In order to be considered for attempting their next grade at the Senior Grading, the student must meet the following criteria:

 

• Humble and respectful to his/her Sensei and all Senior Grades

• Determined to do his/her best at every challenge

 

• Striking hand is at the correct position, angle, and height

• Returning hand is at the correct position, angle, and height

• Both hands move in synchronised motion – starting and stopping together

• Demonstrates good potential for practical application – power / snap

 

• Blocking hand is at the correct position, angle, and height

• Returning hand is at the correct position, angle, and height

• Blocks with the correct part of the arm, e.g. muscle instead of bone

• Demonstrates good potential for practical application – dynamic strength / snap

 

• Stance is correct width, length, and height

• Correct weight distribution

• Correct angles of feet, shins, and thighs

• Correct upper body posture – back straight, hands in guard position

• Correct height and weight transfer during movement in the stance

• Demonstrates good balance, control, and leg strength

 

• Correct preparation – striking foot to the knee / knee to the side

• Striking leg has the same path going out and coming back

• Striking foot is shaped correctly

• Good balance and control

• Demonstrates good potential for practical application – power / snap

 

 

• Able to pick up and quickly remember a combination of techniques

• Maintains the quality of each individual technique

 

• Shows understanding of the Bunkai (application of techniques)

• Demonstrates sharpness, power and prowess 

• Good balance and stability

• Confident – not distracted by the presence of judges

 

• Respectful to higher grades at all times

• Demonstrates good distancing, targeting, and control

• Finishes hand techniques back to the hip

• Finishes kicks (i.e. back to the knee)

• Maintains good posture, balance, and focus

 

• 50 push-ups

• 50 squats

• 50 sit-ups/crunches

• 50 leg raises

• 50 squat thrusts

• Sumo stance for 2-3 minutes

• Plank for 2-3 minutes

• Able to repeat any of the above after a short rest

• Maintains composure and sharpness despite being physically fatigued

 

• Shows self-confidence and focus

• Understands that the belt / grade is the recognition of personal progress

• Humbly accepts the club’s decision as to which grade he/she currently belongs