DAN REQUIREMENTS
Important: All instructor are obliged to exam according these rules. Dan Requirements are listed below.
At this level one should master the karate basic, techniques are mature and natural, all basic body movement and techniques can be applied properly and with extended force. One can apply techniques in simple combinations, without loss of force and yet smooth transition. At this level one should be comfortable applying Oji Waza to capitalize on opponent’s attack.
KATA: One of the following – Kanku Dai, Bassai Dai, Jion or Enpi.
In addition any kata selected by examiner from Heian Shodan to Heian Godan and Tekki Shodan.
KIHON: (5 times each technique)
- Oi Zuki San Bon Zuki
- Back Age Uke to Kizami Mae Geri to Gyaku Zuki Chu Dan
- Forward Soto Uke Zenkutsu Dachi to Yoko Enpi Uchi Kiba Dachi to Uraken Uchi, to Gyaku Zuki Chudan Zenkutsu Dachi
- Back Shuto Uke Kokutsu Dachi to Kizami Mae Geri to Chudan Nukite Zenkutsu Dachi
- Forward Uchi Uke to Kizami Mae Geri and Kizami Zuki simultaneously to Gyaku Zuki Chudan
- Forward Kizami Mae Geri to Mae Geri Jodan
- Kizami Mawashi Geri Chudan to Mawashi Geri Jodan
- From Kiba Dachi Yoko Keage Geri (3 each direction)
- From Kiba Dachi Yoko Geri Kekomi (3 each direction)
- Combination 1, Kizami Yoko Geri Kekomi Chudan to Mawashi Geri Jodan to Gyaku Zuki
- Combination 2, Kizami Mawashi Geri Chudan, same leg Yoko Geri Kekomi Chudan to Oi Zuki Jodan
- From Zenkutsu Dachi, Mae Geri forward, Yoko Geri Keage, Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri.
Target, Gyaku Zuki at maximum speed with kime not hitting target, target can be moved, distance has to be adjusted without compromise kime.
KUMITE: Jiu Ippon Kumite Jodan Oi Zuki, Chudan Oi Zuki, Mae Geri, Yoko Kekomi Geri, Ushiro Geri
At this point, maturation and assimilation of techniques is such that one adapts the techniques to own unique body demands. At this point also one can use inside muscles action in coordination with the external body dynamics and techniques.
In kumite one should be able to demonstrate strategy, and set up technique according to opponent type and inclination.
KATA: Favorite kata – Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Kanku Sho, Bassai Sho, SoChin, Niju Shi Ho, Hangetsu, Jitte, Goju Shi Ho Sho, Goju Shi Ho Dai, Unsu, Meikyo, Gankaku, ChinTe, Jiin, Wankan.
In addition any kata selected by examiner: Kanku Dai, Bassai Dai, Jion, Enpi.
KIHON: (5 times each technique)
- From free style Kamae, Kizami Zuki (in place) to San Bon Zuki to Kamae
- Kizami Zuki (yori Ashi) to Mae Geri to Oi Zuki (slide)
- Step back Age Uke, step forward Mawashi Geri to Uraken Uchi to Oi Zuki Jodan
- From Kiba Dachi, Yoko Keage Geri, turn into Yoko Geri Kekomi
- From Zenkutsu Dachi, Mae Geri forward, Yoko Geri Keage, Yoko Geri Kekomi, Mawashi Geri, Ushiro geri
KUMITE: Offense, Defense (2 encounters), Jiu Kumite (2 encounters)
SAN DAN (3RD DAN)
At this level one has acquire understanding the underlying principles of all body movements and techniques. Moreover, one can apply those techniques in varied circumstance and conditions, which means that he/she has gone beyond form and have the ability to adapt the techniques without violating its underlying principles.
At this level one should be able to observe another person and correct not just the outer expression of certain error, but also the source.
KATA: Favorite kata – Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Kanku Sho, Bassai Sho, SoChin, Niju Shi Ho, Hangetsu, Jitte, Goju Shi Ho Sho, Goju Shi Ho Dai, Unsu, Meikyo, Gankaku, ChinTe, Jiin, Wankan.
In addition any kata selected by examiner: Heian Shodan – Godan, Tekki Shodan – Sandan, Bassai Dai, Enpi, Gankaku, Hangetsu, Jion, Jitte, Kanku Dai.
TEST: Brown belt perform any basic combination by examiner’s choice, examinee find most important weakness, and the source, by correcting the performer.
YON DAN (4TH DAN)
At this level one has acquire understanding the underlying principles of all body movements and techniques. Moreover, one can apply those techniques in varied circumstance and conditions, which means that he/she has gone beyond form and have the ability to adapt the techniques without violating its underlying principles. At this level one should be able to teach.
KATA: Favorite kata – Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Kanku Sho, Bassai Sho, SoChin, Niju Shi Ho, Hangetsu, Jitte, Goju Shi Ho Sho, Goju Shi Ho Dai, Unsu, Meikyo, Gankaku, ChinTe, Jiin, Wankan.
TEST: Examinee should be able to answer examiner’s questions related to selected kata techniques. At this level examinee has to acquire understanding the principles selected kata.
TEACHING: Examinee should be able to answer examiner’s questions related to kihon, kata, kumite and timing. At this level examinee has to be able to teach, correct the performer, find most important weakness, and the source .
THESIS: Examinee should write thesis about chosen subject related to traditional karate techniques. The thesis should have at least 5 pages. Examinee has to explain his thesis in 5 minutes and in 10 minutes demonstrate this thesis and discusses with examiner about this thesis. Should be able to answer examiner’s questions related to this thesis.