Overview
SKF Dan gradings are a formal assessment of technical ability, understanding, attitude and commitment to Wado-Ryu Karate. Dan grade is not simply the next belt up. It is a standard that must be earned through consistent training, maturity and the ability to perform well under pressure.
Candidates are normally put forward only when instructors believe they are ready. A Dan grading should show more than memorised techniques. It should show sound kihon, strong kata, effective kumite, composure, etiquette and a clear understanding of Wado-Ryu principles.
- Dan grade is about standard, not just time served.
- Good attitude, respect and composure matter as much as technical ability.
- Your SKF licence and grading requirements must be properly up to date.
- Preparation should be steady and long-term, not rushed near the grading date.
Dan Grade Pathway
Moving from advanced Kyu grade into Dan level means stepping from solid technique into deeper understanding. A Dan candidate is expected to show reliable basics, stronger principle, better control, and a more complete grasp of Wado-Ryu as a whole.
What should improve at Dan level
- Cleaner, more settled kihon
- More mature kata performance
- Greater control in kumite
- Better understanding of timing, distance and intent
What should stay constant
- Respect for the dojo and examiners
- Good etiquette and appearance
- Willingness to listen and learn
- Steady effort over time
Dan Syllabus
The content below reflects the syllabus detail included in the original page. Always confirm final grading content against the current SKF syllabus and your instructor’s guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
1st Dan - Black Belt
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Tobikomizuki
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Jodan
- Sokuto Jodan
- Surikomi Sokuto Jodan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Surikomi Ushiro Mawashigeri Jodan
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
- Zenshinshitte Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Mawashigeri Chudan, Ushirogeri Chudan, Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Zenshinshitte Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Surikomi Maegeri Chudan, Nagashizuki Jodan, Gyakuzuki Chudan, Mawashigeri Chudan
- Surikomi Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Maegeri Chudan, Sokuto Chudan, Ushirogeri Chudan, Uraken Jodan
Ohyo Gumite
- Ohyo Gumite Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
Kihon Gumite
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Kihon Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Hachihonme (8)
Kata
- Wanshu
Jiyu Kumite
- Free Fighting
2nd Dan - Black Belt
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Tobikomizuki
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Jodan
- Sokuto Jodan
- Surikomi Sokuto Jodan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Surikomi Ushiro Mawashigeri Jodan
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
- Zenshinshitte Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Mawashigeri Chudan, Ushirogeri Chudan, Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Zenshinshitte Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Surikomi Maegeri Chudan, Nagashizuki Jodan, Gyakuzuki Chudan, Mawashigeri Chudan
- Surikomi Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Maegeri Chudan, Sokuto Chudan, Ushirogeri Chudan, Uraken Jodan
Ohyo Gumite
- Ohyo Gumite Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
Kihon Gumite
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Kihon Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Hachihonme (8)
Kata
- Wanshu
- Rohai
Jiyu Kumite
- Free Fighting
3rd Dan - Black Belt
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Tobikomizuki
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Jodan
- Sokuto Jodan
- Surikomi Sokuto Jodan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Surikomi Ushiro Mawashigeri Jodan
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
- Zenshinshitte Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Mawashigeri Chudan, Ushirogeri Chudan, Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Zenshinshitte Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Surikomi Maegeri Chudan, Nagashizuki Jodan, Gyakuzuki Chudan, Mawashigeri Chudan
- Surikomi Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Maegeri Chudan, Sokuto Chudan, Ushirogeri Chudan, Uraken Jodan
Ohyo Gumite
- Ohyo Gumite Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
Kihon Gumite
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Kihon Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Hachihonme (8)
Kata
- Wanshu
- Rohai
- Naihanchi
Jiyu Kumite
- Free Fighting
Readiness & Process
- Confirm eligibility with your instructor before applying.
- Make sure your SKF licence is current and your grading record is up to date.
- Complete any Dan application requirements within the published deadlines.
- Train steadily on the current syllabus rather than cramming late.
- Arrive early on grading day with the correct documents, belt and equipment.
- Accept feedback positively and use it to improve, whether successful on the day or not.
What Examiners Look For
Technical quality
Strong kihon, good posture, timing, control and clear finishing positions.
Understanding
Kata and combinations should show meaning and purpose, not just memory.
Control under pressure
Kumite and partnered work should remain disciplined, controlled and effective.
Attitude and etiquette
Respect, presentation and composure are part of black belt standard.
FAQs
How often are Dan gradings?
Can anyone apply?
What is assessed?
What if I am not ready yet?
Keep studying the grading pathway
Return to the wider syllabus or jump back to the top of this page to review the Dan grade journey again.