Planning for Upcoming Grading
Planning for a black belt exam takes more than learning the required techniques and kata. It means attending class consistently, making room for karate in your life schedule, and putting in focused effort outside of class time to refine skills or improve fitness. It also calls for patience, maturity, and openness to feedback as progress is individual and the journey to the next rank matters more than achieving the rank itself.
At the WKC, we evaluate readiness for grading based on time, skills, and attitude (also known as Personal Development, or PD). The requirements are different at each rank. The following information reviews the general time, skills and “attitude” (PD) expectations:
Student Responsibilities
Preparing for grading is a partnership between the student and instructor. Instructors provide guidance, feedback, and support along the way. Students play an active role by focusing on the things they can do to progress forward including:
Own the goal: complete the annual WKC goal setting survey, keep the passbook updated, ensure training and clinic requirements are met, ask questions, arrange regular progress conversations and ensure deadlines are met on time
Ensure adequate training time (home dojo): Make a workable schedule before choosing a desired grading date. Discuss training plans with instructors, identify anticipated absences, schedule changes, or flag when a training plan is not sustainable. Attend class consistently and participate actively with the aim of continued self-improvement.
Seek additional training (outside our dojo): attend other SWKKF clubs (in-person or virtual), Wednesday evening self-study training, and qualifying clinics.
Seek feedback: attend at least 2 qualifying Black Belt Clinics each calendar year, pre-gradings and gradings plus any other opportunities for feedback.
Compete or contribute: Consider tournaments as a competitor, official, or volunteer, and record participation in my passbook.
Focus on PD Characteristics for rank. Examples include: ownership of training, ownership of actions, accountability, self-reflection, and inquisition.
Instructor Responsibilities
Create a Year Training Plan (YTP) that addresses various goals/ranks in the dojo
Build and design coaching schedule and roadmap to ensure instructors teach to dojo goals and areas requiring development
Explain the SWKKF requirements, WKC expectations, and what is recommended versus required before discussing a target grading date.
Guide grading conversations based on review of the student’s brown belt grading date, documented training time, clinics, etc.
Provide clear technical feedback and how it relates to grading goal
Discuss readiness honestly and kindly. Explain when eligibility or skill progress is not yet sufficient, what specifically needs work, and when to reassess.
Review and complete grading students’ application before application deadline
WKC Requirements for Grading Recommendation
The SWKKF outlines basic grading requirements for each rank (see next). Most dojos, including the WKC, add additional requirements beyond the minimum to ensure students are successful. The following are requirements as per WKC standards:
Attend and participate in class consistently (within individual circumstance) which allows for the progress of technical skills. Accumulated required training hours per rank: (Time)
Shodan: at least 150 hours
Nidan: at least 180 hours
Sandan: at least 270 hours
Yodan: at least 360 hours
Godan: at least 450 hours
Note: Regular WKC classes are the bulk of training hours however at higher ranks, it’s imperative students know that they will need to obtain instruction outside their home dojo. Students can build training time through classes at other SWKKF clubs, live virtual SWKKF training, and in-person clinics. These events can be found on the shintani.ca website and through our Brown & Black Belt What’sApp chat.
Complete a goal-setting sheet with Sensei Kelsey or the advanced class lead, then review their progress regularly. (PD)
Follow a targeted fitness and practice plan outside the dojo. This may focus on flexibility, strength, conditioning, or another area identified with an instructor. (Time, Skills, PD)
Attend SWKKF events beyond the minimum clinic requirement where opportunities are reasonably available. For example, if 2 Black Belt Clinics are required in a calendar year, aim to attend 3+. Speak with Sensei Kelsey if travel, cost, or scheduling makes this difficult. (Time, Skills)
Attend and participate in at least one formal black belt grading before their own, such as by observing or helping where permitted. (Skills & PD)
Attend at least one pre-grading and use the feedback to guide their preparation. (Skills & PD)
Read the current SWKKF Grading Manual in full and become familiar with the skills lists and grading forms. (PD)
Demonstration and development of PD Characteristics. (PD)
SWKKF Grading Requirements
Please read the SWKKF Grading Manual to understand:
The time requirements for each rank
Clinic and tournament requirements for each rank
Technical skills and expectations per rank
Applying for Grading
Applications are due to the Head Instructor at least 60 days before the proposed grading date. The Head Instructor will complete the instructor portion of the application and submit it to the SWKKF for review. Please plan well ahead as the instructional team does not process urgent or late applications.
Working Towards Grading Day
Train consistently and work on the specific corrections identified in class and at pre-grading.
Map out qualifying clinics, a pre-grading, and other relevant events well in advance. Speak with Sensei Kelsey if your calendar presents a challenge.
Study the grading format and the skills lists for sections 2-6. Keep a copy where you can record your personal corrections.
Plan your equipment, travel, food, and hydration. Trial your grading-day food and drinks during long training sessions so they are familiar on the day.
Working towards a black belt grading is lot of work but it’s also a really exciting time! Enjoy learning, connections you make along the way and don’t forget to recognize all the progress you’re making! We’re very proud of all your hard work. 👊🏻
Grading Day: What to Expect
Students will be led through a variety of elements on grading day. A sample schedule is:
9:00am-9:30am: Candidates review written exam with Grading Chairperson
9:30am-10:30am: All basic techniques (66 waza elements).
10:35am-11:15am: Advanced waza combinations
11:20am-12:15pm: Kata (pinan katas, kushanku)
12:15pm-1:00pm: Lunch
1:00pm-1:45pm: Kata (nahanchin, seisan, chinto, wansu, gensho shodan, seisho)
1:45pm-2:45pm: Kihon kumite
2:45pm-3:45pm: Randori & kumite
3:45pm-4:30pm: Stretch, Joseki deliberation
4:30pm-5:00pm: Awards and certificates
It’s important that students bring a lunch (tried and tested foods, nothing new on grading day!) as well as plenty of water and/or electrolytes. All injuries in advance of the grading are accommodated and alternate movements can be provided where applicable.
Training sessions leading up to the grading should be lengthier (e.g. 2-4 hours) so students can get a feel for how their bodies will move for that duration of time. Great options are clinics, tournaments or classes as other dojos.
What to Bring
Familiar food and drink
Extra gi to change into at lunch
More water or electrolytes than you think you’ll need (better to have too much!)
Wraps, tape or other aids that you use on the dojo floor
Kumite gear (e.g. hand pads, foot pads, mouth guard, groin guard)
Moral support! We got you!
Determination! It’s a long day but pace yourself. You’ve got this.