Overview
Junior Gradings are an exciting milestone in your child’s karate journey and often their very first official
test! We understand this can bring a mix of emotions for both children and parents, and we’re here to make it
a positive and memorable experience.
Rest assured; we’ll only invite your child to grade when we’re confident they’re more than ready. We take
great care to ensure they feel fully prepared and supported every step of the way.
What might feel like a big challenge at first is something we work hard to make fun, enjoyable, and rewarding
for everyone involved. We can’t wait to celebrate this special achievement with you and your child!
- We only invite your child to grade when we know they are ready.
- Good manners, a tidy suit and safe behaviour are part of every grading.
- Parents/guardians welcome to ask how to practice at home.
- SKF licence needed to prove gradings, and must be current.
Mon Grade Pathway
Mon 1 (Yellow Belt) through Mon 6 (Brown Belt pre-Kyu). The focus is on strong basics, simple kata patterns and safe partner work.
What to expect
- Short drills: stances, punches, blocks and first kicks
- Listening, teamwork and good dojo behaviour
- Light, controlled partner work with coaches supervising
Grading day
- Bring licence, belt and water
- Clean gi, nails short, jewellery removed/taped
- Arrive a little early to warm up
Belt Syllabus
White Belt
-
In Wado Kai Karate, the white belt is not a grade, it's a symbol of a beginning, a canvas awaiting the
brushstrokes of experience.
It has a practical purpose too, keeping your Gi jacket secure as you delve into the art of karate.
As our students progress toward their yellow belt, we instill key principles that go beyond mere technique. We cultivate discipline and respect through the ability to line out in an orderly manner. We foster attentiveness and receptiveness by teaching students to listen and follow instructions with focus and determination.
And, of course, amidst all the learning, we priorities one thing above all else: having FUN.
1st Mon -
Junior Yellow Belt
- The students will line up in a row with the other students and on command of [oush] will preform one step then forward punch, and do the same on every [oush] until the command of [turn] the student will then turn shout [KAI] and block with one arm above their head, then continue one step punch on command of [oush] until the end.
- One step, punch
- One step, head block
- Front kick
- Front kick, reverse punch
2nd Mon -
Junior Orange Belt
- The students will line up in a row with the other students and on command of [oush] will preform one step then forward punch, and do the same on every [oush] until the command of [turn] the student will then turn shout [KAI] and block with one arm above their head, then continue one step punch on command of [oush] until the end.
- One step, punch
- One step, head block
- Front kick
- Front kick, reverse punch
- Roundhouse kick
- Front kick, round house kick, reverse punch
3rd Mon -
Junior Green Belt
- One step, punch
- One step, head block
- Reverse punch
- Front kick
- One step, front kick
- Roundhouse kick
- Front kick, snap punch
- One step, front kick, snap punch
- Front kick, reverse punch
- One step, front kick, reverse punch
4th Mon -
Junior Blue Belt
- One step, punch
- One step, head block
- Reverse punch
- Front kick
- One step, front kick
- Roundhouse kick
- Front kick, snap punch
- One step, front kick, snap punch
- Front kick, reverse punch
- One step, front kick, reverse punch
- Front kick, round house kick, reverse punch
5th Mon -
Junior Purple Belt
- One step, punch
- One step, head block
- Reverse punch
- Front kick
- One step, front kick
- Roundhouse kick
- Front kick, snap punch
- One step, front kick, snap punch
- Front kick, reverse punch
- One step, front kick, reverse punch
- Front kick, round house kick, reverse punch
- Outer block, reverse punch
- Inner block, reverse punch
6th Mon -
Junior Brown Belt
- One step, punch
- One step, head block
- Reverse punch
- Front kick
- One step, front kick
- Roundhouse kick
- Front kick, snap punch
- One step, front kick, snap punch
- Front kick, reverse punch
- One step, front kick, reverse punch
- Front kick, round house kick, reverse punch
- Outer block, reverse punch
- Inner block, reverse punch
- Half Kata 1 (Pinan Nidan)
Readiness & Process
- Speak with your instructor about readiness and target date.
- Ensure SKF membership/insurance is current.
- Practice your checklist at home; attend pre-grading checks.
- Grading on the day with Instructor.
- Results/feedback; next steps agreed.
FAQs
What age are Mon grades for?
Typically our junior members (5 - 10 years). Speak to an instructor if
you’re unsure.
How often are gradings?
We run regular gradings through the year. Dates vary by venue/class. Normally
6 - 8 weeks apart (your child may not be invited to every grading — this is normal).
Do we need sparring kit?
No. For early Mon levels, light partner work is supervised without full kit.
Protective gear is introduced as students progress.
The Extra Grading?
There is normally an extra grading at the end of an Easter Karate Week or
Summer Karate Week (several weeks training compressed into a week).