The JKA Kyu and Dan Rank Certification System

There are 10 Kyu and 10 Dan in JKA karate. To obtain certification for each rank, you must fulfil the
certification requirements and complete the testing procedure. Testing—or grading—is carried out by
a panel of instructors authorized as JKA technical examiners.
Typically, Dan grading sessions take place once a year during JKAWF INDIA Kolkata Annual Camp
and Kyu grading takes place two to three times. In order to be eligible for testing, you must first have
gained the appropriate amount of continuous experience at your current rank. Then, depending on the
level of Dan you are being graded for, you may have to take the test outside your own country or
region (at the higher Dan ranks, only Tokyo JKA HQ is authorized to evaluate, grade and issue
certification).

Rank Min. Experience Testing Location

10th to
Branch dojo or group
1st Kyu
1 yr Cannot apply same day Prefectural HQ or Branch dojo or group, with
1st Dan
as attaining 1st Dan permission of Tokyo JKA HQ
2nd Dan 1 yr at 1st Dan rank National (Prefectural) HQ or Regional HQ, with
3rd Dan 2 yrs at 2nd Dan rank permission of Tokyo JKA HQ

4th Dan 3 yrs at 3rd Dan rank Tokyo JKA HQ or Regional HQ, with permission of
5th Dan 4 yrs at 4th Dan rank Tokyo JKA HQ

6th Dan 6 yrs at 5th Dan rank Tokyo JKA HQ

Spring camp in JKA HQ or Autumn camp in JKA HQ
7th Dan 7 yrs at 6th Dan rank
or Funakoshi Gichin Cup world championships
8th Dan 7 yrs at 7th Dan rank Upon recommendation by Instructor Committee
9th Dan 8 yrs at 8th Dan rank
Upon recommendation by Instructor Committee
10th Dan 9 yrs at 9th Dan rank
These details are summarized in the following chart.
Kyu Grading Prerequisites (w.e.f. 1 April, 2017)

10thKyu

KIHON – In place basics from Natural Stance (Sonoba-kihon: Shizen-Tai Hachiji

Dachi)
1. CHUUDAN CHOKUZUKI
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE
4. GEDAN BARAI
5. MAEGERI (HEISOKU DACHI, GEDAN KAKIWAKE)
* ―GOREI‖ command (Starting from right side in count), 4 times each

9th Kyu

KIHON – In place basics from Natural Stance to Zenkutsu Dachi (Sonoba-kihon:

Shizen Tai Hachiji Dachi Kara Zenkutsu-Dachi)
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE,
4. MAEGERI (ZENKUTSUDACHI, GEDAN KAKIWAKE)
* ―GOREI‖ command (Starting from right side in count), 4 times each

8th Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (5 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE (step in)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE (step in)
4. GEDAN BARAI (step in)
5. KOKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE (step in)
6. MAEGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in HEISOKU DACHI, right and left 2 times each)
KATA - TAIKYOKU SHOUDAN
KUMITE - GOHON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN JUNZUKI)

7th Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (4-5 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE (step in)
6. MAEGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, stepping in, right and left)
KATA - HEIAN SHOUDAN
KUMITE - GOHON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN JUNZUKI)
6th Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (4-5 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE (step in)
6. MAEGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
8. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
KATA - HEIAN NIDAN
KUMITE - KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUUDAN
JUNZUKI – right and left
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan and then Left Joudan, Left
Chuudan.
* Defence by using Age-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki and Chudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-
Zuki.

5th Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (4-5 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, CHUUDAN GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE (step in)
6. MAEGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
8. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
KATA - HEIAN SANDAN
KUMITE - KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUUDAN
JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUUDAN MAEGERI – right and left from GEDAN
KAKIWAKE.
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri, then Left
Joudan, Left Chuudan and Left Maegeri.
* Defence by using Age-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki and Chudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-
Zuki, Gedan-Barai Kara Gyaku-Zuki.
* Use of Tai-Sabaki is not permitted.

4th Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (4-5 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)
6. MAEGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
 8. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
KATA - HEIAN YONDAN
KUMITE - KIHON IPPON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUUDAN
JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUUDAN MAEGERI from GEDAN KAKIWAKE – right and
left, CHUUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI – right and left)
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri, Right Yokogeri
Kekomi then Left Joudan, Left Chuudan, Left Maegeri and Left Yokogeri Kekomi.
* Defence by using Age-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki; Chudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki;
Gedan-Barai Kara Gyaku-Zuki and Chudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki.
* Use of Tai-Sabaki is not permitted.

3rd Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (3 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)
6. MAEREGI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
7. REN GERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHUUDAN, JOUDAN) (step in)
8. MAWASHIGERI
9. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
10. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
KATA - HEIAN GODAN
KUMITE - KIHON IPPON KUMITE
(JOUDAN JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUUDAN JUNZUKI – right and left, CHUDAN
MAEGERI from GEDAN KAKIWAKE – right and left, CHUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI
– right and left)
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri, Right Yokogeri
Kekomi then Left Joudan, Left Chuudan, Left Maegeri and Left Yokogeri Kekomi.
* Defence by using Age-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki; Chudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki;
Gedan-Barai Kara Gyaku-Zuki and Chudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki.
* Use of Tai-Sabaki is not permitted.

2nd Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (3-4 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE in ZENKUTSU DACHI, changing stance to KIBA DACHI,
YOKO ENPI and YOKO URAKEN UCHI (step in)
4. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
5. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)
6. MAEGERI from GEDAN KAKIWAKE (step in)
7. REN GERI from GEDAN KAKIWAKE (CHUUDAN, JOUDAN) (step in)
8. MAWASHI GERI (step in)
9. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right 2and left 2) (step in)
10. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (in ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
KATA - TEKKI SHODAN
 KUMITE - JIYU IPPON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN JUNZUKI,
CHUUDAN MAEGERI, CHUUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI right).
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri and Right
Yokogeri Kekomi
* Announce before each attack - Joudan, Chuudan, Maegeri, Yoko-Kekomi.
* Defence by using Age-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki; Chuudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki;
Gedan-Barai Kara Gyaku-Zuki and Chuudan Soto-Uke Kara Gyaku-Zuki.

1st Kyu

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (3 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
3. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
4. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE, YOKO ENPI, YOKO URAKEN UCHI (ZENKUTSU DACHI
changing stance to KIBA DACHI) (step in)
5. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, GYAKU ZUKI (step back)
6. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)
7. MAEGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
8. RENGERI (GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHUUDAN, JOUDAN) (step in)
9. MAWASHIGERI (step in)
10. YOKOGERI KEAGE (in KIBA DACHI, right and left) (step in)
11. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
KATA - BASSAI DAI, KANKU DAI, ENPI or JION (your choice from Sentei-Kata)
KUMITE - JIYU IPPON KUMITE (JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN JUNZUKI,
CHUUDAN MAEGERI, CHUUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI, JOUDAN MAWASHIGERI)
right
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri, Right Yokogeri
Kekomi and Right Mawashi-Geri.
* Announce before each attack - Joudan, Chuudan, Maegeri, Yoko-Kekomi,
Mawashi-Geri.
* Defence by free-choice, however, the `basic Ukewaza and Gyaku-Zuki’ are highly
recommended.
* Mawashi-Geri is either Chuudan or Joudan (to be decided and announced by the
attacker as either “Chuudan Mawashi-Geri” or “Joudan Mawashi-Geri”).
Dan Grading Prerequisites (w.e.f. 1 April, 2017)
1st Dan SHODAN

IDO KIHON – Moving basics from GEDAN BARAI in ZENKUTSU DACHI (3 times
each of the following);
1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
3. JOUDAN AGEUKE, GYAKUZUKI (step back)
4. CHUUDAN SOTOUKE, YOKOENPI, YOKO URAKENUCHI, GYAKUZUKI
(ZENKUTSU DACHI changing stance to KIBA DACHI changing stance to
ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
5. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (step back)
6. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step in)
7. MAEGERI (from GEDAN KAKIWAKE) (step in)
8. RENGERI (from GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHUUDAN, JOUDAN) (step in)
9. MAWASHIGERI (step in)
10. YOKOGERI KEAGE (KIBADACHI – right and left) (step in)
11. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSUDACHI)
KATA - BASSAI DAI, KANKU DAI, ENPI or JION (your choice from Sentei-Kata)
KUMITE - JIYU IPPON KUMITE (right JOUDAN JUNZUKI, right CHUUDAN
JUNZUKI, right CHUUDAN MAEGERI, right CHUUDAN YOKOGERI KEKOMI, right
CHUUDAN MAWASHI GERI – one side only)
Note:
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri, Right Yokogeri
Kekomi and Right Mawashi-Geri.
* Announce before each attack - Joudan, Chuudan, Maegeri, Yoko-Kekomi,
Mawashi-Geri.
* Defence by free-choice, however, the `basic Ukewaza and Gyaku-Zuki’ are highly
recommended.
* Mawashi-Geri is either Chuudan or Joudan (to be decided and announced by the
attacker as either “Chuudan Mawashi-Geri” or “Joudan Mawashi-Geri”).

2nd Dan NIDAN

Minimum of one year at 1st Dan rank.

IDO KIHON – Moving basics

1. CHUUDAN JUNZUKI (step in)
2. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
3. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
4. UCHIUKE (KOKUTSU DACHI), (to ZENKUTSU DACHI) KIZAMIZUKI,
GYAKUZUKI (step in)
5. KOUKUTSHU DACHI SHUTOUUKE, KIZAMI MAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE
(step back)
6. RENGERI (from GEDAN KAKIWAKE CHUUDAN & JOUDAN) (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEAGE, YOKOGERI KEKOMI (KIBA DACHI, alternate feet)
8. YOKOGERI KEKOMI (ZENKUTSUDACHI) (step in)
9. MAWASHIGERI (step in)
10. AGEUKE (step back); MAWASHIGERI, YOKO URAKENUCHI, CHUUDAN
JUNZUKI (step in)
KATA - Student’s favourite KATA (Tokui Kata)
KUMITE - JIYU KUMITE
Note:
* Choice from Sentei-Kata is highly recommended at this level.
3rd Dan SANDAN
Minimum of two years at 2nd Dan rank.

IDO KIHON – Moving basics

1. JOUDAN KIZAMI ZUKI, JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN GYAKUZUKI (Jiyu
Kamae) (step in)
2. JOUDAN AGEUKE, CHUUDAN SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step
back)
3. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE, KIZAMI ZUKI, GYAKU ZUKI (KOKUTSU DACHI to
ZENKUTSU DACHI) (step in)
4. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOU UKE, KIZAMI MAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE
(step back)
5. AGEUKE (step back); MAWASHIGERI, YOKO URAKENUCHI, CHUUDAN
JUNZUKI (step in)
6. MAEGERI, GYAKUZUKI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, GYAKUZUKI, MAWASHIGERI,
GYAKUZUKI (alternate feet) (step in)
KATA - Student’s favourite KATA (Tokui Kata)
KUMITE - JIYU KUMITE

4th Dan YONDAN

Minimum of three years at 3rd Dan rank.

IDO KIHON – Moving basics

1. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
2. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE (KOKUTSU DACHI), (to ZENKUTSU DACHI) KIZAMIZUKI,
GYAKUZUKI (step in)
4. KOUKUTSU DACHI SHUTOUUKE, KIZAMI MAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step
back)
5. MAEGERI, JUNZUKI (step in)
6. MAEGERI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
7. YOKOGERI KEKOMI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
8. MAWASHIGERI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
9. MAEGERI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, USHIROGERI (Sonoba-kihon: from ZENKUTSU
DACHI same feet right and left)
KATA - HEIAN SHODAN to TEKKI NIDAN as specified by the examiner (Shitei-Kata)
Student’s favourite KATA (Tokui Kata)
KUMITE - JIYU KUMITE

5th Dan GODAN

Minimum of four years at 4th Dan rank.

IDO KIHON – Moving basics

1. SANBON RENZUKI (step in)
2. AGEUKE, SOTOUKE (with same arm), GYAKUZUKI (step back)
3. CHUUDAN UCHIUKE (KOUKUTSU DACHI), (to ZENKUTSU DACHI)
KIZAMIZUKI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
4. SHUTOU UKE, KIZAMI MAEGERI, ZENKUTSU NUKITE (step back)
5. MAEGERI, JOUDAN JUNZUKI, CHUUDAN GYAKUZUKI (step in)
6. YOKOGERI KEKOMI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
7. MAWASHIGERI, GYAKUZUKI (step in)
8. MAEGERI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, MAWASHIGERI, GYAKUZUKI (alternate feet)
(step in)
9. MAEREGI, YOKOGERI KEKOMI, USHIROGERI (Sonoba-kihon: from ZENKUTSU
DACHI same feet right and left)
 KATA - HEIAN SHODAN to TEKKI SANDAN as specified by the examiner.
Student’s favorite KATA (Tokui Kata) & Question and Answer Session
KUMITE - JIYU KUMITE

6th Dan ROKUDAN

Minimum of six years at 5th Dan rank.

KIHON – Specified by the examiner

KATA - BASSAIDAI, KANKU DAI, ENPI or JION – As specified by the examiner
(Sentei-Kata)
Student’s favourite KATA (Tokui Kata) & Question and Answer Session
KUMITE - JIYU KUMITE
- Question and Answer Session on technique
- Submit a report on technique on the exam day

7th Dan NANADAN

Minimum of seven years at 6th Dan rank.

KIHON - Specified by the examiner

KATA - Student’s favourite KATA (Tokui Kata) & Question and Answer Session
KUMITE - JIYU KUMITE
- Question and Answer Session on technique
- Submit a report on technique on the exam day

8th, 9th & 10th Dan HACHIDAN, KUDAN & JUDAN

th
8 Dan: Minimum of seven years at 7th Dan rank.
th
9 Dan: Minimum of eight years at 8th Dan rank.
10 Dan: Posthumous grade - Minimum of nine years at 9th Dan rank.
th

As Recommended by JKA Shihankai

NOTE: From 2nd Dan onwards

* Candidates of 60 years of age and older may opt to demonstrate Jiyu Ippon Kumite
instead of Jiyu Kumite).
* Attacking order to be Right Joudan, Right Chuudan, Right Maegeri, Right Yokogeri
Kekomi and Right Mawashi-Geri.
* Mawashi-Geri is either Chuudan or Joudan (to be decided and announced by the
attacker as either “Chuudan Mawashi-Geri” or “Joudan Mawashi-Geri”).

To progress to the next Kyu or Dan, JKA students must demonstrate exceptional skill and
near flawless execution of a prescribed set of techniques and kata. Our specially-trained
instructors and examiners carefully study and evaluate each student based on the criteria
shown by clicking on any rank on the chart above.

Compilation by: JKAWF INDIA Kolkata HQ