ISSHINRYU KARATE RANK PROGRESSION

TO BE PERFORMED AT EACH TEST LEVEL

Belt Rank Testing Requirements

WHITE BELT, 10TH KYU (JUU-KYU)

Every new student starts at the same level - -white belt.  Student at this rank will be introduced to:

• Dojo Procedures

• 15 Upper-Body Basics (Kihon)

• 9 Basic Kicks (Kihon)

• Fukyugata- Ichi

White Belt 1st yellow tip

Students earning 1st yellow tip need to have demonstrated working knowledge of:

• Know the karate creed

• know the karate code

• Explain basic dojo courtesy

• Count to ten in Japanese

• Tie obi correctly

• Demonstrate 15 upper body basics

• Demonstrate lower body basics

• Perform Fukyigata ichi

 2nd Yellow Tip

• Know who created Isshin-Ryu

• Name the two systems that Isshin-Ryu was created from

• Name of the Isshin-Ryu patch

• Terms used to begin class

• Demonstrate hand movements to begin kata

• Know the 3 things that make Isshin-Ryu different from other styles

• Perform Fukyugata Ni

Yellow Belt, 8th Kyu (hachi-kyu)

• Know the Japanese word for a punch, a kick, a block

• Explain the symbolism of the patch

• Demonstrate a self defense technique from a grab

• Explain the Sei San Stance

• Perform Sei San Kata

1st Orange Tip

• Know the code in paraphrased form

• Know the twelve major features of Isshin-Ryu karate

• Know the self defense principles as taught in this dojo

• Know the three principles of self defense before the attack has begun

• What does kobudo mean

• What does bunkai mean

• Perform Seiunchin kata

Orange Belt, 7th Kyu (Sichi-Kyu)

• Name the 15 weapons of the body

• Know the 5 principles of self defense as taught in this dojo

• In what state does a black belt have to register their hands and feet

• What is the legal meaning of assault

• What is the legal meaning of battery

• Explain and demonstrate the functions of the Sei San and Seiunchin stances

• Perform Naihunchi kata

Blue Belt, 6th Kyu (Ro-kyu)

• What does the theory of proportionality mean with regards to self defense

• What are the requirements to prove self defense using non-deadly force

• What are the elemtns required to prove self defense using deadly force

• Demonstrate the bunkai of Sei San as you learned in this dojo

• Perform Tokomine No Kun Bo Kata

1st Green Tip

• Know and explain the bunkai for Seiunchin kata as taught in this dojo

• What are the nine stances the instructor teaches in this dojo

• Explain Se Shin Shuyo and the symbol

• What does Yin and Yang represent

• Perform Wansu Kata

2nd Green Tip

• Explain the importance of proper breathing

• Explain the proper method to execute the kiai

• Why do we kiai

• What are the creators four purposes for Isshin-Ryu karate

• Perform Chinto Kata

Green Belt, 5th Kyu, (Go-Kyu)

• What can be the medical implications of a severe blow to the solar plexus

• Explain shock

• What is the treatment for shock

• Perform Urashi Bo Kata

Purple Belt, 4th Kyu (Shi-kyu)

• How can shock be caused

• What are some of the signs and symptoms of shock

• What are the treatment objectives of shock

• What are the steps for preventing and giving first aid for shock

• Perform Chatenyara Sai Kata

Brown Belt, 3rd Kyu (San Kyu)

• What are the secrets for conducting ones life

• Where does Ki come from and how does one obtain it

• Demonstrate 5 techniques from any of the Isshin-Ryu katas, explain the bunkai, then extend the techniques to show throws and takedowns as taught and shown in class

1st Black Tip

• Explain the significance of the karate belt as taught in this dojo

• Perform Yaku Soku Kumite

• Perform Sunsu Kata

Black Belt, 1st Degree, Sho-Dan

• Know all knowledge for previous belts

• Must have taught 4 classes in the dojo prior to testing...A lesson plan must be submitted before the class (same plan my be used for all classes)

• Must inform the instructor when they want to teach their classses

• Submit a 5 or more page essay on what they think it means to be a Black belt

• Must know history of Isshin-Ryu karate

• Know some medical implications from techniques from kata as taught in this dojo

• Know and explain the bunkai of all Isshin-Ryu kata as taught in this dojo

• Take 5 techniques from any of our kata and show throws, take downs, breaks, chokes & escapes

• Explain and know the self defense principles as taught in this dojo

• Perform Sanchin kata, Sunsu kata, Bo-Bo kumite

• Kumite with all present at time of testing

Junior Black Belt, Sho - Dan Ho

For Those who are too Young to Test for Their Sho-Dan, they would be testing for their Sho-Dan-Ho. Those who test for Sho-Dan-Ho must have a minimum of 1 year since earning Brown Belt with consistent training and perform all skills required of 1st Kyu In addition to:

• All Eight Open Hand Katas

• All Weapons Katas That Have Been Taught - Age Dependent

• All Rolls and Falls

• All 8 Kata Bunkai Throws or 8 Judo Throws or Combination Thereof

• A More Intensive Written test

• 30 Minutes or More of Kumite

• Once Obtaining the Rank of Sho-Dan-Ho, the Student will be Reviewed every Year by the Head Instructor to Make Sure They Have Retained all of Their Knowledge.

*In Order Test For Sho-Dan-Ho One Must Be 12 Years Of Age​