Starting a new hobby can be daunting, and taking up karate is no different. While all styles of karate can be tough to learn, Wado Ryu karate grading criteria is particularly detailed and high standard. So, what does a white belt need to learn to earn their next belt? The karate white belt is significant in karate for a few reasons – some believe there is hidden meaning behind the belt colours used, for example the white belt is representative of a plant emerging from the soil to the bright white light of day. On the contrary, the white belt can just be a visual representation of a clean slate and lack of knowledge on the martial art. Whatever the symbolism behind the white belt, there are some fundamental skills and techniques that are required to grade from white to red belt in Wado Ryu karate.
The traditional Wado-Ryu syllabus outlines that the first grading progression starts from the white belt (10th kyu) to the 9th kyu, which is signified by a red belt. This red belt is often considered the ‘beginner’s belt,’ with relatively simple criteria for grading. The practical examination for this belt focuses on essential stances, including the ready stance (‘yoi’), open leg stance (‘shiko dachi’), and fighting stance (‘hidari/migi gamae’). Additionally, the grading covers basic strikes, kicks, and blocks.
Yoi (Ready Stance): The ready stance is a foundational posture in Wado-Ryu, where practitioners stand in a prepared position, ready to transition into techniques or defense. In line practice, this is achieved by standing with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed. However, ‘ready stance’ can refer to any position that allows for easy movement into a technique or kata.
Shiko Dachi (Open Leg Stance): Often called the ‘horse-riding stance,’ Shiko Dachi involves placing the legs widely apart and bending the knees, mimicking the posture of riding a horse. To earn the red belt, students must perform middle punches, head blocks, and downward blocks while maintaining this stance.
Hidari/Migi Gamae (Fighting Stance): In this stance, one hand protects the face, and the other rests loosely across the chest, guarding the heart. Students must demonstrate a front kick (maegeri) and reverse punch (gyakuzuki) in this stance to qualify for the red belt. They are also required to perform ‘mawatte jodan uke’ (turn and head block) and ‘mawatte gedan barai’ (turn and downward block) successfully.
If students can correctly perform these basic techniques, they meet the Wado-Ryu grading criteria for the red belt. Their next step is the 8th kyu, marked by the yellow belt. To achieve this, they must learn additional basic techniques, including:
The 8th kyu grading emphasizes renraku waza, meaning ‘combination techniques.’ These are short sequences of techniques that need to be performed fluidly. The required combinations include:
So, the basic techniques of the syllabus have been covered, and the average student will pick these up quickly. But there’s more to karate than just the self-defence side of things. There are certain principles of karate that are expected to be understood by all students when they take up karate. Whilst it is not part of the practical grading syllabus, students will be expected to show correct dojo etiquette during training. This means showing dedication to their training, respecting peers and instructors and showing respect to the seniors in the dojo. It also means they will recognise basic commands in Wado Ryu (i.e., Zanshin which is the state of mind all karateka should possess – focus on the situation at hand).
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to meet any fitness requirements prior to starting karate. Many nontraditional karate clubs include fitness exercises as part of the grading process, such as long-distance running or performing a set number of press-ups, but this is not the Wado way. Whilst it can be beneficial in and out of karate to have good cardiovascular and muscular endurance, you can progress just as quickly through the karate belts without exceptional fitness. Traditional Wado Ryu instructors will expect novices and elites to work on their flexibility and strength in the dojo though, which is why the warm-up is not the time to slack off or treat as a social event and if the student doesn’t show willingness to improve at this time, then they may find they won’t be invited to grade at the next examination.
At Simon Coope Karate School, we turn beginners into confident and skilled karate practitioners through the Wado-Ryu tradition. Our structured syllabus builds a solid foundation in techniques while fostering discipline, focus, and resilience—skills that benefit your child beyond the dojo.
Ready to start your Wado-Ryu journey? Now that you know the karate grading criteria for red and yellow belts, it’s time to find a class near you and begin. Karate requires commitment, and we’re here to help you get started. We’re offering one month FREE, so you can experience our training firsthand and work towards earning your first belt.
Whether you’re searching for ‘karate Coalville‘ or ‘karate for kids near me,’ we offer top-quality instruction across multiple locations, including 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 thrive both in and out of the dojo. Discover why Simon Coope Karate School is the perfect choice for your child’s martial arts journey.
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While the time frame is different for everyone’s karate journey, you can expect to achieve your red and/or yellow belt in 3-6 months after starting training. If the student shows willingness and dedication to their training, then the practical side of the examination won’t be difficult! At Simon Coope Karate School, gradings are held four times a year, so you can expect to earn your red and yellow belt relatively quickly, and maybe even achieve green or blue belt within a year of starting. Gradings are a formal event and should be taken seriously. Although the practical side is quite easy, students mustn’t expect to pass as this will show lack of dedication and respect to their instructor. Belts are earned!
If you are just starting out at Wado Ryu karate then the focus should be on learning the basic techniques and dojo etiquette. There is strict discipline for students in traditional Wado dojos and this will be implemented no matter your age. Treat your instructor and peers with respect and you will be given respect back. As well as this, show your willingness to improve! Ask questions, take advice and get stuck in. The technicalities of karate will come naturally with training, but the mindset must be learned.
A lot of white belts find starting karate harder than starting other sports. There is a lot of coordination and use of different muscles that students haven’t encountered previously. The main advice we can give for new students’ is don’t panic and stick with it! With consistent practice you will see results and one day the techniques you couldn’t comprehend on day one will just click! It is important to remember that even black belts were white belts once.
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