Washinkai Karate Espana

The fundamental rule is that your instructor will tell you when you are ready to grade.

Between kyu gradings up to 4th kyu, (other than from 9th to 8th kyu for young juniors) there is a minimum period of three months between gradings, although at the discretion of the instructor and the grading examiner this can be shortened if gasshuku are attended,

Students should be thoroughly familiar with their grading techniques before attempting to grade.

Most importantly, a student's instructor must have agreed that he can grade before a student takes a grading. No student should turn up at a grading expecting to grade unless his instructor has given permission.

As a student approaches the higher kyu grades, issues other than technical ability are taken into account, particularly the attitude that the student displays to karate and to karate‑ka. This will be most important in gradings for 3rd kyu and above.

Generally between 4th to 3rd kyu, 3rd and 2nd kyu, and 2nd and 1st kyu, there must be in each case a minimum of four months. Between 1st kyu and 1st dan there is usually a minimum of six months.

At least a month before your grading, you should check that your licence is up‑to‑date and will not expire before the grading. If it is just about to expire, renew it immediately. You will not be permitted to grade without producing an up‑to‑date licence.

You will need to bring:

• Your licence booklet;
• Your attendance record cards;
• Your grading fee;
• Pads and other protection for jiyu kumite.
• It is sensible to make sure you have a track suit top or overgi to keep warm.

You must ensure that your instructor has confirmed that you can grade.