Grading Information
Everything you need to know!
PLEASE NOTE WELL: gradings are not tests of memory, they are tests of skill. You will acquire the necessary skills with time served, repetition and practise. JKS Chester will not permit students to grade until they can demonstrate that they have skill in their grading syllabus. We expect students to earn their grades not buy them. There are plenty of other organisations where that is possible.
All beginners (white belts), without exception, will be expected to train for six months prior to taking their first grading (10th to 9th kyu).
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Other than your black belt, the first grading (10th to 9th kyu) is the most important karate examination that you will have to face. After your first grading you may be permitted to grade once every 3 months (from orange to purple and white belt). Brown belts must train for at least 6 months prior to their next grading and those preparing for black belt must train for at least 12 months prior to taking their Shodan examination. In all cases you must have your instructors permission to grade.
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A grading is not a test of memory, a grading is a test of skill. Skills are acquired with time and repetition.
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Below you will find out about how we grade our students, where to be, at what time and what you will be expected to do on the grading day.
You will be invited to grade by your Class Instructor. Grading fees are payable on the day.
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All gradings are taken by senior JKS Instructors and examiners. Our gradings are held externally at JKS Malvern in Liverpool, unfortunately spectators are not allowed during the grading examination. Spectators can view the pre-grading course on the day. We ask that all spectators keep noise to a minimum.
You will need to arrive 15 minutes early to sign in, hand in your license book, grading fee and warm up. All students must have a valid license book. If your license has expired you must renew it before attempting your grade.
If you are attempting your first grade and have never had a license book, you must contact your Instructor at the earliest opportunity and let them know, you can apply for a license book online here. If you do not have a license book, you may not be able to attempt grading.
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You can find details about your grading syllabus here