Testing

The testing syllabus from the International Karate Daigaku is what generally gets followed, although testing instructors may ask for different combinations on occasion.

Here’s a playlist on our YouTube channel that shows testings from 2012 for each level, from White Belt through to 3rd Dan (Sandan).

Kyu Rank Testings

Charleswood Karate holds a testing for kyu ranks (colored belts) every three months, near the end of the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer sessions.

Next Testing Date:

Feb 9  with Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-a-tai, 9th Dan
Mar 2 with Sensei Ron Porath, 6th Dan
Apr 19 with Shihan Bryan Mattias, 7th Dan

Students who practice diligently at least three times a week and received a full kyu in their recent grading are likely to be ready to test for the next level at the end of each session, but always check with your Sensei to see if you are ready.

Students who received a “B” grade in their recent grading are encouraged to train hard with the goal of testing for the next level after six months (two sessions).

Students should train “on their own” as well. A few minutes every day goes a long way.

Dan Rank Testings

Sensei Ron is accredited with the IKD to conduct black belt testings up to Nidan without any additional testing panel members needed.

However, black belt testings are generally held during special weekend training seminars twice a year, or at the end of advanced training camps.

Students who intend to test for any grade of black belt are strongly encouraged to let Sensei Ron know, then dedicate a minimum of three to six months to preparing for their specific testing.  During this time period, setting the goal of training four or more classes a week for both mental AND physical conditioning is ideal.

Students testing for any degree of black belt are responsible for choosing their own partners for Bunkai and practicing outside of regular class time, rather than relying on the general training program to prepare them.

Next Dan Rank Testings:

Feb 8  with Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-a-tai
Apr 20 with Shihan Bryan Mattias, 7th Dan

Training time between Dan ranks is measured in years, not months.  Train hard!

More About Testing And Certification

Certificates are presented to passing students at the end of the next class they attend after testing. Belts are pre-ordered and can be purchased from Sensei Ron.

Grading regularly helps set achievable goals towards a higher objective – a black belt – but this again is just a step toward the regular training for the most noble cause – health and well-being.

Special classes are similar to regular classes, but other clubs from Manitoba may participate, and there could be as many as 100 students in a class. Most classes are broken up between white to purple belts and brown to black belts. All students are encouraged to attend the seminar but it is understood for the younger and newer students up to orange belt level that the benefit is not great and they can just attend testing if they wish. All brown and black belts must attend every seminar, even if they are not testing.

Achieving a new rank includes more than showing the proper techniques at testing – spirit, respect, commitment, and personal improvement are all considered.