Chito-Ryu Karate-Do
Grading Syllabus
From Yellow Belt through to Shodan — every level mapped with the time commitment, kata, fitness minimum, and key technique focus required to progress.
Yellow Belt → Shodan · 13 Levels
Before You Grade
How the grading system works at Tasseikan Dojo
01
Invitation Only
Students do not enter themselves in grading. Sensei invites you when your technique and attitude are ready. Training time is a guide — character and consistency decide the timing.
02
The Stripe System
Before each grading you earn two stripes on your current belt through consistent class attendance and demonstrated improvement. Both stripes must be awarded before you can grade to the next level.
03
Passing Is Not Guaranteed
A grading invitation is recognition of your effort, not a promise of promotion. Every grading is a test of real ability. Students who don't pass are given clear feedback and an honest pathway forward.
Full Syllabus
Belt by belt — what each level demands
Times shown are minimums. Stripes must be awarded before grading can be scheduled.
12 kyu — Yellow Belt
Time
3 months
24 lessons
Fitness Min.
5
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Dosa 1
Key Basics
Kick · Punch · Block · Stances · Stepping
Other Requirements
Style name · Sit in seiza · Class ritual
11 kyu — Orange Belt
Time
3 months
24 lessons
Fitness Min.
10
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Dosa 1
Key Basics
Metsuke · Hikite · Seiken · Shibori
Other Requirements
Repeat Showa · Count to 10 in Japanese
10 kyu — Red Belt
Time
3 months
24 lessons
Fitness Min.
15
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Dosa 2
Key Basics
Metsuke · Hikite · Seiken · Shibori
Other Requirements
Name of stances in Japanese · History of Chito-Ryu
9 kyu — Green Belt
Time
4 months
32 lessons
Fitness Min.
20
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Seiten no Migi-Hidari
Key Basics
Metsuke · Hikite · Seiken · Shibori
Other Requirements
Exchange Kumite — Kamai, Target, Distance
8 kyu — Blue Belt
Time
4 months
32 lessons
Fitness Min.
25
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Dosa 3
Key Basics
Kime · Seichusen (correct target) · Breathing
Other Requirements
Exchange Kumite — Kamai, Target, Distance
7 kyu — Purple Belt
Time
4 months
32 lessons
Fitness Min.
30
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Zenshin Kotai
Key Basics
Kime · Seichusen (correct target) · Breathing
Other Requirements
Exchange Kumite — Kamai, Target, Distance
6 kyu — Brown Belt 3rd
Time
6 months
48 lessons
Fitness Min.
35
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Dosa 4
Key Basics
Kime · Seichusen (correct target) · Breathing
Other Requirements
Exchange Kumite — Kamai, Target, Distance
5 kyu — Brown Belt 2nd
Time
6 months
48 lessons
Fitness Min.
40
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Kata 1
Key Basics
Surashi · Shime · Kikkashi
Other Requirements
Bogu Jiyuu Kumite — Defence, Timing, Footwork
4 kyu — Brown Belt 1st
Time
6 months
48 lessons
Fitness Min.
45
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Kata 2
Key Basics
Surashi · Shime · Kikkashi
Other Requirements
Bogu Jiyuu Kumite — Defence, Timing, Footwork
3 kyu — Black 3rd Stripe
Time
8 months
64 lessons
Fitness Min.
50
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Shiho Wari / Shime no Kata
Key Basics
Surashi · Shime · Kikkashi
Other Requirements
Tahodoki no waza · Bogu Jiyuu Kumite — Defence, Timing, Footwork
2 kyu — Black 2nd Stripe
Time
Sensei's Discretion
Fitness Min.
55
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Kihon Kata 3
Key Basics
Kiai · Posture · Zanshin
Other Requirements
Bogu Shai Kumite — Zanshin, Spirit
1 kyu — Black 1st Stripe
Time
Sensei's Discretion
Fitness Min.
60
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Shihchai
Key Basics
Kiai · Posture · Zanshin
Other Requirements
Bogu Shai Kumite — Shai & Multiple Attacks
Shodan — Black Belt — 1st Dan
Time
Sensei's Discretion
Fitness Min.
100
reps
Kata / Bunkai
Seisan / Niseishi Dai
Key Basics
Kiai · Posture · Zanshin
Other Requirements
Niseishi Bunkai · Bogu Shai Kumite — Shai & Multiple Attacks
All times shown are the minimum required — actual progression depends on attendance and Sensei's assessment.
Fitness minimums are continuous repetitions of the applicable movement performed to correct standard.
Kata requirements list the primary form only. Review of previous kata is expected at every grading.
Kumite requirements progress from structured Exchange Kumite at green belt through to Bogu Shai with multiple attackers at black belt.
Start Your Journey
Ready to start your journey to black belt?
The first class is free. No uniform required. Come in, train, and see how Tasseikan Dojo operates before committing to anything.