Gradings for Black Belts and all Dan Gradings
Senior Dan Gradings
Shodan – Title, “Sempai”
All Dan gradings must have completed an AIS coaching course. See details at the bottom of this page.
First degree: Minimum of 6 months of training at least twice a week after Sho-Dan Ho. Or instruct 50 or more classes.
Up to date, level 2 First aid is required.
Nidan – Title, “Dai Sempai”
Second degree:
Required.
1 Minimum of two years after First Degree (Sho-Dan.).
Must average a minimum of once a week training and take/instruct at least 25 classes.
2 One hour sparring.
3 Up to date level 2 First Aid required.
4 Must be able to organise and take classes confidently.
Must be able to run classes by delegating and at the same time helping those that are delegating.
5 Participate in and help run at least two gradings per year.
6 Complete basic AIS coaching course . (See details at the bottom of this page.)
Sandan – Title, “Sensei”
Third Degree.
Required.
1 Minimum of three years after second degree.
2 Demo, including multiple attackers (minimum of four students)
3 Must show continuous training with Bukido.
4 Must take/teach at least 50 classes from 2nd degree grading or, Know how to independently organise and run all level grading days; Tiny Tigers, Ninjas, and above can be applied to, Dragons, Intermediates and seniors.
Plus two of the following:
1 Demonstrate all kata to a higher grade in lead-up to grading. (Can be one at a time.)
2 Up-to-date level 2 First Aid required.
3 Essay on own personal martial arts journey.
4 Complete basic AIS coaching course. (See details at the bottom of this page.)
YONDAN – TITLE, “RENSHI”
FOURTH DEGREE:
1 More than four years after 3rd degree. This grading is also known as “apprentice master.”
3 Continuance of training (in karate) with a minimum average of once a week over the last two years.
4 Should be able to independently produce Shodans and Nidans. (from white belt)
5 Must train, live and pass on a positive attitude.
6 An essay in advance on “Your own personal journey.” “How and why we grade students the way we do and include the different teaching methods. Or add to our curriculum with usable techniques.
The essay should include your favourite part of the Martial Arts, dislikes and who you have helped to achieve Black belt or higher. May include Gichin Funakoshi teaching “Seek perfection Of Character.” Other subjects or questions may be chosen by Shidoshi or Shihan. See below.
7 Up-to-date first aid level 2
8 Complete basic AIS coaching course. (See details at the bottom of this page.)
Shidoshi reserves the right to grade anyone in Bukido to the standard he deems as appropriate.
Godan – Title Renshi (Shihan)
Fifth degree:
Required
1 More than five years after fourth degree.
2 Should be able to independently produce all students up to and including Sandans, taking the students from white belt to third degree without outside help.
3 Help to make sure all instructors are teaching the correct Bukido curriculum and being prepared to make sure everyone has the correct attitude.
4 On presentation day, a demonstration against 5 students (kata) or two Bukido weapons kata.
5 Essay on what you have contributed to Bukido in the last five years.
6 Complete the basic AIS coaching course. See details at the bottom of this page.
Shihan is an honorific title for expert, master, or senior martial arts instructors and is created using two Japanese characters: “shi” meaning example or model and “han” meaning master or exemplary practitioner.
These grading requirements are referenced from the Japanese karate organisation.
This is a very basic idea of where each age level stands compared to senior grades.
Rokudan – Sixth degree: More than six years after fifth degree.
Shichidan – Seventh degree: More than seven years after sixth degree, plus a minimum age requirement of 40 years.
Hachidan – Eight degree: More than eight years after seventh degree, plus a minimum age requirement of 50 years.
Kudan – Ninth degree: More than nine years after eighth degree, Plus a minimum requirement of 60 years.
Judan – Tenth degree: more than ten years after ninth degree, plus a minimum age requirement of 70 years. (some styles only award this grade posthumously).
Shidoshi reserves the right to grade anyone in Bukido to the standard he deems as appropriate. (except himself 🙂
These grading requirements are referenced from the Japanese karate organisation.
Bukido Instructors
Australian Institute of Sport https://www.ais.gov.au/
https://learning.ausport.gov.au/login/index.php
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