Karate Institute of America™
Black Belt Requirements
Revised: June 2005
KARATE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA™ BLACK BELT TESTING REQUIREMENTS (1st Degree through 10th Degree Black Belt) Foreword: The strength of the KIA™ is reliant on its leaders, their abilities and their loyalty to the KIA™ organization. I. Basic Information 1. All formal requests for Black Belt promotions must be made four (4) weeks prior to the pre-dan test by the KIA™ Certified Class A Instructor. The black belt testing candidate should obtain a letter of recommendation from his instructor and has the responsibility of mailing it to: KIA National Headquarters Attn: Testing Board P.O. Box 1095 Chardon, OH 44024 2. All Black Belt Candidates, first degree to fourth degree, must pass the pre-dan test. 3. All testing requirements must be fulfilled prior to submitting the formal request to perform at the KIA™ Black Belt National Testing. The outline of formal test and resume must be submitted, by the candidate, to KIA™ National Headquarters four (4) weeks prior to the KIA™ National Event at which the candidate will be performing. II. Organizational Eligibility 1. Black Belt Candidates should be participating in KIA™ National Events (All KIA™ Summer Games and KIA™ National Banquets). 2. The candidate must assist at two KIA™ National Events or fund raising events prior to the testing. The type of assistance will be determined by the KIA™ National Testing Board and the candidate’s instructor. 3. Second Degree - Tenth Degree a. In essence, the higher degrees will be achieved not solely on physical skill, but through the sum total of loyalty, dedication and ability to contribute to the martial arts principles. b. The KIA™ Board of Directors shall take the responsibility of examining the candidates to ensure that the qualities go beyond technical abilities. c. Each degree higher than third degree implies a moral obligation to maintain and increase the prestigious image of the Karate Institute of America™, through good character, meaningful contributions to the organization and maintaining good and contributory students/members.
III. Records and Fees 1. All written paperwork, including log books, must be forwarded with the formal request to the KIA™ National Headquarters four (4) weeks in advance. This is the candidate’s responsibility, not his/her instructor’s responsibility. The instructor’s sole responsibility is to give all the information (technical and administrative) to the candidates. Information to be included in the documentation: a. KIA™ National Membership Number b. Full Name and Address c. Log Books with total hours trained and tournaments d. School and KIA™ Certified Class A Instructor's name e. Rank testing to f. Date of last test g. List outside kata (learned from outside KIA™ members) and elective kata to be performed IV. International Kata List 1. Bassai Dai (Shōtōkan/Shito ryu) 2. Jion (Shōtōkan) 3. Kanku Dai (Shōtōkan) 4. Unsu (Shōtōkan) 5. Jitte (Shōtōkan) 6. Kankushō (Shōtōkan) 7. Gankaku (Shōtōkan) 8. Tsukenshiahaku (Sai form) 9. Tokumine (Bo form) 10. Shushi no Kun Shō (Bo form) 11. Tsuru no Hisho (Bo form) 12. Additional forms may be used with approval from both the Chief Instructor and the Style Director. V. National Black Belt Testing Board 1. The KIA™ National Testing Board has the final approval on all Black Belt promotions. Black Belt candidates must have unanimous vote by the National Testing Board. 2. The candidate must complete a written essay assigned by the National Testing Board.
VI. Testing Documentation 1. The candidate must have enough copies (minimum of six) of their formal testing program for the National Testing Board. 2. The candidate must follow the program outline meticulously, deviation from this outline is grounds for not passing. 3. All programs must contain at least four (4) ukes. The candidate may not use any uke(s) from another testing program that is occurring on the same day. All ukes must be or equal or lower rank (in Kajūkenpo) than the test candidate. A test candidate may have ukes from an outside style, and the outside style uke may be of higher rank comparatively than the test candidate (i.e. a Nidan Shotokan practitioner may be an uke in a Shodan’s program). 4. Candidate must use a new elective kata for each advancement. He/she cannot use the same elective or outside kata to fulfill future requirements: i.e. Nidan to Sandan. 5. The above requirements for Style Test must be met in order to successfully pass the test. 6. The Style Testing is a time to show off the leadership talents, teaching, and performance skills, and knowledge of the candidate. A poorly designed or executed program is grounds for not passing.
BLACK BELT STYLE TESTING FORMAT I. It is the responsibility of the Chief Instructor or his representative to conduct a Pre-dan testing as provided by the Style Director. This pre-test is to ensure qualification of the applicant and to screen those who might not otherwise qualify. II. The following layout format will be followed by all candidates for Black Belt testing within the Karate Institute of America™ without exception. The program layout will consist of four sections (pages). Notes: 1. Programs are to be typed on 8½” x 11” white paper. 2. Program cover must be a clear plastic film, with a plastic side bar that binds the material (i.e. don’t just staple the program together). Page #1 - Identifier page: • Photograph of candidate, 5” x 7” or digital picture, borderless, passport style (no action shots). Test candidate must be in regulation uniform and wearing belt. • Below photograph: Name Instructor’s Name Testing Date (00/00/00) Page #2 – Information page for testing introduction • Awards & certifications o Karate o Other • Martial arts philosophy (50 words or less) • Goals (50 words or less) o Karate o Other Page #3 – Testing Program: • Should contain all material covered in presentation. The test format shall be typed with a brief description of each technique to be performed. • Time limit: See Requirement Sheet for rank testing to. • General program outline I. Introduction II. Basic to Advanced techniques III. Self Defense 1. Basic to Advanced 2. Multi-man attack to include: a. Two person defense b. Three person defense
•
IV. Breaking (optional) V. KATA 1. Required Kata (See Requirement Sheet for rank testing to) 2. Elective of your choice (in style) – Shodan only 3. Outside form (Shodan) / International Kata List Choice (Nidan and above) The candidate may arrange the format in any order that he/she chooses, with any techniques that conform with his/her training, and with any number, as long as all the above areas are represented. ONCE THE FORMAT IS COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED IT MUST BE CLOSELY FOLLOWED. Failure will be on a poor performance or deviating from the written format submitted to the board.
Page #4 – Appendix Page: • Should contain any/all information the candidates wishes the board to consider, pertinent to his/her promotion.
CANDIDATE CHECK LIST: The following checklist is for the convenience of the candidates testing for any rank of black belt with the Karate Institute of America™. Following the list offers no guarantees.
€ Testing Fee has been paid ($175) € Read and Adhere to the International Uniform Policy € Testing program format to follow established policy guidelines for respective dan
level
€ Program content follows all policies and procedures of the Karate Institute of
America™
€ Complete required Pre-testing procedures and/or requirements. Consult Regional
and/or Style Directors for any questions
€ Complete Participation Guidelines for Black Belt Testing € Minimum number of four (4) testing assistants
1st Degree Black Belt Shodan Age Requirement: 16 years old Minimum Hours: 300 Class hours (total) and must have been in continuous training for a minimum of 36 months Required Kata: Nijūshiho Outside Form (another style, taught by a non-KIA member) Log Sheets endorsed by Certified Instructor Fulfill all Club, Regional, and National Requirements Competition: Must have placed in top three (3) places at five (5) tournaments since previous test. I. Pre-dan Test a. All Classroom Model Techniques and katas must be at least 85% correct. b. The candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the Classroom Model for all basic requirements, history of karate and karate terminology. II. Style Testing a. Time Requirements: 8-12 minutes. b. No music, props, skits, or weapons kata (self-defense against weapons is allowed). 2nd Degree Black Belt Nidan Minimum Time in Grade: Twenty-four (24) months at Shodan level Minimum Hours: 300 Class hours since last test (training/teaching) Tournaments: Competed in a minimum of two (2) tournaments as a Black Belt Required Kata: Enpi International Kata List Choice Log Sheets endorsed by Certified Instructor Fulfill all Club, Regional, and National Requirements I. Pre-dan Test a. All Classroom Model Techniques and katas must be at least 90% correct. II. Style Testing a. Time Requirements: 9-11 minutes. b. No music or props may be used. c. Skits may be used. d. Weapons kata may be used.
3rd Degree Black Belt Sandan Minimum Time in Grade: Thirty-six (36) months at Nidan level Minimum Hours: 500 Class hours since last test (training/teaching) Required Kata: Jion International Kata List Choice Log Sheets endorsed by Certified Instructor Fulfill all Club, Regional, and National Requirements I. Pre-dan Test a. All Classroom Model Techniques and katas must be at least 95% correct. II. Style Testing a. Time Requirements: 9-11 minutes. b. Music, props, etc., may all be used in program (no restrictions). 4th Degree Black Belt Yondan Minimum Time in Grade: Forty-eight (48) months at Sandan level Minimum Hours: 500 Class hours since last test (training/teaching) Required Kata: Gojūshiho International Kata List Choice Log Sheets endorsed by Certified Instructor Fulfill all Club, Regional, and National Requirements I. Pre-dan Test a. All Classroom Model Techniques and katas must be at least 99% correct. II. Style Testing a. Time Requirements: 9-11 minutes or may request time needed for program. b. Music, props, etc., may all be used in program (no restrictions). All of the degrees above the rank of 4th degree shall be granted by the National Board of Directors as outlined by the following text: In essence, the higher degrees will be achieved not solely on physical skill, but through the sum total of LOYALTY, DEDICATION AND ABILITY TO CONTRIBUTE to the martial art principles. The fact that the candidate has attained 4th degree Black Belt is an indication of his skill. The KIA™ Board of Directors shall take the responsibility of examining the candidates to insure that the qualities go beyond technical abilities.
5th Degree Black Belt Godan Age Requirement: 28 years old Minimum Time in Grade: Forty-eight (48) months of continuous training at Yondan level Minimum Hours: 500 Class hours since last test (training/teaching) Log Sheets endorsed by Certified Instructor Fulfill all Club, Regional, and National Requirements The candidate being tested shall: A. Be of good standing in their style, association and the Karate Institute of America™. B. Have been active in Karate and the Karate Institute of America™ for a period no less than 15 years. C. Have developed at least three (3) active Black Belt members that have contributed to the KI. D. Pledge his/her full support to the principles of the Karate Institute of America™. TESTING REQUIREMENTS: I. Pre-dan Test Pre-dan testing is not required for candidates of Go dan and above. II. Style Testing a. Time Requirements: 9-11 minutes or may request time needed for program.
6th Degree Black Belt Rokudan The candidate being tested shall: A. Must be recommended by the Style Director and National Board of Directors. B. Must develop at least one competitor of REGIONAL caliber. C. Must be responsible for the promotion of at least five (5) Black Belt members that contribute and support the Karate Institute. D. Shall have been active for a minimum of 18 years. E. Shall be responsible for at least one major project that improves, enhances and adds to the prestige of the Karate Institute of America™. F. Shall be considered for one year in advance as an examination period to be passed by the National Board of Directors. 7th Degree Black Belt Shichidan The candidate being tested shall: A. Must be recommended by a member of the National Board of Directors. B. Must develop at least one competitor of NATIONAL caliber. C. Must be responsible for the promotion of at least 10 Black Belt members that contribute and support the Karate Institute. D. Must be responsible for the promotion of at least one (1) Senior Black Belt eligible to a Directorship. E. Shall have been active for a minimum of 21 years. F. Shall be responsible for at least one project per year that improves, enhances and adds to the prestige of the Karate Institute of America™.
8th Degree Black Belt Hachidan The candidate being tested shall: A. Must be recommended by a member of the National Board of Directors. B. Have shared the responsibility of directing the activities of the Karate Institute. C. Have served full time in Karate Institute activities and functions. D. Shall have been active for a minimum of 30 years. 9th Degree Black Belt Kudan The candidate being tested shall: A. Must be recommended by a member of the National Board of Directors. B. Have served as a member on the National Board of Directors. C. Shall have been active for a minimum of 40 years. 10th Degree Black Belt Jūdan The candidate being tested shall: A. Must be recommended by a member of the National Board of Directors. B. Shall have been active for a minimum of 40 years. C. Hold the title of Grand Master. D. Shall receive the highest respect and general support from the Karate Institute.