Grading System

Lion Bushido Karate is not just a sport,
but a way of life.

Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors

There are four grading sessions a year for Junior ranks between 10th Kyu (White Belt) and 6th Kyu (Green Belt).

From Junior 5th Kyu (Purple Belt) onwards, there are three grading sessions a year..

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2024 Junior Grading Days for Yellow, Blue, Orange and Green belts:
  • Friday 22nd March
  • Friday 21st June
  • Friday 6th September
  • Friday 29th November
2024 Junior Grading Days for Purple through to Black Belts:
  1. Friday 3rd May
  2. Friday 6th September
  3. Friday 29th November
2024 Senior and Intermediate Grading Days for Yellow Belt through to Brown Belt:
  1. Thursday 2nd May
  2. Thursday 3rd September
  3. Thursday 28th November
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Grading Prerequisites

Dojo instructors consider many aspects when assessing whether a student is ready to progress to the next rank.


Proficiency

Students are required to demonstrate their proficiency with the various techniques learned in class.

Attendance

We believe regular attendance is essential to getting the most out of training. Consistent attendance also shows dedication. A student cannot be rewarded for a lack of commitment.

Safety

As part of our training students are often in close contact with each other which is why it’s important to ensure that jewellery and watches are not worn and toenails and fingernails are cut short. The safety of our students is our highest priority.

Attitude

Learning karate is also about self-discipline, respecting others and a willingness to learn. Dojo instructors monitor students’ attitude at training and above all, we like to see our students enjoying their karate.

Presentation

Students should wear the prescribed LBKA uniform and it is expected that their uniform is clean and worn correctly. This also contributes to their self-esteem.

The KYU System

A student’s rank will either be a Kyu – numbered from 10 to 1 – or a Black Belt with 1 to 10 red tips called Dans or Degrees. A student referred to as a coloured or colour belt has a Kyu ranking and each Kyu number has an associated coloured belt.


While different martial arts schools have different coloured belts, the kyu system is intended to be similar so that students can be paired up at inter-club events such as tournaments using their ranking so that they are of a similar technical standard.

10th Kyu - White Belt
9th Kyu - Yellow Belt
8th Kyu - Blue Belt
7th Kyu - Orange Belt
6th Kyu - Green Belt
5th Kyu - Purple Belt
4th Kyu - Red Belt with a white stripe
3rd Kyu - Red Belt
2nd Kyu - Brown Belt with a white stripe
1st Kyu - Brown Belt
Shodan Ho (probationary Black Belt) - Black Belt with a white stripe
Shodan (1st Dan) - Black Belt with one red bar
Nidan (2nd Dan) - Black Belt with two red bars