Overview
SKF Dan gradings are a formal assessment of your technical ability, spirit, and contribution to
Wado-Ryū.
They are not automatic milestones — each attempt must show a level of maturity, control, and understanding
appropriate for black belt recognition.
Candidates are only recommended once instructors are confident in their readiness. Expect a rigorous standard:
sharp kihon, accurate kata with meaningful bunkai, and controlled, effective kumite.
Success comes from preparation, attitude, and consistency. This is the opportunity to
demonstrate
that your training, discipline, and character are in line with SKF expectations.
- Entry is by instructor recommendation and National Grading Panel approval.
- Assessment covers kihon, kata with bunkai, kumite, and theory knowledge.
- Etiquette and presentation are essential: arrive early, be respectful, and maintain a professional standard.
- Your SKF licence must be current and presented on the day with photo ID.
Dan Grading Pathway
Transitioning from advanced kyu to Dan grade requires a shift from technique to principle: understanding not just how to perform, but why. SKF expects candidates to show technical maturity, spirit, and the ability to contribute positively to the dojo and wider karate community.
What to expect
- Kihon: power, timing, and consistency under pressure.
- Kata: precision, rhythm, and practical bunkai with clear intent.
- Kumite: control, strategy, and spirit with appropriate contact.
- Theory: knowledge of terminology, history, and Wado-Ryū principles.
- Character: humility, respect, and a supportive attitude to peers and juniors.
Grading day
- Arrive early, sign in, warm up, and check your equipment (mitts, gumshield, etc.).
- Ensure gi is clean, belt tidy, nails short, jewellery removed/taped; hair secured.
- Bring SKF licence, photo ID, water, and any medical essentials.
- Demonstrate focus, answer questions clearly, and accept feedback respectfully.
Belt Syllabus
1st Dan - Black Belt 2025
-
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
- 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 Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Kihon Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Hachihonme (8)
- Wanshu
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Kihon Gumite (Arranged Free Fighting)
Kata (Form)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
2nd Dan - Black Belt 2025
-
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
- 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 Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Kihon Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Hachihonme (8)
- Wanshu
- Rohai
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Kihon Gumite (Arranged Free Fighting)
Kata (Form)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
3rd Dan - Black Belt 2025
-
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
- 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 Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Kihon Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Hachihonme (8)
- Wanshu
- Rohai
- Naihanchi
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Kihon Gumite (Arranged Free Fighting)
Kata (Form)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
Readiness & Process
- Confirm eligibility with your instructor (minimum 6 months as 1st Kyu and required SKF attendance stamps).
- Ensure your SKF licence is current and up to date.
- Complete and submit your Dan Grade application online at least 21 days before the grading.
- Application must be signed by your instructor (or email approval provided).
- Train consistently on the current SKF Dan Syllabus (2025 edition applies this year).
- On the day: arrive early, bring SKF licence, clean gi, correct belt, and any required equipment.
- Grading fee (£25, non-refundable) to be paid; successful candidates must also register (£50 in 2024).
- Results and feedback provided after grading; future development targets will be outlined.
FAQs
How often are Dan gradings?
Twice yearly, usually in May and November. Dates and venues are confirmed on the SKF website and Facebook
page.
What are the requirements to apply?
Minimum 20 SKF attendance stamps per grade, current licence, 6 months at 1st Kyu, and instructor approval.
Minimum age limits apply from 2nd Dan upwards.
What’s assessed at Dan level?
Advanced kihon, kata (including senior Wado kata), kumite, renraku waza, self-defence, and applied
principles.
Etiquette, mindset, technical ability and presentation carry significant weight.
Higher Dan levels may also include contribution to SKF, teaching, and technical leadership.
What are the age limits for Dan grades?
1st Dan: no minimum age.
2nd Dan: 16 years.
3rd Dan: 21 years.
4th Dan: 25 years (minimum 4 years since last grade).
Higher grades follow SKF minimum age and service requirements.
2nd Dan: 16 years.
3rd Dan: 21 years.
4th Dan: 25 years (minimum 4 years since last grade).
Higher grades follow SKF minimum age and service requirements.
Can I apply if I have a disability?
Yes. Inform your coach and the SKF Dan Grade Secretary at least 12 months before grading.
Adaptations may be agreed based on the syllabus and suitability for safe participation.