Gradings normally take place every three to four months, and are supervised and examined by Sensei Bob Poynton 7th Dan KUGB.

The Grading Session will normally begin with a training session including a warm up, exercises, a few practice moves, and preparation for the grading. When it comes to the actual grading, you will normally not be examined alone; although this does depend on how many students are grading for each belt. Often, if there is a lone student for a particular grade, a higher grade will be asked to partner them.

The Grading itself consists of three areas:

Kihon: which means basics or fundamentals, and this includes the basic Karate techniques, and combinations of them, which become increasingly complex as a student progresses. These are detailed in the Syllabus, although there are occasionally syllabus changes, or an additional combination thrown in to test a students ability.

Kumite: which means sparring, and this starts with basic five step sparring for junior grades, developing to three step and one step semi-free style. With all sparring, each student takes a turn at attacking, announcing in advance the attack that they are going to use, and then the defending student will block, and then counter attack.

Kata: also known as Forms or Practice Exercises, these have developed over many years to test and practice techniques in a pre-defined sequence. Starting with the basic Kihon Kata for 9th Kyu, and then the Heian Katas (1-5) for 8th to 4th Kyu, then Tekki Shodan and Bassai Dai for 3rd-1st Kyu (Brown Belt). You are not expected to master these at lower grades, but you must remember the moves.

Grading Notes: The exercises and warm up are an excellent opportunity to catch the examiners eye before the grading starts; it is here that good etiquette and strong Kiais are noticeable, and this can give the edge if mistakes are made later. Always learn the next Kata above the one you are working for, and the Kihon combinations and techniques too, as junior Kyu grades can sometimes double grade if their performance is particularly good.