Shotokan Grading
This grading syllabus is intended as a guide only.
Each association or school will have its own requirements which may differ from the list
below.
For exact details of what you will need to do in your grading , please see your
instructor.
| 10 KYU (WHITE) TO 9 KYU (ORANGE) | 9 KYU (ORANGE) TO 8 KYU (RED) |
| 8 KYU (RED) TO 7 KYU (YELLOW) | 7 KYU (YELLOW) TO 6 KYU (GREEN) |
| 6 KYU (GREEN) TO 5 KYU (PURPLE) | 5 KYU (PURPLE) TO 4 KYU (PURPLE & WHITE) |
| 4 KYU (PURPLE & WHITE) TO 3 KYU (BROWN) | 3 KYU (BROWN) TO 2 KYU (BROWN & WHITE) |
| 2 KYU (BROWN & WHITE) TO 1 KYU (BROWN & 2 WHITE) | 1 KYU (BROWN & 2 WHITE) TO 1 DAN (BLACK) |
| 1 DAN (BLACK) TO 2 DAN (BLACK) |
GRADING FROM: 10 KYU (WHITE) TO 9 KYU (ORANGE)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise, all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward turn and 5 steps forward (3 steps for juniors)
All Zenkututsu-Dachi unless stated
Oi-zuki jodan
Oi-zuki chudan
Age~uke
Soto-uke
Uchi-uke
Gedan-Barai
Shuto-uke in Kokutsu-Dachi
Mae-Geri chudan from Zenkutsu-Dachi
Mae-Geri jodan from Zenkutsu-Dachi
Keage chudan from Kiba-Dachi
Keage jodan from Kiba-Dachi
GOHON KUMITE ( BASIC 5 STEP SPARRING)
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-uke |
| Chudan | Soto-uke |
| Mae-Geri | Gedan-Barai |
KATA
Kata Kihon
GRADING FROM: 9 KYU (ORANGE) TO 8 KYU (RED)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards (3 steps for juniors)
All Zenkutsu-Dachi unless stated
Oi-zuki jodan
Oi-zuki chudan
Gyaku-zuki jodan
Gyaku-zuki chudan
Age-uke
Soto-uke
Uchi-uke
Gedan-Baral
Shuto-uke in Kokutsu-Dachi
Kicks are 5 steps forward turn 5 steps forward (3 juniors)
Mae-Geri chudan from Zenkutsu-Dachi
Mae-Geri jodan from Zenkutsu-Dachi
Kekomi chudan from Kiba-Dachi
Kekomi jodan from Kiba-Dachi
Keage chudan from Kiba-Dachi
Keage jodan from Kiba-Dachi
GOHON KUMITE ( BASIC 5 STEP SPARRING)
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-uke |
| Chudan | Soto-uke |
| Mae-Geri | Gedan-Barai |
KATA
Heian Shodan
GRADING FROM: 8 KYU (RED) TO 7 KYU (YELLOW)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards (3 steps for juniors)
All Zenkutsu-Dachi unless stated
Oi-zuki jodan, gyaku-zuki chudan
Age-uke, gyaku-zuki chudan
Soto-uke, gyaku-zuki chudan
Uchi-uke, gyaku-zuki chudan
Gedan-Barai, gyaku-zuki chudan
Gedan-Barai, gyaku-zuki jodan
Shuto-uke in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in Zenkutsu - dachi
Kicks are 5 steps forward turn 5 steps forward (3 juniors)
Mae-Geri chudan from Zenkutsu-Dachi
Mae-Geri jodan from Zenkutsu-Dachi
Kekomi chudan from Kiba-Dachi
Kekomi jodan from Kiba-Dachi
Keage chudan from Kiba-Dachi
Keage jodan from Kiba-Dachi
KIHON IPPON KUMITE (BASIC ONE STEP SPARRING)
Attack Migi (Right) & Hidari (Left) then change attacker
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-uke, gyaku-zuki chudan |
| Chudan | Soto-uke, gyaku-zuki chudan |
| Mae-Geri | Zenkutsu-Dachi & Reverse Gedan-Barai to inside of kick, swivel Gyaku-zuki chudan |
KATA
Heian Nidan
GRADING FROM: 7 KYU (YELLOW) TO 6 KYU (GREEN)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards (3 steps for juniors)
All Zenkutsu-Dachi unless stated
Sanbon-zuki
Age-uke, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai
Uchi-uke, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai
Soto-uke, gyaku- zuki, Gedan-Barai
Gedan-Barai, gyaku-zuki chudan, Choku-zuki jodan
Gedan-Barai, gyaku-zuki jodan, Choku-zuki chudan
Shuto-uke in Kokutsu-Dachi, front leg
Mawashi-Geri (or ushiro mawashi-geri), Nukite in Zenkutsu-DachiKicks are 5 steps forward turn 5 steps forward (3 juniors)
Mae-Geri ren-geri (Ren-Geri = Chudan kick one leg then Jodan kick next leg)
Mae-Geri, Mawashi-Geri ren-geri
Mae-Geri, Kekomi ren-geri
Mae-Geri, Ushiro-mawashi ren-geri
Keage chudan in Kiba-Dachi, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-Dachi, Gedan-Barai in
Kiba-Dachi
Keage jodan in Kiba-Dachi, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-Dachi, Gedan-Barai in
Kiba-Dachi
KIHON IPPON KUMITE (BASIC ONE STEP KUMITE)
| Attack | Defense |
| Right Side Jodan | Move out to right Haiwan-Uke in Kokutsu Dachi, Shuto to neck in Zenkutsu Dachi |
| Left Side Jodan | Move out to right in Zenkutsu Dachi, left Age-Uke, grab wrist, left Mawashi Geri |
| Right Side Chudan | Move left leg back - Soto Uke with Right arm, Empi - all in Kiba Dachi |
| Left Side Chudan | Move right leg back Zenkutsu Dachi reverse Gedan-Barai, grab wrist, left leg Mae Geri chudan, left Age-Empi to chin |
| Right Mea Geri | Move right leg back left Ude-Barai (sweeping block), Gyaku-Zuki jodan |
| Left Mea Geri | Move right leg back Zenkutsu-Dachi, Gedan Juji-Uke, Shuto Juji-Uchi |
KATA
Heian Sandan
GRADING FROM: 6 KYU (GREEN) TO 5 KYU (PURPLE)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Sanbon-zuki
Uchi-uke, Empi, Uraken, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi.
Soto-uke, kizami-zuki, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai in dachi-dachi.
Kizami-zuki (without moving), step forward Oi-Zuki, gyaku-zuki.
Step forward Sanbon-zuki, step back age-uke, gyaku-zuki, step forward
Mawashi-Geri
As above replacing Mawashi-Geri with Kekomi or ushiro-mawashi-geri, and
replacing gyaku-zuki with Oi-Zuki
3 times each then turn
Step forward mae-geri chudan - Gi-zuki jodan - gyaku-zuki chudan, step back shuto-uke in kokutsu-dachi - Nukite in dachi-dachi, step forward
Kekomi (or mawashi-geri or ushiro-mawashi-geri), from back leg - gyaku-zuki (or Oi-zuki) (x 3 & turn)Other combinations may be requested by examiner
The following are 3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward or backwards:
Shuto-uke, Mawashi-Geri (front leg) both in kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, Kekomi (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, ushiro-mawashi-geri (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi
3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward:
Mae-Geri (ren-geri), gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Mawashi-Geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Kekomi (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, ushiro-mawashi-geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan gyaku-zuki chudan
KIHON IPPON KUMITE (BASIC ONE STEP KUMITE)
| Attack | Defense |
| Right Side Jodan | Move out to right Haiwan-Uke in Kokutsu Dachi, Shuto to neck in Zenkutsu Dachi |
| Left Side Jodan | Move out to right in Zenkutsu Dachi, left Age-Uke, grab wrist, left Mawashi Geri |
| Right Side Chudan | Move left leg back - Soto Uke with Right arm, Empi - all in Kiba Dachi |
| Left Side Chudan | Move right leg back Zenkutsu Dachi reverse Gedan-Barai, grab wrist, left leg Mae Geri chudan, left Age-Empi to chin |
| Right Mea Geri | Move right leg back left Ude-Barai (sweeping block), Gyaku-Zuki jodan |
| Left Mea Geri | Move right leg back Zenkutsu-Dachi, Gedan Juji-Uke, Shuto Juji-Uchi |
| Right Kekomi | Move right leg back Zenkutsu Dachi, double palm block down- Gyaku Zuki jodan |
| Left Kekomi | Move left leg back Zenkutsu Dachi, Soto Uke-Kizami jodan - Gedan Zuki chudan |
KATA
Heian Yondan
GRADING FROM: 5 KYU (PURPLE) TO 4 KYU (PURPLE & WHITE)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Sanbon-zuki
Uchi-uke, Empi, Uraken, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi.
Soto-uke, kizami-zuki, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai in dachi-dachi.
Kizami-zuki (without moving), step forward Oi-Zuki, gyaku-zuki.
Step forward Sanbon-zuki, step back age-uke, gyaku-zuki, step forward
Mawashi-Geri
As above replacing Mawashi-Geri with Kekomi or ushiro-mawashi-geri, and
replacing gyaku-zuki with Oi-Zuki
3 times each then turn
Step forward mae-geri chudan - Gi-zuki jodan - gyaku-zuki chudan, step back shuto-uke in kokutsu-dachi - Nukite in dachi-dachi, step forward Kekomi (or mawashi-geri or ushiro-mawashi-geri), from back leg - gyaku-zuki (or Oi-zuki) (x 3 & turn)
Other combinations may be requested by examiner
The following are 3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward or backwards:
Shuto-uke, Mawashi-Geri (front leg) both in kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, Kekomi (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, ushiro-mawashi-geri (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi
3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward:
Mae-Geri (ren-geri), gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Mawashi-Geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Kekomi (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, ushiro-mawashi-geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan gyaku-zuki chudan
JIYU IPPON KUMITE (SEMI FREESTYLE SPARRING)
Both Right side and left side attacks
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-Uke, Gyaku Zuki |
| Chudan | Step to inside downward palm block, (Osae-uke), Gyaku Zuki |
| Mae Geri | Step back reverse Osae-Uke, Kizami Zuki |
| Kekomi | Double palm block-Gyaku Zuki |
KATA
Heian Godan
GRADING FROM: 4 KYU (PURPLE & WHITE) TO 3 KYU (BROWN)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Sanbon-zuki
Uchi-uke, Empi, Uraken, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi.
Soto-uke, kizami-zuki, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai in dachi-dachi.
Kizami-zuki (without moving), step forward Oi-Zuki, gyaku-zuki.
Step forward Sanbon-zuki, step back age-uke, gyaku-zuki, step forward
Mawashi-Geri
As above replacing Mawashi-Geri with Kekomi or ushiro-mawashi-geri, and
replacing gyaku-zuki with Oi-Zuki
3 times each then turn
Step forward mae-geri chudan - Gi-zuki jodan - gyaku-zuki chudan, step back shuto-uke in kokutsu-dachi - Nukite in dachi-dachi, step forward Kekomi (or mawashi-geri or ushiro-mawashi-geri), from back leg - gyaku-zuki (or Oi-zuki) (x 3 & turn)
Other combinations may be requested by examiner
The following are 3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward or backwards:
Shuto-uke, Mawashi-Geri (front leg) both in kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, Kekomi (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, ushiro-mawashi-geri (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi
3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward:
Mae-Geri (ren-geri), gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Mawashi-Geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Kekomi (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, ushiro-mawashi-geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan gyaku-zuki chudan
JIYU IPPON KUMITE (SEMI FREESTYLE SPARRING)
Both Right side and left side attacks
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-Uke, Gyaku Zuki |
| Chudan | Step to inside downward palm block, (Osae-uke), Gyaku Zuki |
| Mae Geri | Step back reverse Osae-Uke, Kizami Zuki |
| Kekomi | Double palm block-Gyaku Zuki |
| Mawashi Geri | Step inside palm block to the knee, Gyaku Zuki |
| Ushiro Geri | Step forward Gedan Barai, turn backwards Gyaku Zuki jodan |
JIYU KUMITE (FREE SPARRING)
KATA
Tekki Shodan
GRADING FROM: 3 KYU (BROWN) TO 2 KYU (BROWN & WHITE)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Sanbon-zuki
Uchi-uke, Empi, Uraken, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi.
Soto-uke, kizami-zuki, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai in dachi-dachi.
Kizami-zuki (without moving), step forward Oi-Zuki, gyaku-zuki.
Step forward Sanbon-zuki, step back age-uke, gyaku-zuki, step forward
Mawashi-Geri
As above replacing Mawashi-Geri with Kekomi or ushiro-mawashi-geri, and
replacing gyaku-zuki with Oi-Zuki
3 times each then turn
Step forward mae-geri chudan - Gi-zuki jodan - gyaku-zuki chudan, step back
shuto-uke in kokutsu-dachi - Nukite in dachi-dachi, step forward Kekomi (or
mawashi-geri or ushiro-mawashi-geri), from back leg - gyaku-zuki (or Oi-zuki) (x
3 & turn).
Step forward Mae-Geri chudan, Choku-zuki jodan, gyaku-zuki chudan - step back
gyaku-zuki (or age uke, gyaku-zuki or Shuto-uke, Nukite), step forward
Mawashi-Geri, gyaku-zuki (or Kekomi, gyaku-zuki or ushiro-mawashi-geri,
gyaku-zuki) (x 3 & turn)
Other combinations may be requested by examiner
The following are 3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward or backwards:
Shuto-uke, Mawashi-Geri (front leg) both in kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, Kekomi (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, ushiro-mawashi-geri (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi
3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward:
Mae-Geri (ren-geri), gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Mawashi-Geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Kekomi (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, ushiro-mawashi-geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan gyaku-zuki chudan
JIYU IPPON KUMITE (SEMI FREESTYLE SPARRING)
Both Right side and left side attacks
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-Uke, Gyaku Zuki |
| Chudan | Step to inside downward palm block, (Osae-uke), Gyaku Zuki |
| Mae Geri | Step back reverse Osae-Uke, Kizami Zuki |
| Kekomi | Double palm block-Gyaku Zuki |
| Mawashi Geri | Step inside palm block to the knee, Gyaku Zuki |
| Ushiro Geri | Step forward Gedan Barai, turn backwards Gyaku Zuki jodan |
JIYU KUMITE (FREE SPARRING)
KATA
Bassai Dai
GRADING FROM: 2 KYU (BROWN & WHITE) TO 1 KYU (BROWN & 2 WHITE)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Sanbon-zuki
Uchi-uke, Empi, Uraken, gyaku-zuki in Zenkutsu-dachi.
Soto-uke, kizami-zuki, gyaku-zuki, Gedan-Barai in dachi-dachi.
Kizami-zuki (without moving), step forward Oi-Zuki, gyaku-zuki.
Step forward Sanbon-zuki, step back age-uke, gyaku-zuki, step forward
Mawashi-Geri
As above replacing Mawashi-Geri with Kekomi or ushiro-mawashi-geri, and
replacing gyaku-zuki with Oi-Zuki
3 times each then turn
Step forward mae-geri chudan - Gi-zuki jodan - gyaku-zuki chudan, step back
shuto-uke in kokutsu-dachi - Nukite in dachi-dachi, step forward Kekomi (or
mawashi-geri or ushiro-mawashi-geri), from back leg - gyaku-zuki (or Oi-zuki) (x
3 & turn).
Step forward Mae-Geri chudan, Choku-zuki jodan, gyaku-zuki chudan - step back
gyaku-zuki (or age uke, gyaku-zuki or Shuto-uke, Nukite), step forward
Mawashi-Geri, gyaku-zuki (or Kekomi, gyaku-zuki or ushiro-mawashi-geri,
gyaku-zuki) (x 3 & turn)
Other combinations may be requested by examiner
The following are 3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward or backwards:
Shuto-uke, Mawashi-Geri (front leg) both in kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, Kekomi (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in Zenkutsu-Dachi OR
Shuto-uke, ushiro-mawashi-geri (front leg) both in Kokutsu-Dachi, Nukite in
Zenkutsu-Dachi
3 steps forward turn 3 steps forward:
Mae-Geri (ren-geri), gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Mawashi-Geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, Kekomi (ren-geri), Uraken jodan, Gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri, ushiro-mawashi-geri (ren-geri), Uraken jodan gyaku-zuki chudan
Mae-Geri chudan, Mawashi-Geri chudan (same leg), gyaku-zuki (or Uraken,
gyaku-zuki)
Mae-Geri chudan, Kekomi (same leg), gyaku-zuki (or Uraken, gyaku-zuki)
Mac-Geri, ushiro-mawashi-geri (same leg), gyaku-zuki (or Uraken, gyaku-zuki)
Without moving from same leg Mac-Geri chudan, Mawashi-Geri jodan (both sides)
Without moving from same leg Mae-Geri chudan, Kekomi jodan (both sides)
Without moving from same leg Mae-Geri to front, Kekomi to side, Ushiro-Geri to
rear (chudan)
JIYU IPPON KUMITE (SEMI FREESTYLE SPARRING)
Both Right side and left side attacks
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-Uke, Gyaku Zuki |
| Chudan | Step to inside downward palm block, (Osae-uke), Gyaku Zuki |
| Mae Geri | Step back reverse Osae-Uke, Kizami Zuki |
| Kekomi | Double palm block-Gyaku Zuki |
| Mawashi Geri | Step inside palm block to the knee, Gyaku Zuki |
| Ushiro Geri | Step forward Gedan Barai, turn backwards Gyaku Zuki jodan |
JIYU KUMITE (FREE SPARRING)
KATA
Kata Kihon
All Heian Katas
Tekki Shodan
Bassai Dai
GRADING FROM: 1 KYU (BROWN & 2 WHITE) TO 1 DAN (BLACK)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Combinations will be decided by the grading examiner on the day
KIHON IPPON KUMITE (BASIC ONE STEP SPARRING)
Right and Left Side
| Attack | Defense |
| Jodan | Age-uke, gyaku-zuki |
| Chudan | Soto-uke, gyaku-zuki |
| Mae-Geri | Gedan-Barai, gyaku-zuki |
| Kekomi | Double palm block, gyaku-zuki |
JIYU IPPON KUMITE (SEMI FREESTYLE SPARRING)
Right side and left side attacks
Candidates may choose different blocks and counters to the following attacks:
Jodan
Chudan
Mae Geri
Kekomi
Mawashi-Geri
Ushiro-Geri
JIYU KUMITE (FREE SPARRING)
KATA
Examiner may select any Heian katas
Candidate may select any kata from list below:
Bassai Dai
Tekki Nidan
Jiin
Hangetsu
Kanku Dai
Empi
Jitte
Jion
Chinte
GRADING FROM: 1 DAN (BLACK) TO 2 DAN (BLACK)
KIHON (BASIC MOVES)
Unless stated otherwise all kihon moves are:
5 steps forward and 5 steps backwards or forward in Kamae (Combat) stance
(3 steps for juniors)
Combinations will be decided by the grading examiner on the day
JIYU IPPON KUMITE (SEMI FREESTYLE SPARRING)
Right side and left side attacks
Candidates may choose different blocks and counters to the following attacks:
Jodan
Chudan
Mae Geri
Kekomi
Mawashi-Geri
Ushiro-Geri
JIYU KUMITE (FREE SPARRING)
KATA
Examiner may select any Heian katas
Examiner may select any kata from list below:
Bassai Dai
Tekki Nidan
Jiin
Hangetsu
Kanku Dai
Empi
Jitte
Jion
Chinte
The candidate may be asked to explain meaning of selected katas.
Candidates may select any one of the following:
Niju-shiho
Sochin
Bassai-sho
Kanko-sho