Advanced karate and grading in Christchurch

How grading works in JKA karate

Grades below black belt are called kyu grades. They count down, so a beginner starts as a high-numbered kyu and reaches 1st kyu, brown belt, before attempting black belt. Black belt grades are called dan grades and count up from 1st dan (shodan).

Every grading tests the same three areas:

• Kihon. Combinations of basic techniques, moving forwards and backwards in stance.
• Kata. One or more kata for your grade, performed alone.
• Kumite. Partner work, from five-step and one-step sparring in the early grades to free sparring for brown and black belt.

Tomyris Karatedo is a Japan Karate Association New Zealand dojo. Dan gradings are held through JKA NZ, and dan ranks are registered with JKA headquarters in Tokyo. That means a black belt earned here is recognised by JKA dojos in every country.

What advanced students work on

• The Heian and Tekki kata, then the brown and black belt kata such as Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Jion, Enpi and Hangetsu.
• Bunkai: what the movements in a kata are for, practised with a partner.
• Jiyu ippon kumite and jiyu kumite: semi-free and free sparring with control.
• Kime, hip rotation and timing: the details that separate a technique that looks right from one that works.

Competition

JKA NZ holds championships during the year, including South Island and national events, with kata and kumite divisions by age and grade. Students who want to compete get help preparing. Students who don't are never pushed to.

Joining from another club

If you hold a JKA grade from another dojo in New Zealand or overseas, your grade carries over. If your grade is from a different Shotokan organisation or another style, get in touch first. You're welcome to train, and the instructor will advise what applies for grading.

When and where

Advanced students train in the adult classes on Tuesdays 6:00 to 7:00 pm and Thursdays 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Waimairi School, Strowan. Read more about Shotokan and the JKA.