Syllabus & Belt Progression
The Three Pillars of Shotokan: Kihon (Fundamentals), Kata (Forms), and Kumite (Sparring). Certified testing standards from 10th Kyu White Belt to 8th Dan Yudansha.
The Three K's (三本)
An integrated triad where fundamentals power forms, and forms give life to sparring.
1. Kihon (Fundamentals)
Linear stances, hip drive (Koshi no Kaiten), blocks, punches, and explosive kicks.
- Zenkutsu Dachi, Kokutsu Dachi, Kiba Dachi
- Oi-Tsuki, Gyaku-Tsuki, Kizami-Tsuki
- Age-Uke, Soto-Uke, Uchi-Uke, Gedan Barai
- Mae-Geri, Yoko-Geri Keage, Yoko-Geri Kekomi, Mawashi-Geri
2. Kata (Classical Forms)
Mastery of classical Shotokan forms from the foundational Heian series to Yudansha master Kata with Bunkai.
- Heian Shodan to Heian Godan
- Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan
- Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Jion, Empi
- Hangetsu, Gankaku, Sochin, Nijushiho, Unsu
3. Kumite & Sparring
Step-by-step practical sparring ensuring precision, distance (Ma-ai), timing, and self-restraint.
- Gohon Kumite (5-Step Pre-arranged)
- Kihon Ippon Kumite (1-Step Fundamentals)
- Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Semi-Free Sparring)
- Jiyu Kumite & WKF / SKDUN Point Tournament Sparring
Grading Hierarchy & Requirements
From beginner White Belt to advanced Black Belt Dan ranks.
| Rank & Belt | Japanese Designation | Examination Kata | Kumite Requirements | Min. Training Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Belt (10th/9th Kyu) | Kyu (級) / Shoshinsha | Taikyoku Shodan | Gohon Kumite (Jodan & Chudan) | 3 Months Regular Dojo |
| Yellow Belt (8th Kyu) | Hachikyu (八級) | Heian Shodan | Gohon Kumite (Mae-Geri Defense) | 3 Months after 9th Kyu |
| Orange Belt (7th Kyu) | Nanakyu (七級) | Heian Nidan | Kihon Ippon Kumite Basic | 3 Months after 8th Kyu |
| Green Belt (6th Kyu) | Rokkyu (六級) | Heian Sandan | Kihon Ippon Kumite with Counters | 4 Months after 7th Kyu |
| Blue Belt (5th Kyu) | Gokyu (五級) | Heian Yondan | Kihon Ippon (Mawashi-Geri Defense) | 4 Months after 6th Kyu |
| Purple Belt (4th Kyu) | Yonkyu (四級) | Heian Godan | Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Semi-free) | 4 Months after 5th Kyu |
| Brown Belt (3rd to 1st Kyu) | Sankyu to Ikkyu (一級) | Tekki Shodan, Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai | Jiyu Ippon & Free Sparring Intro | 6–9 Months per grade |
| Black Belt 1st Dan (Sho-Dan) | Sho-Dan (初段) - Yudansha | Selected Tokui Kata + Examiner Kata | Continuous Jiyu Kumite (Sparring) | 1 Year active 1st Kyu |
Looking for the Official Dan Examination Regulations?
Senior Dan gradings (2nd Dan to 6th Dan) are conducted bi-annually by Shihan S. Prabhakar and accredited international technical boards.