syllabus

The syllabus is merely a basic skeleton from which to work. It makes it easy to monitor progression and skill and can inform higher grades of ability so only techniques which have been instructed to that level may be used. In gradings the written syllabus is the MAXIMUM you will be asked to do and that will be ASSESSED. Sensei can ask you to demonstrate any technique from any previous gradings and the student will be marked upon these techniques also because they have already passed that previous grading. Sensei can ask you to demonstrate additional techniques which you may have learnt etc however these will not have any overall effect on your mark. Sensei may test students and try and push individuals to achieve there maximum in different ways.

 

No two gradings are the same and grades will be awarded on what Sensei expects from an individual. Therefore there is no overall relevance in comparing your own grade to someone else’s. This recognises that people undertake karate for very different reasons and as such have different goals.

 

At red belt to white belt level the most basic techniques are introduced and some of their key points explained. All of the Key principals are introduced even at this early stage and students will practice them extensively however not consciously. Most of the techniques studied at this level are the most probable techniques a karateka would use in practical self defense. Etiquette and formal basics are looked at as well as their traditional meanings. This includes the bow, dojo rules and the first major stance.

At yellow belt earlier techniques are continuously practiced with further study into the mechanics of technique. Students are more actively encouraged to use practical application of earlier techniques and are for the first time assessed upon their ability to apply technique. They are also instructed in the most basic Ippons.

 

At orange belt Kata is introduced and with it an in depth understanding of stances is required. Techniques are combined more sequentially at this level as the principals of karate start to become more prominent.

 

Green belt is a vital stage in a students learning. All of the principals are brought together and examined and basic Ippons are concluded. The basic introduction of extended techniques is introduced and as a result true understanding is expected to develop. Ukemi is assessed at this level and is expected to be performed sufficiently to be safe in practicing all techniques. Basic take-down techniques are also brought in as well as defenses from prone positions.

 

Blue belt and purple belt are closely linked. During this time a student is expected to understand fine details of everything studied to this point. Basic counters are introduced as well as Kihon and Ohyo Gumite. More advanced take-downs are studied in preparation for brown belt.

 

Brown belt is a belt of perfection. Techniques are expected to be performed at the highest level in order to prepare students for their climb to Dan grade. Take-down techniques are performed at this level with extreme precision as well as Knife defense’s and other defenses from more serious attacks.

 

Black belt should in my opinion be called the Basic’s of karate. A student is tested upon all basic and advanced techniques within the syllabus and they are required to demonstrate some degree of choice about how they feel their style has lead them to the level they are at. You learn to take apart everything you learnt previously. You begin Idori waza, study weapons and their application to karate, learn the principals of teaching others and began the learning of Karate. Higher Dan grades look primarily at the underlying principals and philosophies that Wado Ryu Karate Jutsu is based upon. This is studied by advancing everything within the syllabus to the highest and most difficult levels and expanding well beyond it’s simplistic structure.