Intermediate
Qualifications for Gokyū (5th class; Blue Belt) 12-15 months of total training.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the required terminology, techniques, and kata. 2. Perform 30 self-defense techniques. 3. Demonstrate ability in kumite. 4. Demonstrate knowledge of all previous qualifications. ________________________________________ Terminology Hidari; Migi Left; Right Soto; Naka Outside; Inside Kyū; Dan non-black belt; black belt rank rankings “grade”, “level” Karateka a practitioner of karate “karate-person” Ki aliveness; inner power; spirit “Spirit / feeling / psyche” Kime focus of physical or mental energy Dō an art which is practiced as a way of life;
a path leading to enlightenment “the way;” Japanese pronunciation for Tao / Dao
Stances Kake-dachi cross-legged stance “hook stance” Sōchin-dachi full-side-facing “tranquil force stance”
Blocks Osae-uke pressing block Haitō uke ridge-hand block Tettsui uke hammer fist block “iron hammer block” Ude-uke picture window block “forearm block”
Punch Yama-tsuki mountain punch (U-punch; C-punch)
Strikes Tettsui uchi hammer-fist strike “iron hammer strike” Nihon nukite uchi two finger spear-hand strike Yohon nukite uchi four finger spear-hand strike
Kicks Mikazuki geri-keage spinning crescent snap kick Ushiro geri-keage rear snap-kick “backward snap kick”
Manipulations and Takedowns Kaiten-nage Neck-circle takedown / rotary throw “rotary throw” hammerlock / chicken wing Jūji-gatame Arm bar “figure-10 hold”
Kata Ugoku ni Roku Hō Movement of Six Directions Yonaka Midnight
Yonkyū
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are required to earn the rank of Yonkyū (4th class), which is expressed by wearing a purple belt. This is typically achieved after 20-24 months of total training time.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the required terminology and techniques,
- Perform the required kata (Murasaki, Nihon no Kata no Bō).
- Demonstrate and explain the different forms of breath control.
- Perform 40 self-defense techniques.
- Demonstrate ability in kumite.
- Demonstrate knowledge of all previous qualifications.
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- Terminology
- Mawate
- Ashi
- Te
- Kihon
- Makiwara
- Bunkai
- Nogare
- Ibuki
- Joseki
- Blocks
- Sukui uke
- Kakiwake-uke
- Punches
- Kagi-tsuki
- Mawashi-tsuki
- Strikes
- Hiraken uchi
- Kakutō uchi
- Kicks
- Kake geri-keage
- Kokuto geri
- Striking Point
- Kokato heel
- Manipulations and Takedowns
- Tai-otoshi
- Jūji-jime
- Hadaka-jime
- Obi-nage