GRADING SYSTEM
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The following grading system is used in Shoseikan Canada:
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INTRODUCTORY LEVEL
Karate Kids Program (for ages 4-7)
Level
Belt Color
Prerequisite
KK0
Entry level, no test required
KK1
Minimum age of 4 and 8 classes practice at KK0 level
KK2
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK1 level
KK3
Minimum age of 5 with 12 classes practice at KK2 level
KK4
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK3 level
KK5
Minimum age of 6 with 12 classes practice at KK4 level
KK6
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK5 level
KK7
Minimum 12 classes practice at KK6 level
KK8
Minimum age of 7 with 16 classes practice at KK7 level
KK9
Minimum 16 classes practice at KK8 level
KK10
​Minimum 16 classes practice at KK9 level
9 Kyu
​Minimum 16 classes practice at KK10 level with Instructor's recommendation
​GOJU-RYU LEVEL
Goju-Ryu Karate-do (for age 8 and up)
Level
Belt Color
Prerequisite
10 Kyu
n/a
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9 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 9 Kyu with 80% of attendance or 30 classes with 6 months
8 Kyu
Minimum 2 months practice at 10 Kyu with 80% of attendance or 30 classes with 6 months
7 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 8 Kyu with 80% of attendance
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6 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 7 Kyu with 80% of attendance
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5 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 6 Kyu with 80% of attendance and instructor's recommendation
4 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 5 Kyu with 80% of attendance and instructor's recommendation
3 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 4 Kyu with 90% of attendance and Chief Instructor's recommendation
2 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 3 Kyu with 90% of attendance and Chief Instructor's recommendation
1 Kyu
Minimum 3 months practice at 2 Kyu with 90% of attendance and Chief Instructor's recommendation
Level
Title
Belt Color
Prerequisite
Shodan
1st Dan
 
Minimum 6 months practice at 1 Kyu with 80% of attendance and Chief Instructor's recommendation
Nidan
​2nd Dan
 
Minimum 2 years practice at Shodan with 80% of attendance and Chief Instructor's recommendation
Sandan
3rd Dan
Shidoin
Minimum age of 20. At least 3 years practice at Sandon and at least 300 teaching hours with Chief Instructor's recommendation
Yondan
4th Dan
Jokyo
Minimum age of 25. At least 4 years practice at Sandon and at least 400 teaching hours with Chief Instructor's recommendation
Godan
5th Dan
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Shihan
Minimum age of 30 with at least 5 years practice at Yondon, at least 500 teaching hours and Kancho's recommendation
Rokudan
6th Dan
Renshi
Kancho's recommendation
Sichidan
7th Dan
Kyoshi
Kancho's recommendation
Hachidan
​8th Dan
Hanshi
Kancho's recommendation
Kyudan
9th Dan
Hanshi
Kancho's recommendation
Judan
10th Dan
Hanshi
Kancho's recommendation
** The above charts show only the guideline which might change depending on the progress and average standard of students.