What Happens at a Karate Grading?
Congratulations – You've Been Put Forward for Grading!
Being invited to take your next grading is a fantastic achievement. It means your Sensei believes you have worked hard, shown commitment, and are ready to demonstrate the skills needed for your next belt.
Club gradings are designed to be a positive and rewarding experience where students can showcase everything they have already learned in class. This guide explains what you can expect on the day and how to prepare.
Before the Grading
Please arrive at least 20 minutes early. This gives you plenty of time to:
Sign in
Hand in your licence book
Pay the grading fee (cash or card accepted)
Warm up and stretch
Practise techniques and kata
Mentally prepare yourself
Parents or guardians can queue to complete the sign-in process while students begin preparing.
During this time, students should practise sensibly and focus on getting ready for the examination. Please avoid running around, making excessive noise, sitting on chairs, or distracting other students.
What to Wear
All students must wear:
A clean, ironed karate uniform (dogi)
The official Red Tiger Karate Club badge sewn onto the left chest
No jewellery
Females and students under 10 years old may wear a plain white vest or T-shirt underneath their uniform.
What Will I Be Assessed On?
Every grading assesses much more than just techniques. Examiners will be looking at:
Karate knowledge
Respect and dojo etiquette
Listening skills and responses
Effort and attitude
Technical ability
Strong kiai (spirit shout)
Good concentration throughout the session
Remember, the grading starts from the moment you enter the dojo.
9th Kyu (Orange Belt) – Beginner Grading
Students attempting their 9th Kyu (Orange Belt) will be asked to demonstrate:
Basic strikes
Basic blocks
Basic kicks
Combinations
Stances
Students will then perform Heian Shodan, their first kata.
Students aged 10 years and over will be expected to perform their kata to a good technical standard.
In addition to physical techniques, students will also be assessed on:
Dojo etiquette
Knowledge
Effort
Responses to instructions
Kiai
8th Kyu (Red Belt) and Above
Students grading for 8th Kyu (Red Belt) and higher will be required to demonstrate everything expected at lower grades, as well as:
Advanced strikes
Advanced blocks
Advanced stances
Students must perform all katas up to and including the kata required for their current grading.
Following the kata section, students will be asked to perform kumite (sparring).
The examiner will assess:
Knowledge
Respect
Technical ability
Quality of technique
Etiquette
Effort and determination
During the Grading
All students will remain active throughout the grading session. There may be occasions when one group is asked to sit and watch while another group is being assessed.
If this happens, please:
Sit quietly
Remain respectful
Avoid talking
Allow others to concentrate
Showing courtesy and patience is part of good karate etiquette and contributes to the overall grading assessment.
Family and Spectators
Red Tiger Karate Club is proud to be a family club, and supporters are very welcome to watch.
To help create the best environment for students:
Please keep phones on silent
Remain at the sides of the dojo
Avoid distracting students during the examination
A calm and respectful atmosphere helps everyone perform at their best.
Drinks and Breaks
Students are welcome to bring a bottle of water to drink during scheduled breaks. Please note that fruit juice, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and flavoured drinks are not permitted in the sports hall. Water is the best choice to help you stay hydrated and focused throughout your grading.
Student of the Grading
At every grading, we select a Student of the Grading. This special award is presented to the student who demonstrates outstanding effort, attitude, respect, concentration and determination throughout the examination.
The winner receives a large trophy and has the honour of being recognised for their exceptional performance on the day.
Remember, being chosen isn't just about having the best techniques—it's about showing excellent karate spirit, listening carefully, working hard and giving your very best from start to finish.
So work extra hard, stay focused, and you could be our next Student of the Grading! 🏆🥋
Successful Grading Students
If you are successful, your licence will be stamped by the examiner during the grading.
At the end of the class you will receive:
Your new belt
Grading certificate
New attendance card
Your grading fee also includes:
The grading examination
Licence update
Official grading photograph
Grade update on the club app
Good Luck!
A grading is your opportunity to demonstrate the hard work, dedication and perseverance you have shown in class. Stay focused, listen carefully, try your very best, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Good luck from all of us at Red Tiger Karate Club – we look forward to seeing you achieve your next grade! 🥋🐯
