Overview
Senior gradings are about standards, depth and consistency. They’re not a rite of passage —
they’re a professional check of your Wado skillset: mechanics, mindset and etiquette under pressure.
You’ll only be invited when the coaches are confident you’re ready. Expect precise criteria, clean execution,
and clear feedback. Come prepared, on time, and switched on — we’ll meet you there with the same energy.
It’s serious, but it should also feel satisfying: you’ve put the work in — this is where you show it.
- Invitation based on consistent attendance, coach sign-off and readiness.
- Technical checks include kihon under fatigue, kata detail & applicable kumite.
- Dojo etiquette matters: punctual, clean gi, correct belt, nails short, jewellery removed/taped.
- SKF licence must be current for grading & insurance; bring it on the day.
Senior Grade Pathway
Advanced Kyu → Dan grades. Focus shifts from “what” to how and why: pressure-tested kihon, functional bunkai, smart kumite, coaching mindset and steady dojo leadership.
What to expect
- Kihon: precision under pace; balance, breath and intent.
- Kata: detail, rhythm, application (bunkai) and composure.
- Kumite: control, timing and appropriate contact; ringcraft & awareness.
- Conduct: lead by example; support juniors; uphold dojo standards.
Grading day
- Arrive early, warm up, check equipment (gumshield, mitts, shin/instep as required).
- Clean gi, tidy belt, nails short, jewellery removed/taped; hair secured.
- Bring SKF licence, water, and any medical items you may need.
- Listen well, answer clearly, accept feedback professionally.
Belt Syllabus
White Belt
- Seniors Starting as a White Belt
Embarking on your karate journey as a senior student is an exciting and empowering step, symbolized by wearing the White Belt. This belt represents a blank slate—full of potential, ready to absorb knowledge and grow. Regardless of your age or previous experience, starting as a White Belt is a significant and respected part of the martial arts tradition.
At the Jewel Karate Club, we recognize the courage it takes to begin something new, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our training emphasise the values of perseverance, discipline, and respect, guiding you as you build a solid foundation in karate techniques and philosophy.
As a White Belt, you’ll develop essential skills and gain confidence, preparing you for progression through the Kyu grades. Remember, every black belt was once a White Belt—it’s not just where you start, but the dedication and effort you invest that defines your journey.
We look forward to helping you take those first steps and celebrating each achievement as you move forward in your martial arts path.
Welcome to the Jewel Karate Club family!
8 Kyu - Yellow Belt - Yellow Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Junzuki turn in Jodan Uke (Straight punch, head block L & R)
- Gyakuzuki turn in Gedan Barai (Opposite punch, rear block L & R)
- Maegeri (Front Kick)
- Surikomi Maegeri (One step front kick)
- Mawashigeri (Roundhouse kick)
- Maegeri Chudan - Tobikomizuki (Front kick - snap punch)
- Surikomi Maegeri - Tobikomizuki (One step front kick - snap punch)
- Maegeri Chudan - Gyakuzuki (Front kick - opposite punch)
- Surikomi Maegeri - Gyakuzuki (One step front kick - opposite punch)
- Chudan Soto Uke - Maegeri Gyakuzuki (middle outer block - opposite punch) ipponme block video
- Chudan Uchi Uke - Empi (middle inner block - opposite punch) ipponme block video
- Technique Ipponme (1)
- Technique Nihonme (2)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
7 Kyu - Orange Belt - Orange Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Sokuto Chudan
- Maegeri - Mawashigeri - Gyakuzuki
- Surikomi Maegeri - Mawashigeri - Gyakuzuki
- Chudan Uke Soto - Maegeri Gyakuzuki
- Chudan Uke Uchi - Empi
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Ipponme (1) - Gyakuzuki
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Nihonme (2) - Gyakuzuki
- Pinan Nidan
- Technique Nihonme (2)
- Technique Sanbonme (3)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
6 Kyu - Green Belt - Green Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Tobikomizuki
- Surikomi Mawashigeri Chudan
- Surikomi Sokuto Chudan
- Maegeri - Sokuto - Gyakuzuki
- Surikomi Maegeri - Sokuto - Gyakuzuki
- Jodan Uke Ipponme (1)
- Jodan Uke Nihonme (2)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Gohonme (5)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Ropponme (6)
- Pinan Shodan
- Pinan Shodan
- Ohyo Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Technique Sanbonme (3)
- Technique Yohonme (4)
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
5 Kyu - Blue Belt - Blue Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Nagashizuki
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Sokuto Chudan
- Mawashigeri - Ushirogeri - Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Surikomi Sokuto - Ushirogeri - Uraken Jodan
- Chudan Uke Soto
- Chudan Uke Uchi
- Jodan Uke Sanbonme (3)
- Jodan Uke Yohonme (4)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Sanbonme (3)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Yohonme (4)
- Pinan Shodan
- Pinan Yondan
- Ohyo Gumite Nihonme (2)
- Technique Yohonme (4)
- Technique Gohonme (5)
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
4 Kyu - Purple Belt - Purple Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Chudan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Sokuto Chudan
- Maegeri Chudan - Nagashizuki Jodan - Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Surikomi Maegeri Chudan - Nagashizuki Jodan - Mawashigeri Chudan
- Maegeri Chudan - Sokuto Chudan - Ushirogeri Chudan - Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Chudan Uke Soto
- Chudan Uke Uchi
- Jodan Uke Ipponme (1)
- Jodan Uke Sanbonme (3)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Yohonme (4)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Gohonme (5)
- Pinan Yondan
- Pinan Godan
- Ohyo Gumite Sanbonme (3)
- Technique Gohonme (5)
- Technique Ropponme (6)
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
3 Kyu - 1st Brown Belt - 1st Red Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Tobikomizuki
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Jodan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Sokuto Chudan
- Surikomi Ushiro Mawashigeri Jodan
- Surikomi Maegeri Chudan - Mawashigeri Chudan - Ushirogeri Chudan - Uraken Jodan
- Maegeri Chudan - Nagashizuki Jodan - Gyakuzuki Chudan - Mawashigeri Chudan
- Surikomi Maegeri Chudan - Sokuto Chudan - Ushirogeri Chudan - Uraken Jodan
- Jodan Uke Nihonme (2)
- Jodan Uke Yohonme (4)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Ipponme (1)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Sanbonme (3)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Gohonme(5)
- Kushanku
- One Pinan Kata Chosen on the Day
- Ohyo Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Ohyo Gumite Nihonme (2)
- Ohyo Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Kihon Gumite Ipponme (1)
- Two Techniques Chosen on the Day
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Kihon Gumite (Arranged Free Fighting)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
2 Kyu - 2nd Brown Belt - 2nd Red Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Jodan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Sokuto Jodan
- Surikomi Ushiro Mawashigeri Jodan
- Surikomi Maegeri Chudan - Nagashizuki Jodan - Mawashigeri Jodan
- Maegeri Chudan - Sokuto Chudan - Ushirogeri Chudan - Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Zenshinshitte Jodan - Renzuki Chudan - Surikomi Maegeri Chudan - Mawashigeri Chudan - Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Chudan Uke Soto
- Chudan Uke Uchi
- Jodan Uke Ipponme (1)
- Jodan Uke Yohonme (4)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Nihonme (2)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Yohonme (4)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Ropponme (6)
- Kushanku
- One Pinan Kata Chosen on the Day
- Ohyo Gumite Sanbonme (3)
- Ohyo Gumite Yohonme (4)
- Ohyo Gumite Gohonme (5)
- Kihon Gumite Nihonme (2)
- Two Techniques Chosen on the Day
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Kihon Gumite (Arranged Free Fighting)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
1 Kyu - 3rd Brown Belt - Black Tab
-
Kihon, Tsuki & Keri (Basic Techniques)
- Kette Junzuki
- Kette Gyakuzuki
- Kette Junzuki No Tsukkomi
- Kette Gyakuzuki No Tsukkomi
- Nagashizuki
- Mawashigeri Jodan
- Surikomi Mawashigeri Jodan
- Ushirogeri Chudan
- Surikomi Sokuto Jodan
- Surikomi Ushiro Mawashigeri Jodan
- Zenshinshitte Jodan - Renzuki Chudan - Maegeri Chudan - Mawashigeri Chudan - Ushirogeri Chudan - Gyakuzuki Chudan
- Surikomi Jodan - Renzuki Chudan - Surikomi Maegeri Chudan - Mawashigeri Chudan - Ushirogeri - Uraken Jodan
- Zenshinshitte Jodan - Renzuki Chudan - Maegeri Chudan - Nagashizuki Jodan - Gyakuzuki Chudan - Mawashigeri Chudan
- Chudan Uke Soto
- Chudan Uke Uchi
- Jodan Uke Ipponme (1)
- Jodan Uke Nihonme (2)
- Jodan Uke Sanbonme (3)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Ipponme (1)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Yohonme (4)
- Chudan Maegeri Uke Gohonme (5)
- Kushanku
- One Pinan Kata Chosen on the Day
- Ohyo Gumite Gohonme (5)
- Ohyo Gumite Ropponme (6)
- Ohyo Gumite Nanahonme (7)
- Kihon Gumite Sanbonme (3)
- Two Techniques Chosen on the Day
- Free Fighting
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)
Block (Blocks)
Kata (Form)
Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting)
Kihon Gumite (Arranged Free Fighting)
Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence)
Ji Yu Kumite (Free Fighting)
Readiness & Process
- Confirm with your instructor which kyu you’re aiming for and a target date.
- Ensure your SKF licence/insurance is current (bring it on the day).
- Train consistently: syllabus kihon, kata, and kumite requirements for your grade.
- Attend pre-grading checks for feedback and polish anything flagged.
- Grading day: arrive early, warm up, present clean gi, correct belt & required kit.
- Results & feedback: next steps agreed (targets set for the following grade).
FAQs
How often are kyu gradings?
We run them regularly through the year. Invitation depends on readiness, not time served —
typical time period is 12 - 16 weeks with consistent training.
What’s assessed at kyu level?
Kihon (Basic Techniques), Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques), Uke (Blocks), one or more Kata (Form) for
your grade, one or more Ohyo Gumite (Semi-Free Fighting) for your grade, one Kihon Gumite
(Arranged-Free Fighting) for your grade, and appropriate Go Shin Jutsu (Self Defence) and Ji Yu Kumite
(Free Fighting). Etiquette and presentation matter.
Do I need sparring kit?
From intermediate kyu upward, yes: mitts, gumshield, shin/instep (and other items as your dojo specifies).
Ask a coach before buying to ensure it meets SKF/WKF guidance.
What if I can’t make the date?
Let us know early — we’ll move you to the next available grading or arrange a suitable alternative if
appropriate.
I’m coming back from injury — can I grade?
Possibly. Speak to your instructor for adaptations and to confirm you can meet the standard safely.
Bring any required medical items and disclose issues on the day.
Which kata do I need for my grade?
Check the kyu syllabus for the exact list (e.g. Pinan series progressing to core Wado kata).
You’ll be expected to demonstrate clean lines, rhythm, and intent.