The test requirements for karate will be as follows:

Sho-dan (1^st dan)

• Minimum age: 16 years old
• Perform one kata from his/her own style
• Perform one kata (other than his/her own style)
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)

Ni-dan (2^nd dan)

• Minimum age: 18 years old; at least 2 years at Sho-dan rank
• Perform one kata from his/her own style
• Perform one kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)

San-dan (3^rd dan)

• Minimum age: 21 years old; at least 3 years at Ni-dan rank
• Perform one kata from his/her own style
• Perform two kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)

Yon-dan (4^th dan)

• Minimum age: 25 years old; at least 4 years at San-dan rank
• Perform two kata from his/her own style
• Perform two kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)
• Submit an essay
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae of the candidates Martial Arts Background.

Go-dan (5^th dan)

• Minimum age: 30 years old; at least 5 years at Yon-dan rank
• Perform two kata from his/her own style
• Perform two kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)
• Submit an essay
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae of the candidates Martial Arts Background.

Roku-dan (6^th dan)

• Minimum age: 36 years old; at least 6 years at Go-dan rank
• Perform two kata from his/her own style
• Perform two kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)
• Submit an essay
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae of the candidates Martial Arts Background.

Nana-dan (7^th dan)

• Minimum age: 42 years old; at least 7 years at Roku-dan rank
• Perform two kata from his/her own style
• Perform two kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)
• Submit an essay
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae of the candidates Martial Arts Background.

Hachi-dan (8^th dan)

• Minimum age: 55 years old; at least 7 years at Nana-dan rank
• Perform two kata from his/her own style
• Perform two kata (other than his/her own style)
• Demonstrate bunkai (application) of the demonstrated kata.
• Perform either jiyu-kumite (free sparring) or ippon-kumite (one-step sparring)
• Submit an essay
• Submit a Curriculum Vitae of the candidates Martial Arts Background.
• Provide written materials summarising karate experience, history, and contributions to the art

Written Exam Questions:
The candidate must write an essay of between 1 to 3 pages (450 800 words) on:

1. Karatedo/Martial Arts - past, present, and future.
2. the history and technique of any two styles of karate/Budo, and compare the principles and techniques.
3. the philosophy of Karatedo/Budo.
4. Comparison of karatedo to other fighting arts.
5. Personal interpretation of the Senpai-Kohai (Senior/Junior) system.
6. Explanation of dojo etiquette.
7. Explanation of the spiritual aspects of karatedo/Budo.
8. Explanation of tournament etiquette.
9. The value of participation in tournaments as a referee or judge.
10. What it means to become a Sensei/Sifu/Instructor.
11. What it means to be a Shihan/Master.

Web site designed and maintained by © AshiharaOnline Sept 2003

Member Organisations