. Mae Geri (Heisoku Dachi, Gedan Kakiwake)

Kata

  • None

Note

Gorei (count) command, from the right side, two actions in turn for each technique

Kumite

  • None
8th Kyu · Yellow belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke (step in)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke (step in)
  4. Gedan Barai (step in)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)

Kata

  • Taikyoku Shodan

Kumite

  • Gohon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki
7th Kyu · Green belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke (step back)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke (step in)
  4. Chuudan Uchi Uke (step back)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)
  7. Yoko Geri Keage (in Heisoku Dachi, right and left alternating)
  8. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Heisoku Dachi, right and left alternating)

Kata

  • Heian Shodan

Kumite

  • Gohon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki
6th Kyu · Green belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke (step back)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke (step in)
  4. Chuudan Uchi Uke (step back)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)
  7. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)

Kata

  • Heian Nidan

Kumite

  • Kihon Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Junzuki (right and left)
5th Kyu · Violet belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke, Gyakuzuki (step in)
  4. Chuudan Uchi Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)
  7. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)

Kata

  • Heian Sandan

Kumite

  • Kihon Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Mae Geri with Gedan Kakiwake (right and left)
4th Kyu · Violet belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Sanbon Renzuki (step in)
  3. Joudan Age Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  4. Chuudan Soto Uke, Gyakuzuki (step in)
  5. Chuudan Uchi Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  6. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Zenkutsu Nukite (step in)
  7. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  9. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)

Kata

  • Heian Yondan

Kumite

  • Kihon Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Junzuki (right and left), Chuudan Mae Geri with Gedan Kakiwake (right and left), Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi (right and left)
3rd Kyu · Brown belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Sanbon Renzuki (step in)
  3. Joudan Age Uke, Gyakuzuki (step in)
  4. Chuudan Soto Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  5. Chuudan Uchi Uke, Gyakuzuki (staying in Kokutsu Dachi) (step in)
  6. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Zenkutsu Nukite (step back)
  7. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  9. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)

Kata

  • Heian Godan

Kumite

  • Jiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri (right and left)
2nd Kyu · Brown belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Gyakuzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke, Gyakuzuki (step in)
  4. Chuudan Uchi Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Zenkutsu Nukite (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (Gedan Kakiwake) (step in)
  7. Mawashi Geri (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  9. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)

Kata

  • Tekki Shodan

Note

Tell the examiners whether your Mawashi Geri will be Joudan or Chuudan.

Kumite

  • Jiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri (right and left)
1st Kyu · Brown belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Gyakuzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke, Yoko Enpi (Zenkutsu Dachi changing to Kiba Dachi) (step in)
  4. Chuudan Uchi Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Zenkutsu Nukite (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (on the spot), Mae Geri (step in)
  7. Mawashi Geri (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  9. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)

Kata

  • Bassai Dai

Note

Tell the examiners whether your Mawashi Geri will be Joudan or Chuudan.

Kumite

  • Jiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri (right and left)
1st Dan · Black belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Sanbon Renzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Age Uke, Gyakuzuki (step back)
  3. Chuudan Soto Uke, Yoko Enpi, Yoko Uraken Uchi, Gyakuzuki (Zenkutsu Dachi to Kiba Dachi to Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)
  4. Chuudan Uchi Uke, Kizamizuki, Gyakuzuki (Kokutsu Dachi to Zenkutsu Dachi) (step back)
  5. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Zenkutsu Nukite (step in)
  6. Mae Geri (on the spot), Mae Geri (step in)
  7. Mawashi Geri (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba Dachi, right and left) (step in)
  9. Yoko Geri Kekomi (in Zenkutsu Dachi)

Kata

  • Your choice of Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi or Jion

Note

Tell the examiners whether your Mawashi Geri will be Joudan or Chuudan.

Kumite

  • Jiyu Ippon Kumite: Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Joudan Mawashi Geri (right and left)
2nd Dan · Black belt

Kihon

Moving basics (Idou Kihon)

  1. Chuudan Junzuki (step in)
  2. Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Gyakuzuki (step in)
  3. Sanbon Renzuki (step in)
  4. Age Uke, Soto Uke (with the same arm), Gyakuzuki (step back)
  5. Uchi Uke, Kizamizuki, Gyakuzuki (Kokutsu Dachi to Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)
  6. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Zenkutsu Nukite (step back)
  7. Mae Geri (on the spot), Mae Geri (step in)
  8. Yoko Geri Keage, Yoko Geri Kekomi (Kiba Dachi, alternate feet)
  9. Yoko Geri Kekomi (Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)
  10. Mawashi Geri, Yoko Uraken Uchi, Chuudan Gyakuzuki (step in)

Kata

  • Your favorite kata

Kumite

  • Jiyu Kumite
3rd Dan · Black belt

Kihon

Moving basics, free Kamae

  1. Kizamizuki, Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Gyakuzuki (step in)
  2. Age Uke, Soto Uke (with the same arm), Gyakuzuki (step back)
  3. Uchi Uke, Kizamizuki, Gyakuzuki (Kokutsu Dachi to Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)
  4. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Kizami Mae Geri, Zenkutsu Nukite (step back)
  5. Mae Geri and Gyakuzuki, Yoko Geri Kekomi and Gyakuzuki, Mawashi Geri and Gyakuzuki (step in)
  6. Ushiro Geri (step in)
  7. Mae Geri, Yoko Geri Kekomi, Ushiro Geri (Zenkutsu Dachi, same foot, right and left)

Kata

  • Your favorite kata, with a question and answer session

Kumite

  • Jiyu Kumite
4th Dan · Black belt

Kihon

Moving basics, free Kamae

  1. Kizamizuki, Sanbon Renzuki (step in)
  2. Age Uke, Soto Uke (with the same arm), Gyakuzuki (step back)
  3. Uchi Uke, Kizamizuki, Gyakuzuki (Kokutsu Dachi to Zenkutsu Dachi) (step in)
  4. Kokutsu Shutou Uke, Kizami Mae Geri, Zenkutsu Nukite (step back)
  5. Mae Geri, Junzuki, Gyakuzuki (step in)
  6. Kizami Mawashi Geri, Yoko Geri Kekomi, Gyakuzuki (step in)
  7. Mae Geri, Yoko Geri Kekomi, Ushiro Geri (Zenkutsu Dachi, same foot, right and left)

Kata

  • Your favorite kata, with a question and answer session

Kumite

  • Jiyu Kumite

Kari (仮): provisional pass Sometimes the examiners give the result Kari (仮) with a grade, for example Kari 5th Kyu. This is a provisional pass. The examiners will tell you what they would like to see, so that you can fully pass that grade at your next grading.

Note for 2nd Dan and above: Candidates aged 60 and above, men and women, may choose Jiyu Kumite or Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki, Chuudan Mae Geri, Chuudan Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri) on the right side. Tell the examiners whether your Mawashi Geri will be Joudan or Chuudan.

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