GRADING
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While popular culture misinterprets the attainment of a Black Belt as the ultimate goal in martial arts, the study of Ashihara Karate should be thought of as a lifetime pursuit of personal well-being and discovery.
Every stage of a student's life brings a different appreciation for Ashihara Karate, thus making it a relevant lifetime endeavor. Grading is an optional undertaking for participants to formally assess their readiness for the next phase of practice. How to be eligible for Grading? Eligibility for Grading is first and foremost at the discretion of the Instructor. Instructors must ascertain that applicants fulfill the relevant pre-requisites that among others include- a minimum class attendance, membership validity, and technical competency in the syllabus. How often is Grading conducted? Typically 3 times a year, in late March, July and November. |
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What is Assessed in Grading?
*Sparring component is assessed from Intermediate level onwards |
> Basics
> Movement > Form & Application |
> Impact
> Fight Control & *Sparring > Personal Conduct |
What is the formal color belt progression like?
Following a successful attempt at Grading, a participant will be awarded the following grade (kyu) or degree (dan) with the corresponding belt color or stripe.
All grades and degrees (except Junior Black Belt) are awarded by NIKO, the world governing body for Ashihara Karate.
LHA only conducts Grading up to Junior Black Belt.
Participants who wish to attempt Black Belt Grading will be referred to NIKO and attend grading in Japan upon successful application.
Following a successful attempt at Grading, a participant will be awarded the following grade (kyu) or degree (dan) with the corresponding belt color or stripe.
All grades and degrees (except Junior Black Belt) are awarded by NIKO, the world governing body for Ashihara Karate.
LHA only conducts Grading up to Junior Black Belt.
Participants who wish to attempt Black Belt Grading will be referred to NIKO and attend grading in Japan upon successful application.
Above: (left to right) Belt colors, denoting grades in Ashihara Karate, from mukyu to 1st kyu- White, Orange 1, Orange 2, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 1, Yellow 2, Green 1, Green 2, Brown 1, Brown 2
What comes after Black Belt?
Participants who have successfully completed the Brown 2 (1st kyu) Grading may proceed to practice as a Black Belt holder, referred to as a yudansha.
Formal progression from here onwards are referred to as 'levels' (dan).
Here training focuses on the in-depth study of Ashihara Karate, covering advanced concepts and techniques, while being appointed with coaching responsibilities to further solidify the accumulated knowledge.
Unlike in the grade stages however, Black Belt levels in Ashihara Karate are not conferred to mark the completion of a training phase.
Rather, NIKO typically award these degrees as leadership appointments within the organization.
Therefore, a practitioner's mastery of Ashihara Karate is not marked by the number of stripes he has on the belt, but rather by their own demonstration of skill, and attitude!
Participants who have successfully completed the Brown 2 (1st kyu) Grading may proceed to practice as a Black Belt holder, referred to as a yudansha.
Formal progression from here onwards are referred to as 'levels' (dan).
Here training focuses on the in-depth study of Ashihara Karate, covering advanced concepts and techniques, while being appointed with coaching responsibilities to further solidify the accumulated knowledge.
Unlike in the grade stages however, Black Belt levels in Ashihara Karate are not conferred to mark the completion of a training phase.
Rather, NIKO typically award these degrees as leadership appointments within the organization.
Therefore, a practitioner's mastery of Ashihara Karate is not marked by the number of stripes he has on the belt, but rather by their own demonstration of skill, and attitude!
Above: (left to right) Black Belts with stripes, denoting degrees in Ashihara Karate, from 1st dan to 4th dan (left to right)
The following is referenced from the June 2000 newsletter by Kancho (organization chief), regarding NIKO's policy of avoiding the over-inflation of black belt degrees:
1st - 2nd dan
Newly conferred Black Belts participants that include non-position holders and new Instructors typically hold these degrees.
They are formally addressed as senpai, meaning "senior".
3rd - 4th dan
Regarded as high-position holders within the organization and are generally formally addressed with the honorific tile of "sensei".
The honorific title of shihan or 'master teacher' is not tied to any degrees and is only appointed by the NIKO Chief himself.
Newly conferred Black Belts participants that include non-position holders and new Instructors typically hold these degrees.
They are formally addressed as senpai, meaning "senior".
3rd - 4th dan
Regarded as high-position holders within the organization and are generally formally addressed with the honorific tile of "sensei".
The honorific title of shihan or 'master teacher' is not tied to any degrees and is only appointed by the NIKO Chief himself.