Grading

Karate is taught as a Martial Art Discipline, with a formatted grading syllabus structure. Gradings will be conducted every four months. Attendance in class and on courses is required to gain promotion through the grading structure. Shiru Karate Academy is a member of West Glamorgan Karate Association (WGKA).

WGKA Grading Requirements

Kyu Belt Gradings:

• 10th Kyu (red-white belt) - Minimum 3 months training - 16 lessons 
• 9th Kyu (Red Belt) - Minimum 4 months training - 28 lessons 
• 8th Kyu (Yellow Belt) - Minimum 4 months training - 32 lessons
• 7th Kyu (Orange Belt) - Minimum 4 months training - 32 lessons
• 6th Kyu (Green Belt) - Minimum 4 months training - 32 lessons
• 5th Kyu (Blue Belt) - Minimum 4 months training - 32 lessons
• 4th Kyu (Purple Belt) - Minimum 4 months training - 40 lessons
• 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) - Minimum 8 months training - 65 lessons
• 2nd Kyu (Brown Belt) - Minimum 8 months training - 65 lessons
• 1st Kyu (Brown Belt) - Minimum 8 months training - 65 lessons

Black Belt Gradings

• 1st Dan Candidate - Minimum of 1 year as 1st Kyu … (Minimum age is 12 yrs) - 100 lessons
• 2nd Dan Candidate - Minimum of 2 years as 1st Dan … (Minimum age is 16 yrs – reassessed every two years until 3rd Dan) - 200 lessons
• 3rd Dan Candidate - Minimum of 3 years as 2nd Dan … (Minimum age is 21 yrs) - 300 lessons

 The minimum times between Grades listed above relate to periods of regular and uninterrupted training!

Grading dates for 2019

All gradings are held in Pontardulais - Location map | Street view

At Shiru Karate Academy the main grading is usually spread over two days with a course on day one and the formal grading on day two. This approach means that some of the examination is performed in a class style situation where pupils are less likely to feel nervous and part of the examination takes place in a traditional formal setting. Occasionally gradings will run over one day, in which case there will be a course followed by a formal grading on the same day.

Please Note: Both the course and formal grading are compulsory. Students who do not attend the course, will not be allowed to grade. Grading fees are non-refundable.

July Grading (One day grading)

• Date to Be Confirmed - Course and Grading (Times for Belts attempted)
  
  • White to Orange:
    • 9:30 - 10:30 Course
    • 11:00 - 12:00 Grading
  • Green to Purple:
    • 12:00 - 1:00 Course
    • 1:30 - 2:30 Grading 
  • Brown & Black
    • 2:30 - 3:30 Course
    • 4:00 - 6:00 Grading

All students are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for their grading.

December Grading

• Date to Be Confirmed - Course
• Date to Be Confirmed - Grading

All students are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for their grading.

Ninja Kids grading dates in Pontardulais - Location map | Street view

• Date to Be Confirmed July
• Date to Be Confirmed December 

Remember. "A Black Belt is a White Belt that never gave up!"

As in ALL Martial Arts, a License is required for training. No student can grade without an up to date license, which must be renewed annually through the academy instructor.