THUNDER  BAY  KARATE  SCHOOL  GRADING  REQUIREMENTS

                           GREEN  BELT (3rd kyu)  TO  BLUE  BELT (2nd kyu)

A minimum of  8 months of regular twice-a-week training is required to test for blue belt.

                  General Principles  (Tsuruoka Federation “mandate”)
·         Maximum speed and maximum power are required.
·         Knowledge of the five power sources is required (rotation, vibration, linear, upward, downward).
·         Knowledge of the five types of linear movement is required (stepping, sliding, double stepping, slide stepping, turning).
·         Proper timing, balance, and focus (kime) is required.
·         A good understanding of dojo etiquette, attitude, and formalities must be demonstrated at all times.

Kihon
Stances:                 sumo stance                                           shiko dachi
Blocks:                  X-block                                                  juji uke (as in heian godan)
                               inside wedge-hand block                         kakiwaki uke (as in heian yondan)
                      double block - high to rear, low to front   manji uke (as in rohai sho)                                reverse high block                                   gyaku jodan age uke
                               reverse low block                                    gyaku gedan barai                         

Strikes:                   palm heel                                               taisho uchi
                                ellbow strike (to front)                            empi mae uchi
Kicks:                     back thrust kick                                     ushiro geri
                                front kick from front leg                          kizami geri
Movements:          ·  Students will be required to execute with speed, power, focus, and efficiency
                                    combinations of basic and advanced techniques learned to this point.

Kumite
Students at this level should be prepared to demonstrate a superior proficiency at the basic prearranged kumite techniques (gohon, sanbon, ippon kumite). The theory of “sen-no-sen” (simultaneous attack/counter) must be demonstrated but proficiency is not required. Tai sabaki must be used while showing strong counters using kicks, punches, and strikes delivered on target and with good control. Distance of counter attacks from target should be no more than 1 inch. Visual/physical awareness and good posture (zanshin) must be present at all times.
Kata
For the blue belt grading a green belt will be expected to correctly demonstrate an understanding of each of the movements, in the correct order, with proper rhythm, suitable timing, good posture and balance, and maximum power, for the katas:

                                            1.  Heian yondan                      2.  Rohai sho