Rank Testing and Tournaments

Overview

Rank Testing PictureKyu testing takes place once a semester (including the summer) at Yale. Dan testing happens in New York City with Takahashi Sensei twice a year. In our dojo, students begin at the 9th kyu.

There are regional tournaments twice a year and a couple of other less formal tournaments during the year. Tournaments are conducted by rank, so anyone who’s been training for at least a month can enter. Participation is optional, but in the past the Yale class has had a fairly good turnout.

Requirements for Kyu Examinations

Kyu exams require each karateka to demonstrate proficiency in three area: kihon (basics), kata, and kumite (sparring).

If more than one person is testing for a particular kyu, then the kihon and kata are usually executed by two or three people at a time. Sparring is done by one pair of karateka at a time.

The requirements for each kyu test are listed on the following pages and are effective as of April 1st, 2022:

Fees

The grading fee for students testing for white belt is $20, for green belt is $30 and for brown belt is $40.