THUNDER  BAY  KARATE  SCHOOL  GRADING  REQUIREMENTS

                           BLUE  BELT (2nd kyu)  TO  BROWN  BELT (1st kyu)

  A minimum of  12 months of regular twice-a-week training is required to test for brown belt.
                  General Principles  (Tsuruoka Federation “mandate”)

       ·         Complete focus should be evident in every technique for which it is required
·         Proper breathing is required (e.g. breathing in as you start a punch and out at the focus point).
·         A basic understanding of the “tight-release” and “extension” principles should be demonstrated.
·         Dojo etiquette must be strictly followed at all times and a strong basic understanding of Japanese      terminology is required.

Kihon
Stances:                                                                seisan dachi
Blocks:                   backhand block                      haishu uke (as in heian godan)
                                grasping block                        tsukami uke (as in heian sandan)
                                sweeping low block                nagashi uke (as in seisan)
                                knife-hand (straight arm)         tate shuto uke
Punches:                 hook punch                            kage tsuki (as in 27 kihon waza)
Kicks:                     foot or leg sweep                    ashi barai
                                crescent kick                          mikazuki geri (as in heian godan)
Movements:          ·  Students will be expected to demonstrate a very high level of skill in basic                techniques as well as exemplary abilities in a wide variety of advanced shifting, stepping and take-down combinations. Students must show their abiltiy to pick an exact target with any strike, with full speed and power.

     Kumite  
Students at this level should be prepared to demonstrate a superior proficiency at the basic prearranged sparring techniques up to and including free 1-step sparring (jyu ippon kumite) with emphasis on timing, distance, form, attitude, and zanshin. A defender should be prepared to use a combination of techniques. The theory of “sen” (counter before attacker strikes) should be introduced. Proper distance from target should be “touch gi” or “touch skin”. Under no circumstance should contact be made with a partner.  

Kata  
For the brown belt grading, a blue belt will be expected to demonstrate the katas:

                                1.  Heian godan                     2.  Seisan
      These kata must be performed with regard for the following criteria:
·         Competent performance with a clear understanding of the principles contained in the kata.
·         Demonstration of correct focus, use of speed and power, good balance,  proper breathing, and zanchin.
Clear and appropriate interpretation of the various movements or combinations contained in the kata. Students will be expected to demonstrate with a partner their interpretation of the meaning (bunkai) of selected moves or sequences in the kata.