Beginners - Grading Code for Silversprings Gin Sen Karate Do

The Components of Gin Sen Karate Do are: Technique, Speed, Power, Distance and Timing.

Progression through gradings in Gin Sen Karate Do at Silversprings demands that all students:

  • Must demonstrate the components of Shotokan Style Karate to achieve grading.
  • Must progressively develop their skills and disciplines as they continue through the grades.
  • Must show good attitude reflecting correct etiquette along with strong fighting spirit.
Grading Code
- Grading Eligibility - Grading Frequency - Kyu Grades - Dan Grades -
- Temporary Grades - Re-Takes - Transferring Grades -
The Rules for Grading Eligibility

All Grades

To be eligible for any grading at Silversprings you must first:

  • Hold a current license.
  • Be training regularly (see 'Grading Frequency').
  • Have your license available for the grading examiners inspection and endorsement.

Please note: The grading examination eligibility is at the discretion of Sensei Allan who will inform students when they are fully prepared and eligible for the examination. It is regarded as an insult to ask when you may grade - please wait to be informed.

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Grading Frequency (How quickly can I progress?)

A minimum of 30 sessions within any 4 month period is a guideline as to minimum training frequency.

Please note: Frequency is only one of the factors that Sensei Allan considers before deciding if students are eligible for their grading examination, other factors include: attitude, technical ability, progression, dedication, attention to instruction, understanding of concepts, physical fitness and potential to achieve the next grade.

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Grading Frequency for Kyu Grades

Novices may take a grading after two months of training. It is possible for exceptional students to jump grades, but only up to 7th Kyu. Future gradings up to 1st Kyu may be taken at minimum 3 monthly intervals. The period between 1st Kyu and 1st Dan must be a minimum of 6 months. Full 1st Kyu must be obtained before attempting 1st Dan.

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Grading Frequency for Dan Grades
The minimum periods between gradings are:
  • 1st Dan to 2nd Dan - 2 years. (min. age 18 years old)
  • 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan - 3 years. (min. age 21 years old)
  • 3rd Dan to 4th Dan - 4 years.

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Temporary Grades and Re-takes

Temporary Grade

A student may receive a “Temporary Grade”, which means that they are not quite up to the required standard. They will however be able to wear the same belt and train on the same syllabus if they were a full grade.

Re-Takes

Students who fail Kyu grades can re-take their grading after a further 3 months (minimum). Students who fail Dan Gradings must wait a period specified by Sensei Allan.

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Transferring Grades

Dan Grades Transferring (either transferring to Gin Sen Karate Do or returning to training)

Dan Grades joining the club will retain their grade, subject to a period of "settling in".

Following this period of "settling in" Sensei Allan will, assuming that the standard is correct, issue a Dan Grade Conferral Diploma reflecting the existing grade held and the date that grade was originally awarded. Grade progression within Gin Sen Karate Do will commence following conferral.

In the event that the individuals grade does not reflect the required standard - a program of development to the grade held will be provided after which a conferral, as above, will be awarded. This will be done in a very positive manner.

Kyu Grades Transferring

If you are a student from another Shotokan Association or Dojo you may transfer your current grade to Gin Sen Karate, providing this grade is conferred as re-validation within a timescale agreed with Sensei Allan.

Students from other styles of Karate who wish to transfer may retain their grade for a maximum of 12 months but must wait at least 6 months before taking a Gin Sen grading, and will then be awarded a grade appropriate to their standard.

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