We encourage all of our students to grade for new ranks to measure their progress.
Students should identify a current instructor from the dojo as a mentor with whom they would like to prepare for a given exam. The student is responsible for reaching out to the mentor.
Mentors will:
Students are welcome to have different mentors for different exams.
We strongly encourage students to have a mentor, but it is not required. If they do not, they must at least inform one of the instructors that they would like to grade for a given exam.
The instructors will determine whether students are ready for a particular grading.
We encourage students to work with fellow students who are seeking the same rank, and our instructors will try to pair these students during class when possible. Students can also ask for help from a senior student (Sempai) as they refine their techniques.
To be considered for a grading, students need a minimum number of training days in addition to proficiency in techniques for the rank they seek.
Students can view training days on their profile.
| Rank |
Minimum Days After Prior Grading (minimum age) |
|---|---|
| 6th kyu | 20 days |
| 5th kyu | 30 days |
| 4th kyu | 40 days |
| 3rd kyu | 50 days |
| 2nd kyu | 50 days |
| 1st kyu | 60 days |
| shodan | 1 year with 100 days (15 years or older) |
| nidan | 2 years with 200 days |
| sandan | 3 years with 300 days |
| yondan | 4 years with 400 days (22 years or older) |
