Ishinryu karate is based on Shihan Donovan's (above) karate syllabus developing the student from
beginner to attaining black belt, or Dan, status. There is no set time to attain the different grades, all students work at
their own pace with help and encouragement from their Sensei.
All students train in karate suits, called Gi's, which consist of a white jacket and trousers and
a coloured belt depending on the student's status. Gi jackets have two Ishinryu badges on them.
The areas where training takes place is called a "dojo" and all students must bow when entering
and leaving the dojo. Students must also bow when their Sensei enters the dojo to show their respect.
Each coloured belt is achieved by passing a "grading" which, in turn, is based on the Ishinryu grading
syllabus. There are eight grades, called kyu's, which lead to coloured belts to achieve before grading for 1st Dan, the first
black belt grade.
| Beginner |
8th Kyu |
7th Kyu |
6th Kyu |
5th Kyu |
| 4th Kyu |
3rd Kyu |
2nd Kyu |
1st Kyu |
1st Dan |
When 1st Dan is achieved, it is not all over - this is simply the beginning of further development
leading to 2nd or 3rd Dan and beyond!
A grading is just like an exam - you will be tested to see if you have learnt what is needed to wear
the respective belt. These gradings test your ability to perform karate techniques and movements and increase in difficulty
as you progress.
Gradings up to 5th Kyu are held at your dojo and you are assessed by your Sensei. These are called
club gradings.
Gradings from 4th kyu to Dan grades are held at the Barking Dojo. These are held every three months
(except Dan gradings which are held on our Summer Course in June each year and at Barking Dojo in December each year) and
are known as general gradings. These gradings are with a panel of senior Ishinryu instructors, 5th Dan and above.
Kyu grade belts are assessed at three levels of passes, 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. If you pass
a kyu grading at 1st or 2nd class, you may then attempt to grade at the next kyu grading. If you pass at 3rd class then
you must wait 6 months before attempting the next level. Although it is possible to progress through the kyu grades quite
quickly, each student learns at their own pace and will be advised by their Sensei how best to proceed.
Training consists of warm ups, traditional moves, kata, sparring and competition work that varies
from lesson to lesson and on the ability of the students.
