ABOUT TESTING AND PROMOTION
Students should familiarize themselves with the various requirements for each belt level before turning in their grading application. If you are unfamiliar with any of the Kihon, Kata, or Kumite required for your next belt level, you should not attempt to grade, but instead, you should continue to train until you feel comfortable with all of the requirements. If in doubt, speak with your Sensei.
For Dan (black belt) examinations, the candidate must be tested for an “SJ Karate” black belt panel and guest instructors. The candidate should demonstrate two Katas, one of his or her choice and one, two, or more chosen by the chief examiner. The candidate is also tested on Kumite and Kihon. Older candidates may also demonstrate self-defense techniques, in which they must defend themselves from a series of attacks from an instructor.
SJ Karate and its Instructors acknowledge that some martial arts schools will “grant” and “approve” students for testing every month, and some students will be testing for a black belt through “accelerated programs” that even may ONLY last two or even one years. However, SJ Karate will keep the minimum waiting period between 1st Kyu and 1st Dan as typically three years of training or three years and a half. Our organization will train our students well until they TRULY reach the proficiency levels for testing. For all kyu (colored belt) tests, the candidate must demonstrate the mandated Kata for their rank, Kihon (karate basics,) and Kumite (sparring.) Testing of a karateka through SJ Karate is typically allowed between three and six months until 4th kyu is obtained, and from there, between 4 to 8 months until becoming ready to test for 1st Dan Black Belt. After achieving their new belts, our students conscientiously understand that they EARNED their new ranks, as they should be.
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