In addition, karate-ka are expected to develop skills to enhance their ability to defend themselves effectively.These additional requirements include grappling techniques and counter measures against assailants who grip, grab, strangle and hold. Each kyu level gets progressively more challenging, and once completed, yields a sense of accomplishment, success and satisfaction.

The step from brown belt to black belt is very significant in the life of a karate-ka, but the true martial artist looks upon the Sho-dan (first level) as the beginning and not the end of the journey. Once attaining the coveted black belt, karate-ka should assess themselves continually and strive for self development.

The black belt should endeavour to become a worthy representative of the art of karate.

There are two different grade systems in the SKC. The Junior belt system has more levels and ensures that a junior student will master all neccesary skills by the time they reach Black Belt. As a guide a student must be a minimum age of 14 to attempt the Shodan (1st dan) senior black belt grading.

 

Conditions:

 

For students to be eligible to grade they must attend a minimum of two classes per week and be training regularly. A grading application form will be handed out to students that are ready prior to the grading day. Gradings are usually conducted twice per year.

 

 Junior belt system
 

There is a different grading system for Juniors. Our juniors have more levels to reach black belt and this is to ensure that they fully master all of the syllabus before grading to black belt. As a guide a minimum age of 14 is recomended for students to attempt the Shodan (1st dan ) level. The Shodan and above gradings are conducted by Sensei Keith Geyer.

Students starting karate and training in one class per week are permitted to grade once per year. They may do this until they reach yellow belt. After Yellow belt students must take part in two classes per week if they wish to continue grading through the levels. The more students train the quicker they will learn and the more enjoyable their training will be.

 

0       White Belt - Starting Belt
1       Yellow belt with white stripe
2       Yellow belt       
3       Orange Belt with white stripe
4       Orange Belt
5       Green Belt with white stripe
6       Green Belt
7       Blue Belt with white stripe
8       Blue Belt
9       Purple Belt with white stripe
10     Purple Belt
11     Red Belt with white stripe
12     Red Belt
13     Brown Belt with 2 white stripes which leaves 3 brown stripes
14     Brown Belt with 1 white stripe which leaves 2 brown stripes
15     Brown Belt
16     Junior Black 1 -  2 white stripes which leaves 3 black stripes
17     Junior Black 2 -  1 white stripe which leaves 2 black stripes
18     Black Belt - Shodan (grading under Sensei Keith Geyer) Mininum Age 14.