Overview
Kyu testing or grading 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 10th 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 Testing/Grading
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: