Gradings

Grading Policy and Timetable

The Welsh Bushi-Kai has a fully structured grading syllabus for each and every grade, from beginner to senior grade. Our grading syllabus incorporates all aspects of  Wado Ryu Karate, covering Basic Techniques, Combination Techniques, Kata and Blocks (Sanbon, Ohyo and Kihon Kumite). Students, as they progress through their grades, will be required to demonstrate their proficiency at Free Fighting. (Jiyu Kumite). There are three levels of gradings held throughout the year. General Kyu Gradings (beginner to 4th Kyu) are held every 4 months, Brown Belt Gradings are held every 6 months as are our  Black Belt (Dan) Gradings.

To ensure that our students progress in Karate to the high standard that we require,  there is a set minimum time interval between grades built in to our grading criteria.  Our Instructors are very experienced and are fully aware that not all students will progress at the same rate as they learn the art of Karate and accordingly a student is only put forward to take a Grading examination at the discretion of their Club Instructor.
Students will be assessed by their Club Instructor not only on their karate ability. but also on their attitude, commitment,and discipline in the dojo environment before allowing them to grade. There are no short cuts in Karate, all grades have to be earned and our grading criteria ensures that students who progress to senior grade within the Welsh Bushi-Kai have the necessary skills, attributes and experience required by a true Karate-Ka.

REMINDER: An up-to-date Licence is a mandatory requirement to train and grade within the Welsh Bushi-Kai.
You can down load a Licence Application form from the website homepage.

Grading Time-line

Minimum time periods specified below refer to periods of regular training. Candidates will also attend any Pre-grade courses arranged.

General Kyu Gradings:
9th Kyu (Red Belt) – Minimum Training period 3 mths
8th Kyu (Yellow Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 4 mths
7th Kyu (Orange Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 4 mths
6th Kyu (Green Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 4 mths
5th Kyu (Blue Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 4 mths
4th Kyu (Purple Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 4 mths

Brown Belt Gradings:
3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 6 mths
2nd Kyu (Brown Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 6 mths
1st Kyu (Brown Belt) – Minimum time since last grade, 6 mths

Black Belt (Dan) Gradings:
1st Dan (Shodan) – Minimum time since last grade, 9 mths (min age, 10 yrs)
2nd Dan (Nidan) – Minimum time since last grade, 2 yrs (min age, 16 yrs – Reassessed at 18 yrs)
3rd Dan (Sandan) – Minimum time since last grade, 3 yrs (min age, 21 yrs)
4th Dan (Yondan) – Minimum time since last grade, 4 yrs (min age, 30 yrs)
5th Dan (Godan) – Minimum time since last grade, 5 yrs (min age, 35 yrs)

Students who grade to 2nd Dan and above should have attained, or be working towards, a Welsh Bushi-Kai Coaching Recognition, which includes the necessary First Aid, CRB Plus Safeguard & Protection of Children requirements.

If you have any queries or require further information, please contact our Admin Officer. (See contacts page for details)