From White Belt up to Black Belt (5th Dan)

With effect from 1st June 2009 the syllabus for the grading test to Kyu Grades and Dan Grades of A.I.B.K.F. has been revised as hereunder. This is done to keep the standard of Budokan members in par with highest International standard. Please note that the total kyu grades have been increased and the Belt colour order is also changed slightly. However, this will be applicable to only those members who join after 01-06-2009. The existing members will continue with the old belt grading system.

Changes: The change in belt order is indicated in red colour. Higher katas are made compulsory for brown belt and black belts so that Budokan members can exhibit high standard in international kata competitions. Weapon katas are made compulsory to black belts so that the Orinetal Weapon katas of Budokan are introduced to all Budokan members.

Sparring : Free Sparring requirements are for promotion from 5th Kyu to 4th Kyu onwards. All basic movements and katas must be performed with precision and power. To be able to perform only the movements of the katas correctly, without the required standard and power, is not sufficient for promotion. In addition to his physical ability the character of the member and his behavior to other instructors and members are also taken into consideration.

Period of Time : A minimum of 4 months training is expected of a member between each promotion from the White Belt stage to the 6th Kyu, after which a five & Six monthly interval is required before he is tested for the Second Kyu. A minimum training period of Eight months is necessary from the 1st Kyu to the Black Belt Shodan. Two years of training is required from Shodan to Nidan, three years from Nidan to Sandan and four years from Sandan to Yondan, unless the member shows exceptional ability and power in his performance for promotion to the rank of a Godan a member must have at least Twenty years training in Karate Budokan International.