Levels of Kyu
In the Shito-Ryu Itosu-Kai system, there are eight levels of rank, called
Kyu, prior to Black Belt. The eight Kyu tests are listed below in
ascending order. The first test a student takes is for 8th Kyu; the
last test is for 1st Kyu.
8th (Hachi) Kyu
7th (Shichi)
Kyu
6th (Roku)
Kyu (test for Green Belt)
5th (Go)
Kyu
4th (Yon)
Kyu
3rd (San)
Kyu (test for Brown Belt)
2nd (Ni)
Kyu
1st (I)
Kyu
Upon passing all Kyu tests, the next test a student takes is for “Dan” (Black Belt). Upon passing 1st Kyu test, the student must wait a minimum of one year to be eligible to test for Black Belt. Black Belt testing is by invitation only, and Dan testing information is given to the student upon invitation.
Eligibility
A student must meet following requirements in order to be eligible to test for Kyu:
- Must meet minimum age requirement, as applicable to each test.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie during test.
- Must have passed previous Kyu test, as applicable to each test.
Upon meeting these requirements, a student may choose to test at his/her own discretion.
Testing Criteria
Specific testing criteria is listed for each Kyu test. The testing criteria includes, but is not limited to, that which is listed.
Each Kyu test consists of three parts: Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. In order to pass a test, a student must demonstrate the ability to perform all of these at a level of proficiency appropriate for each level of test.
The student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test. Certain techniques in Kihon may be repeated from previous test, and again, the student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency in these compared to previous test.
Testing Procedure
Upon meeting the eligibility requirements to test, a student may choose to test at his/her own discretion.
Upon choosing to test, the student must arrive at the testing site prior to the specified testing time. Anyone arriving late will forfeit eligibility to test. Student must wear white Gie during test. Anyone inappropriately dressed will forfeit eligibility to test.
Prior to specified testing time, the student must submit a testing registration form along with the applicable testing fee.
No questions are permitted at any time during the testing process.
Testing Results
At the conclusion of the test, each student will receive an evaluation sheet. The evaluation sheet will indicate points which require improvement.
Each student will be notified individually of testing results immediately following the conclusion of the test.
Upon passing a test, a student may be asked to stay for the next test. If the student accepts, the student must again submit a testing registration form and the applicable testing fee before the next test begins.
Any student who passes a test will receive Menjo (certificate) and Obi (belt) if applicable.
Testing Schedule
Kyu testing is held quarterly, every three months, at the City of Dana Point Community Center, Itosu-kai Headquarters. Testing date, location, and times of each scheduled test will be announced and posted.
Testing times are specified for each Kyu test. Upon choosing to test, student must arrive at the testing site prior to the specified testing time. Anyone arriving late will forfeit eligibility to test.Individulal Kyu Tests
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi
BLOCKS:
Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto barai
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti
Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
PINAN NI-DAN
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at appropriate
level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 8th (Hachi) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto
barai
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
PINAN SAN-DAN
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at appropriate
level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
Student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency in Kihon Ippon compared to previous test.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 7th (Shichi) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto
barai, kakete
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite, shuto uchi
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti, mawashi getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
PINAN SHO-DAN
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at
appropriate level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
- Mawashi getti
- Ushiro getti
Student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency in Kihon Ippon compared to previous test.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 6th (Roku) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto
barai, kakete
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite, shuto uchi, shiko
tsuki, higiate
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti, mawashi getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
PINAN YON-DAN
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at
appropriate level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
- Mawashi getti
- Ushiro getti
JYU IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
Student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency in Kihon Ippon compared to previous test.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 5th (Go) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto barai, kakete
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite, shuto uchi, shiko tsuki, higiate, gyake shuto uchi, kagi tsuki, jo dan uchi
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti, mawashi getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
PINAN GO-DAN
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at
appropriate level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
- Mawashi getti
- Ushiro getti
JYU IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
Student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency in Kihon Ippon compared to previous test.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 4th (Yon) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi, kokutsu dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto barai, kakete
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite, shuto uchi, shiko tsuki, higiate, gyake shuto uchi, kagi tsuki, jo dan uchi, uraken, shotte
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti, mawashi getti, ushiro getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
BASSAI-DAI
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at
appropriate level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
- Mawashi getti
- Ushiro getti
JYU IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 3rd (San) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi, kokutsu dachi, han zenkutsu dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto barai, kakete
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite, shuto uchi, shiko tsuki, higiate, gyake shuto uchi, kagi tsuki, jo dan uchi, uraken, shotte
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti, mawashi getti, ushiro getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
ADVANCED KATA OF CHOICE
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at
appropriate level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
- Mawashi getti
- Ushiro getti
JYU IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 14 years of age or older.
- Must be in current standing at a Nihon Karate-Do Itosu-Kai dojo.
- Must submit testing registration form and fee on day of test prior to testing.
- Must wear white Gie with Itosu-Kai logo during test.
- Must have passed 2nd (Ni) Kyu test.
TESTING FEE APPLIES
TESTING CRITERIA: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Kihon
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kihon at appropriate level of proficiency:
STANCES: Zenkutsu dachi, shiko dachi, nekoashi dachi, kokutsu dachi, han zenkutsu dachi, ayumi dachi
BLOCKS: Age uke, harai uke, yoko uke, yoko uchi uke, shuto uke, shuto barai, kakete, ura uke
HAND TECHNIQUES: Oi tsuki, gyake tsuki, nukite, shuto uchi, shiko tsuki, higiate, gyake shuto uchi, kagi tsuki, jo dan uchi, uraken, shotte, ura tsuki
LEG TECHNIQUES: Mai getti, yoko getti, mawashi getti, ushiro getti
Certain techniques may be repeated from previous test; student must demonstrate an increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Italics indicate techniques which were not on previous test.Kata
Student must demonstrate ability to perform following Kata at appropriate level of proficiency:
ADVANCED KATA OF CHOICE (other than previously performed)
Student may also be required to perform Kata from previous test at increased level of proficiency compared to previous test.
Kumite
Student must demonstrate ability to perform the following Kumite at
appropriate level of proficiency,
Including defense and offense for following techniques:
KIHON IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti
- Mawashi getti
- Ushiro getti
JYU IPPON KUMITE
- Jo dan tsuki
- Chu dan tsuki
- Mai getti
- Yoko getti