The grading from blue belt to purple belt, or 5th to 4th Kyu, in Wado-Ryu karate is significant as it marks the halfway point to black belt. It is symbolic of a deepening knowledge of the martial art and there are key levels of maturity and skill that must be upheld. It is important to continue your karate journey with dedication and consistency despite the skills required becoming more intricate and tough to master.
The fundamental techniques for purple belt in Wado-Ryu karate are as follows:
These techniques have some cross-over with the requirements for previous belts, however the standard in which the techniques are performed for purple belt should be much higher.
Combination techniques are a short series of moves designed to demonstrate fluidity and balance. They use basic techniques one after another – these are the required renraku waza for 4th kyu.
Kata for blue to purple belt involves Pinan Yondan, a previously required kata, and Pinan Godan, a new kata unique for this belt. Pinan Yondan is a short 25 moves that focuses on footwork and body shifting, whereas Pinan Godan consists of 28 moves and introduces more complex stances and combinations (such as a jump).
As you progress to purple belt, more Japanese terminology is used in classes and gradings. Knowing terms for kicks, punches, stances and commands is essential. Here are some examples so you can polish up in time for your next grading:
Junzuki (jun-zoo-key) – front punch
Gyakuzuki (guy-aka-zoo-key) – reverse punch
Maegeri (my-a-ge-ri) – front kick
Sokuto (sock-uh-toe) – sidekick
Hidari (hid-are-ee) – left
Migi (mig-ee) – right
Yame (yam-ay) – stop
Moving towards purple belt and excelling through the ranks – it becomes more important than ever to demonstrate respect in the dojo and to your instructors. Working on balance and control is essential too. Always follow instructions and show enthusiasm in learning and progressing with techniques. It is also imperative to show correct etiquette in the dojo – bowing upon entering and leaving the room, bowing to your instructor, showing dedication and working hard towards perfecting the grading requirements. There should also be more emphasis on precision with basics – hand placement and stances, etc.
To build muscular endurance in preparation for your purple belt grading, practise holding stances (such as gamae – fighting stance – and junzuki – front punch) for longer periods. This should build leg strength will train your muscle memory to know exactly what position you should be in for certain stances. Additionally, incorporate cardio exercises into your training to build stamina for longer kata performances and sparring. This could be jogging, swimming or cycling in addition to karate training to help build an aerobic base. There are also strength exercises to improve the power behind kicks and punches; this includes squatting and going straight into a kick.
Flexibility is a key part of traditional Wado-ryu karate. Regular and consistent stretching, even on days where you aren’t attending karate classes, is essential to maintain flexibility and perform high kicks. Flexibility isn’t just for the impressive head kicks though – it also aids in transitioning efficiently between stances in kata and renraku waza. To help your technique, working on reaction time is a great place to start. Performing partner drills, such as a drop and catch drill or punching coordination, will work on building precision of techniques.
Advancing from blue to purple belt (5th Kyu to 4th Kyu) in Wado-Ryu karate requires dedication, precision, and a commitment to mastering new techniques. At Simon Coope Karate School, we provide focused training that helps students refine their skills in both basic and advanced kata, such as Pinan Yondan and Pinan Godan, while also building mental strength and discipline.
With experienced instructors and a supportive environment, we’re here to help you thrive both inside and outside the dojo. Ready to start your Wado-Ryu journey? We’re offering one month FREE, so you can experience our training firsthand and work towards earning your first belt.
With classes available in Hinckley, Loughborough, Ashby, Coalville, Broughton Astley, and Braunstone, our experienced instructors are ready to guide your child in a supportive, family-friendly environment.
Join us and see your child and yourself thrive both in and out of the dojo. Discover why Simon Coope Karate School is the perfect choice for your martial arts journey. Take the next step towards your blue belt with confidence!
FAQs on Progressing from Blue to Purple Belt in Wado-Ryu Karate
It can take between 12 to 18 months to earn your purple belt in traditional Wado-ryu karate. There are many technicalities with basics and kata that take months to perfect and get up to standard. At Simon Coope Karate School, gradings are held every 3 months so there is enough time to improve skills and learn new kata.
Kata should be the primary focus, particularly mastering Pinan Godan’s technical stances. Kata takes fluidity and coordination which can only be gained with practice/ Additionally, refining renraku waza and striking speed is critical as you progress. As with anything, practice makes perfect!
The combination of complex kata and advanced techniques can be overwhelming. Focus on breaking the kata down into smaller steps and perfect them one chunk at a time. Similarly, break down your basic techniques into hand positioning, foot shape and stance. Purple belt is just halfway to black belt, so things are going to get more intense as you progress.
Simon Coope Karate School offers kids karate classes and adult karate classes at several convenient locations, including:
With multiple venues, it’s easy to find a class near you that suits your schedule. Book a free karate trial now!
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