General Grading Information

Common for all gradings

• Age and physical ability is taken into consideration at all gradings.

• Students will be graded on their attention to correct technique, stances and enthusiastic delivery.

• To confirm an understanding of basic techniques a demonstration of their application may be required.

• All grading students are to submit their current Ishinryu record of grading book, and will be required to pay a grading fee.

Mid-grade assessments

During each term several in-class assessments are held to monitor the progress of each student. A stripe is added to the end of the belt for competence at the following skills. Three stripes are required to grade.

Stripe 3 - Combinations

Stripe 2 - Kata

Stripe 1 - Stances, Punches, Strikes, Blocks and Kicks

“Stripe” grades

Most students will progress to the next belt (grade) in two stages (white stripe, then full colour). The white stripe grades include the new stripe 1 techniques, and the previous grades' stripe 2 and 3 combinations and kata.

Full belt to full belt gradings are typically reserved for teens or adults who train in the dojo at least twice a week and regularly practise at home. The two-stage approach also provides encouragement and recognition of significant progress through the award of a new belt and certificate.