8th kyu

This is the first step on your journey to becoming a 1st Dan in Karate.

In this grade you will learn the basic punches and kicks in Wado-Ryu style karate.

You will also demonstrate 1 blocking technique.

The kata for this grade is Taikyo

7th kyu

For the Yellow belt grade you will expand the number of techniques you learn.

You will also be expected to demonstrate the use of 2 blocking techniques.

The katas for this grade are Taikyo and Pinan Nidan.

6th kyu

For the Orange belt grade you will further increase the number of techniques as well as demonstrating kicks which are higher.

You will also be expected to demonstrate 4 blocking techniques, 1 knife defence and one club defence.

The katas for this grade are Pinan Nidan and Pinan Shodan.

5th kyu

For the green belt grade you will continue to improve and develop your technique.

You will also be expected to demonstrate the use of 5 blocking techniques, 2 knife defences, 2 club defences and 1 throw .

The katas for this grade are Pinan Shodan and Pinan Sandan.

You will also be asked to do one of the katas from a previous grade.

4th kyu

For the Blue belt grade you will start to raise your kicks further to head hight.

You will be expected to demonstrate 8 blocking techniques,4 club defences, 4 knife defences, 2 throws and knowledge of 2 Kyusho.

Your katas for this grade are Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan and Pinan Godan.

You will also be asked to demonstrate a kata from a previous grade.

3rd kyu

For the Purple belt grade you will continue to develop and refine your techniques.

You will also be asked to demonstrate 10 blocking techniques, 6 defences from a knife, 6 defences from a club, 4 throws and 4 Kyushos.

The katas for this grade are Pinan Yodan, Pinan Godan and Ku Shanku.

Ku Shanku is the longest of the katas in Wado-Ryu style karate with 68 techniques.

You will also be asked  to demonstrate a kata from a previous grade.

2nd kyu

For the Brown belt grade you will be expected to demonstrate 12 blocking techniques, 6 knife defences, 6 club defences, 6 throws, 8 Kyushos.

The katas for this grade are Ku Shanku and Nai Hanchi.

You will also be asked to demonstrate a kata from a previous grade.

You will have to stand in Kiba Dachi stance for 30 minutes for this grade.

1st kyu

For Brown belt Gold tag grade which is the final grade before Black belt you will demonstrate a multitude of techniques.

You will also be expected to demonstrate 12 blocking techniques, 8 knife defences, 8 club defences, 8 throws and 12 Kyushos.

The katas for this grade are Nai-Hanchi and Chinto.

You will also be asked to demonstrate two other katas of the instructors choice.

You will also have to hold Kiba Dachi stance for 1 hour.

1st dan

The black belt grade is a culmination of everything you have learn in karate.

You will demonstrate a vast range of techniques as well as all the katas you have previously learnt.

You will demonstrate a range of defence techniques from clubs, knifes and non weapon attacks. You will also demonstrate your knowledge of throws and  Kyushos.