RODNEY HOBSON ACADEMY - GRADING REQUIREMENTS

WHITE BELT (6th kyu) TO YELLOW BELT (5th kyu)

A minimum of 4 months of regular twice-a-week training is recommended to test for yellow belt. General Principles (Tsuruoka Federation “mandate”)

• The student should have a clear understanding of the techniques on the test (e.g. elbow moves first on blocks, knees bent on set moves etc.). • No speed and no power (e.g. no hip rotation on blocks) is required. • Complete upper/lower body separation is acceptable (e.g. can step, pause, and then block). • A basic understanding of dojo etiquette, attitude, and formalities must be demonstrated.

Kihon (basics) Stances: attention kiotsuke (musubi dachi) kneeling seiza natural stance shizen-tai horse stance kiba dachi front stance zenkutsu dachi Blocks: high block jodan age middle outside block chudan soto uke middle inside block chudan uchi uke low block gedan barai Punches: front punch tsuki (zuki) front lunge punch oi-tsuki reverse punch gyaku tsuki Kicks: front kick mae geri Movements: • Bow (rei) when standing and kneeling. • Walking forward and backward in front stance. • Turning (mawate) 90o and 180o in front stance • Be able to do all four blocks and high, middle, low punches from natural and horse-riding stance. • Be able to demonstrate lunge punch (high, middle, low) and high and low blocks while moving forward and backward in front stance. • Front kicking from natural and front stances. Kumite (sparring) The requirement at this level is that students must perform 3-point sparring (sanbon kumite) using high punch, middle punch, and low punch for attacks and reverse punch for a counter-attack. Students must demonstrate the proper steps of preparation: attention, formal bow, setting into stance, announcing technique. Techniques must be delivered with good control and with a strong kiai. Kata (forms) For the test a white belt will be expected to correctly demonstrate each of the movements, in the correct order, with a degree of proper timing, for the following katas: 1. Tae Waza [27 movements] 2. Taikyoku shodan 3. Heian shodan

YELLOW BELT (5th kyu) TO ORANGE BELT (4th kyu)

A minimum of 8 months of regular twice-a-week training is required to test for orange belt. General Principles (Tsuruoka Federation “mandate”)

· Speed is not necessary. · Power is required. Two power sources should be used: rotational (e.g. hips rotate on blocks) and linear (e.g. stepping forward with a punch). · Upper/lower body separation is acceptable. · A basic understanding of dojo etiquette, attitude, and formalities must be demonstrated at all times Students will be expected to execute the basics at white belt level with greater proficiency Stances: back stance kokutsu dachi crossed-leg stance kosa dachi Blocks: knife-hand shuto uke reverse middle inside gyaku uchi uke Punches/Strikes jab kizami tsuki back fist uraken uchi spear hand nukite Kicks: front thrust kick mae (geri) kekomi front snap kick mae (geri) keage side thrust kick yoko geri kekomi

Movements: · Be able to demonstrate middle inside and middle outside blocks while moving forward and backward in front stance. · Be able to demonstrate knife-hand block while moving forward and backward in back stance. · Be able to demonstrate 2-movement combinations of basic techniques - e.g. block/punch and punch/kick combinations. · All movements must be known in Japanese. · 10 Step, Control Kicking, demonstration of 2 or 3-movement combinations of basic techniques while moving forward, backward, or sideways. Foot and hand techniques must be aimed at specific targets.

Kumite Correctly demonstrate basic attacks, blocks, and counter attacks making use of 3-step prearranged sparring (sanbon kumite). The attacks will consist of high and middle punches and middle kick. Attacks must be delivered on target with good control and with good posture. Students must correctly demonstrate basic attacks, blocks and counter attacks making use of one- point prearranged sparring (ippon kumite). Kata

For the test a yellow belt will be expected to demonstrate each of the movements, in the correct order, with proper timing, good posture and stances, proper stepping, turning, and foot placement, for the following katas:

1. Heian nidan 2. Heian Sandan

ORANGE BELT (4th kyu) TO GREEN BELT (3rd kyu)

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

General Principles (Tsuruoka Federation “mandate”)

• Speed and power are required. • Reduction of upper/lower body separation in single techniques and in combinations (e.g. less pause between step and block or low block and reverse punch). • A good understanding of dojo etiquette, attitude, and formalities must be demonstrated at all times.

Kihon Particular emphasis is placed on students being able to bring together many abilities that demonstrate excellent spirit, drive, and motivation.

Stances: cat stance nekoashi dachi hourglass stance sanchin dachi Blocks: augmented middle inside morote uke

Punches/ Strikes ridgehand heito uchi hammer fist tettsui uchi knife-hand strike shuto uchi elbow strike (to rear) empi ushiro uchi Kicks side snap kick yoko (geri) keage roundhouse kick mawashi geri

Movements: • Students will be required to demonstrate 3 to 4 movement combinations of basic techniques while moving forward, backward, or sideways. Foot and hand techniques must be aimed at specific targets. • Drills include: 10 Step, 8 Step, Control Kicking, and “The Pen”. Kumite Students must correctly demonstrate basic attacks, blocks and counter attacks making use of one- point prearranged sparring (ippon kumite). Counter attacks other than just reverse punch should be considered and side-stepping () must be used. A strong understanding of “go-no-sen” (attack-block-counter) must be shown. Techniques must be delivered on target and with good control. Distance from target should be no more than 3 inches (contact is not permitted). Must be able to perform basic sparring techniques up to and including free 1-step sparring (jyu ippon kumite) Kata For the test an orange belt will be expected to demonstrate each of the movements, in the correct order, with speed and power (where required), with proper rhythm and suitable timing, strong execution of technique, energetic kiai, and zanshin, for the katas:

1. Heian Sandan 2. Heian Yondan

Students will be expected to demonstrate with a partner their interpretation of the meaning(bunkai) of selected moves or sequences in the kata.

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.

Blocks: 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. • Students will be required to demonstrate 4 to 5 movement combinations of basic techniques while moving forward, backward, or sideways. Foot and hand techniques must be aimed at specific targets.

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. Heian Godan

Students will be expected to demonstrate with a partner their interpretation of the meaning (bunkai) of selected moves or sequences in the kata.

BLUE BELT (2nd kyu) TO BROWN BELT (1st kyu)

A minimum of 12 months of regular twice-a-week training is required to test for brown belt. General Principles (Tsuruoka Federation “mandate”)

• Complete focus should be evident in every technique for which it is required • Proper breathing is required (e.g. breathing in as you start a punch and out at the focus point). • A basic understanding of the “tight-release” and “extension” principles should be demonstrated. • Dojo etiquette must be strictly followed at all times and a strong basic understanding of Japanese terminology is required.

Kihon Stances: seisan dachi Blocks: backhand block haishu uke (as in heian godan) grasping block tsukami uke (as in heian sandan) sweeping low block nagashi uke (as in seisan) knife-hand (straight arm) tate shuto uke Punches: hook punch kage tsuki (as in 27 kihon waza) Kicks: foot or leg sweep ashi barai crescent kick mikazuki geri (as in heian godan) Movements: • Students will be expected to demonstrate a very high level of skill in basic techniques as well as exemplary abilities in a wide variety of advanced shifting, stepping and take-down combinations. Students must show their abiltiy to pick an exact target with any strike, with full speed and power.

Kumite Students at this level should be prepared to demonstrate a superior proficiency at the basic prearranged sparring techniques up to and including free sparring (jyu kumite) with emphasis on timing, distance, form, attitude, and zanshin. A defender should be prepared to use a combination of techniques. The theory of “sen” (counter before attacker strikes) should be introduced. Proper distance from target should be “touch gi” or “touch skin”. Under no circumstance should contact be made with a partner.

Kata For the brown belt grading, a blue belt will be expected to demonstrate the katas:

1. Heian godan 2. Tekki Shodan These kata must be performed with regard for the following criteria: • Competent performance with a clear understanding of the principles contained in the kata.Demonstration of correct focus, use of speed and power, good balance, proper breathing, and zanchin. • Clear and appropriate interpretation of the various movements or combinations contained in the kata. Students will be expected to demonstrate with a partner their interpretation of the meaning (bunkai) of selected moves or sequences in the kata.

1st. DAN GRADING REQUIREMENTS

Physical presentation A student must have a clear understanding of all kihon, kata, and kumite concepts presented throughout all 6 kyu-belt grading requirements. The ability to apply total concentration in the areas of basic technique (waza), zanshin, kime, spirit, and timing is mandatory. A karate-ka should have a good working knowledge of Japanese language in reference to karate technique and concepts. He/she must also demonstrate a strong understanding of dojo etiquette, attitude, and formalities to others through confidence and personal understanding. Techniques, emotions, and “ego” must also be under constant control, illustrating the “modern budo” essence of self preservation and cooperation over aggression.

Essay Requirements for all levels An essay must be written and handed in to Sensei Hobson before the grading begins. Guidelines and subject matter will be announced 1 month prior to the grading date. Students will be given the option to choose a topic from a predefined list. The essay must be typed and single-spaced with numbered content pages. The essay must also have a title page, and a bibliography for any books that were referenced. The satisfactory length of the essay is 2-3 pages.

Shodan Requirements A minimum of 12 months of regular training at 1st kyu is required to test for shodan.

Kihon A student must be able to demonstrate through application, the mechanics and the “order of operation” for each technique presented at all levels of intensity. He/she must show a basic understanding of the kinetic principles involved in setting karate techniques into motion, for example: • Hip / lock principle • Tight / release principle • Extension principle Karate-ka must be able to illustrate basic combination techniques with a partner using proper timing, distance, kime, and zanshin. “Go-no-sen” and “sen-no-sen” would be explored at this stage.

Kumite A thorough understanding of ippon kumite (including formalities) must be demonstrated with confidence. Tai sabaki should be explored, and all techniques must be delivered to a viable target.

Kata A strong understanding of timing and application must be visible throughout the kata performance. Balance, posture, use of embusem, and speed of kata must play a large part in presenting the student’s interpretation of the kata to others. Required kata:

1. Bassai dai 2. Kanku-Dai 3. 1-5 kyu level kata