General Rules
WKKI Karate-ka are eligible to grade if they:
- Have fulfilled all technical requirements
- Hold a current licence and record book
- Have permission from their Sensei
Record book and licence must be available for inspection by the grading examiner.
📄 Download Licence & Record Book Application Form (DOC)
Transfer of Grades to WKKI
- From Wado Associations: Current grade may be retained, but must re-grade within 12 months and be assessed by the Technical Committee.
- From Other Styles: Grade will be assessed and advised by the Technical Committee.
Grading Syllabus
- Candidates will be examined on the syllabus for their grade.
- Written tests are required for 2nd and 1st Kyu belts.
- Allowances will be made for physical or other restrictions.
- Quality of performance is the most important factor.
- Kyu gradings require permission from the student’s senior instructor.
📄 Download PDF Grading Syllabus
Kyu Grading Frequency
🧍 All candidates must wear a clean white karate-gi with badge, sparring mitts, and a gum shield.
Minimum Training Time Requirements
- 9th Kyu: 2 months
- 9th to 6th Kyu: 3 months
- 6th to 3rd Kyu: 4 months
- 3rd to 1st Kyu: 6 months
➡️ Students who fail a Kyu grading may retake the exam after 3 months.
Kyu Grading Age Restrictions
- Minimum age: 7 years
- No upper age limit
Dan Grading Rules
- Must hold 1st Kyu before grading for 1st Dan
- Minimum time between 1st Kyu and 1st Dan: 9 months
- Written permission from the student’s instructor required
- Higher Dan grades must be recommended by a senior instructor
Dan Grade Theory Examination
- Mandatory written test with 51 questions
- Pass mark varies by Dan level
- Both theory and practical must be passed
- Failing one part allows resit within 6 months, otherwise full re-exam is required
📄 Download Dan Grading Application Form (PDF)
Dan Grading Frequency
- Shodan: 9 months as 1st Kyu
- Nidan: 18 months as Shodan
- Sandan: 3 years as Nidan
- Yondan: 4 years as Sandan
- Godan: 5 years as Yondan
🖊 Bring a pen for 2nd & 1st Kyu and Dan theory exams.
Dan Grading Failures
- Retake allowed after 3 months (unless examiner states otherwise)
- Must retake within 6 months or full grading is required again
Dan Grading Age Restrictions
- 1st Dan: 12–17 years
- 2nd Dan: 15–17 years
- 3rd Dan: 20+ years
Junior Dan Notes:
- 1st Dan: Choose one Ohyo Kumite, Kihon Kumite, and Kata
- 2nd Dan: Also include one Tanto Dori
- At 18, assessment is made during Spring Course — no regrading required
Course Attendance Record
- Black & Brown belt students must attend at least 4 senior belt courses per year
- Fewer than 4: Not eligible to grade for Dan rank
Grading Re-take Policy
Instructors may allow a partial re-take if:
- Candidate is lacking in specific areas
- Re-take must be done within 3 months
- After 3 months, full grading must be repeated
Student Training Manual
Students may purchase a Training Manual to assist with grading and written exams.
📚 Ask your club instructor for details.