Introduction to Karate

In order to achieve success in an examination the student must show proficiency in the required techniques. Through the kyu grades, students are expected to learn and demonstrate kihon (basics), including correct stances, steps, blocks, punches and kicks. They must learn to put these together in prearranged demonstrations of the applications of the various techniques (kumite) and learn the KATA of the Wado-Ryu system.

By brown belt level free-fighting or sparring is conducted more, the emphasis being on speed, accuracy and control of techniques, everything you learn up to this stage is to prepare you for your 1st Dan black belt grading and beyond.

Before a student can attempt a grading an up-to-date license is required and a period of at least four months of regular training must have expired since the students last grading. A period of at least six months regular training between 3rd and 2nd Kyu (brown belts), and at least a twelve month period between 1st kyu (brown belt) and 1st Dan (black belt). Mastering karate is not a short term goal.

The average individual can reach black belt first Dan in an average of four to six years, training twice a week with no or few missed lessons. But most importantly that your progress is consistant and satisfactory, including putting as much effort into each lessons warm up exercises. This is a praiseworthy achievement in its own right, and an important one for the person involved. However, the black belt is by no means the end of the road, as there is still much to learn thereafter.