Promotion Requirements

Promotion from one training level to the next is achieved by meeting certain requirements. These may vary from Dojo to Dojo, but those listed here are used by all the dojos of the TRIAD and are typical throughout the USA Goju system.

To attain the rank of 9th Kyu:

A student generally "receives the Gi" when he or she has learned the first kata, Taikyoku Jodan, or when a six-week waiting period has ended. Some Senseis may, however, dispense with this very simple requirement.

To attain the rank of 8th Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least two (2) months as a 9th kyu.
  • A student must be able to execute the first three kata:
    • Taikyoku Jodan
    • Taikyoku Chudan
    • Taikyoku Gedan
  • A student must be able to execute the first three (3) Ippon Kumite techniques.

To attain the rank of 7th Kyu:

  • A Student must have trained at least four (4) months as an 8th Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • (Taikyoku) Circle Palm
    • (Taikyoku) Fan Hook
    • (Taikyoku) Low Arc
  • A student must be able to execute the first five (5) Ippon Kumite techniques.
  • A student must be able to execute the first two (2) Aki-Jitsu techniques.
  • A student will be expected to have read KARATE DOJO by Master Peter Urban.

To attain the rank of 6th Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least four (4) months as a 7th Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Taikyoku Empigo
    • (American) Taikyoku
  • A student must be able to execute the first eight (8) Ippon Kumite techniques.
  • A student must be able to execute the first four (4) Aki-Jitsu techniques.
  • A student will be expected to have read KARATE-DO - MY WAY OF LIFE by Master Gichin Funakoshi.

To attain the rank of 5th Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least four (4) months as a 6th Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Sanchin
    • Tensho (dai ichi)
    • Gianchoi (Mountain Giant)

To attain the rank of 4th Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least eight (8) months as a 5th Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Geesaku Sho (Golden Crane)
    • Geesaku Dai (Elephant Stomp)
    • Teki-Sai (Geki-Sai)
    • Taikyoku Masho-Uke
  • A student must be able to execute the first twelve (12) Ippon Kumite techniques.
  • A student must be able to execute the first eight (8) Aki-Jitsu techniques.
  • A student will be expected to have read THE WEAPONLESS WARRIORS by Master Richard Kim.

To attain the rank of 3rd Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least eight (8) months as a 4th Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Saifa
  • A student will be expected to have read ZEN IN THE MARTIAL ARTS by Joe Hyams

To attain the rank of 2nd Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least four (4) months as a 3rd Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Sanseero
  • A student will be expected to have read THE CLASSICAL MAN by Master Richard Kim.

To attain the rank of 1st Kyu:

  • A student must have trained at least four (4) months as a 2nd Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Empi-ha
  • A student will be expected to have read ZEN AND THE ART OF ARCHERY.

To attain the rank of 1st Dan (Shodan):

  • A student must have trained at least eight (8) months as a 1st Kyu.
  • In addition to kata already mastered, a student must be able to properly execute:
    • Seiuchin (Senchin)
  • A student will be expected to have read KARATE PSYCHOLOGY by Master Peter Urban.
  • A student will be required to submit a research project -- topic approved by the Sensei.

Note: The training times shown here for qualification for promotion represent absolute minimums in the real sense. Forty-six months of training generally does not make a black belt, and a progression of five and a half to six years is closer to the norm. A sensei may, however, promote a student who is ranked in another style more speedily than others. Your Sensei will determine when and whether you are ready for promotion.

Promotion requirements for levels above 1st Dan are not discussed here. They vary somewhat from Master to Master, and may be individually set for the candiate. When you make it to Black Belt level, requirements for advancement will be made known to you.