Grading Requirements for Wado Ryu Karate Brown Belt to Brown and Red Stripe

Reaching the brown/white striped belt in Wado Ryu Karate at Simon Coope Karate School marks  a pivotal moment in a student’s karate journey. This grade is an acknowledgment of the  student’s refined understanding of both the technical and theoretical aspects of Wado Ryu  Karate. It represents the transition between intermediate and advanced levels of skill. In this  post, we will delve into the grading requirements for this level, covering the necessary basic  techniques, combination drills (renraku waza), kata, and gumite (pairwork) that must be  demonstrated. 

Basic Skills and Techniques in Wado-Ryu Karate Brown Belt to Brown / Red Stripe

The basic techniques for this grade involve a series of advanced movements that combine  previous skills with greater precision and control. Mastering these techniques is vital to  progressing toward the brown/white striped belt.

• Kette Junzuki (Kick and Punch): This is a combination of a front kick followed by a  straight punch (junzuki). The key here is performing these actions swiftly and fluidly, with  strong focus and power in the punch. 
• Kette Gyakuzuki (Kick and Reverse Punch): A front kick followed by a reverse punch  (gyakuzuki). This technique emphasizes proper hip rotation and powerful delivery of  both the kick and punch. Timing and distance are key to landing the kick and punch  effectively. 
• Kette Junzuki no Tsukkomi (Kick Leaning Punch to the Head): Following a front kick,  this technique involves a “leaning punch” (tsukkomi) aimed at the head. The punch must  be delivered with urgency and precision after the kick, ensuring that the body is aligned  for maximum power and balance. 
• Kette Gyakuzuki no Tsukkomi (Kick Leaning Punch to the Groin): A variation of the  previous technique, where the reverse punch targets the groin after a front kick. This  requires excellent timing and an understanding of body positioning for both defence and  offense. The key is to keep your height the same as you kick by pushing the hips forwards  and bowing at the ankles.  
• Nagashizuki (Evasion Punch): The evasion punch requires you to avoid an incoming  attack while simultaneously executing a punch. This technique focuses on fluidity,  timing, and the ability to change direction rapidly while maintaining offensive pressure. 
• Surikomi Mawashigeri Jodan (One-Step Roundhouse Kick to the Head Level): This  roundhouse kick should be performed with precision and speed, targeting the  opponent’s head. The one-step motion allows you to control distance while delivering a  powerful strike. 
• Ushirogeri (Back Kick): The back kick is a defensive technique used to counter an  opponent’s attack. It requires excellent balance and awareness, as the practitioner  must quickly turn and strike with the heel of the foot.
• Surikomi Sokuto Jodan (One-Step Sidekick to the Head Level): A one-step sidekick  aimed at the head, which requires good timing and accuracy. The sidekick should be  delivered with force and should demonstrate excellent foot placement and control. 
• Nidan Geri Jodan (Jumping Two-Level Front Kick): This advanced kick involves  performing two front kicks with a jump, targeting the head level. It demands explosive  strength, proper timing, and great control over the body during the jump and kick. 

Renraku Waza (combination techniques)

Renraku waza involves combining different techniques in fluid sequences, demanding  coordination, speed, and tactical awareness. The following combination drills will test your  ability to integrate multiple techniques in a short period: 

1. Surikomi Maegeri, Nagashizuki, Mawashigeri Chudan: 

   •  Start with a one-step front kick (surikomi maegeri), followed by an evasion punch  (nagashizuki), and finish with a roundhouse kick to body level (mawashigeri  chudan). This combination challenges you to link kicks and punches while  maintaining flow and defensive readiness. 

2.  Maegeri, Sokuto Chudan, Ushirogeri, Uraken: 

   • Perform a front kick (maegeri), followed by a sidekick to body level (sokuto  chudan), a back kick (ushirogeri), and finish with a back fist (uraken). This  combination emphasizes the transition between different kick types and the  ability to strike from various angles. 

3. Zenshinite Jodan Renzuki Chudan, Surikomi Maegeri, Mawashigeri, Gyakuzuki: 

   • This sequence begins with a skip jab reverse punch (zenshinite jodan renzuki  chudan), followed by a one-step front kick (surikomi maegeri), a roundhouse kick  (mawashigeri), and a reverse punch (gyakuzuki). This combination showcases  your ability to move forward dynamically while executing a series of powerful  attacks.