Gradings generally take place at the end of each term.
Please note you must hold a current licence in order to grade; the licence ensures your grades will be nationally and internationally recognised. You will also be covered by the insurance should an accident occur during practice. You can apply for karate licence via our website https://www.uksko.org/licences/
A student will be eligible to grade when they have attended the required number of lessons. Your Sensei will advise for or against a grading if the individual is not ready. A grading must not be rushed, it must be taken to show progress and to give students a sense of achievement.
For black belt gradings permission must be sought from the Chief Instructor (Sensei Frank Perry) and students are required to attend courses prior to the grading. Students will be asked to demonstrate elements of sparring (Kumite), basic techniques (Kihon) and strength tests.
Provisional grades
A student may receive a ‘Provisional’ grade, which means that they have not quite achieved the required standard. They can, however, wear the next grade belt and train at this level. Students will then need to re-take their grading at the next opportunity