The Philosophy and Grading Sytems

The Dojo Kun 


Generally accredited to
Gichin Funakoshi (but rumoured to have been created by Sakugawa, an Okinawan karate enthusiast in the 18th century) the Dojo Kun, or dojo rules, serves as a set of five (5) guiding principles, recited at the end of each Shotokan training session, intended to frame the practise within an ethical context.

The five rules (in Japanese) are:

hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto

hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto

hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto

hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto

hitotsu, kekki no yu wo imashimuru koto

  • Each seek perfection of character
  • Each be faithful (protect the way of truth)
  • Each endeavour (foster the spirit of effort)
  • Each respect the rules of etiquette
  • Each refrain from violent behavior (guard against impetuous courage)

ref: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dojo_kun 

 
Grading System


Under 8’s Progress Grades

Grade

Colour of Belt

10th Kyu

White with Orange Tag

 

10th Kyu

White with Red Tag

 

10th Kyu

White with Yellow Tag

 

10th Kyu

White with Green Tag

 

10th Kyu

White with Purple Tag

 

 

Over 8’s, Juniors & Adult Grades

Grade

Colour of Belt

10th Kyu

White

9th Kyu

Orange

8th Kyu

Red

7th Kyu

Yellow

6th Kyu

Green

5th Kyu

Purple

4th Kyu

Purple & One White Stripe

3rd Kyu

Brown

2nd Kyu

Brown & One White Stripe

1st Kyu

Brown & Two White Stripes

Dan Grade

Black Belt