KYU Exams

Every six weeks we hold KYU exams, which are traditional karate exams during which students test up for their next belt. We allow the white belts to test every three weeks (twice every kyu cycle, or 'double testing') because students often learn the beginning basics quickly enough that they don't need to wait until a full kyu exam.

In our dojo, we have 11 belt levels that students need to pass in order to earn their first degree black belt, or first dan. The first students come in as a 'no kyu', or no rank student. They are considered a true beginner. They test first for their 10th kyu, which asks for the three basic stances and the basic foot positionings for kicks, and for the beginnings of our first training kata.

As senseis, during the early kyus, we look for some participation, a receptive attitude while learning in the dojo, and respect for traditional dojo etiquette. At this level, the more relaxed a student can be while in the dojo, the more successful they will be at learning what they need in order to pass their kyu exam. Girls often progress a little more quickly than boys at this level also because boys tend to get caught up in their shoulders where they assume they have physical power and it pulls them out of proper form.

For the students taking their early kyu exams, up through yellow belt or 8th kyu, we prefer that they stay relaxed. We want to see some spirit, but it does not need to be impressive. Their willingness to learn while they are in the dojo counts for the majority of their exam.

As students reach yellow and orange belts, we expect to see more power and spirit in their moves while maintaining proper form. They have several katas they must know at this level and they must remember them all. We look for spirit in several ways: willingness to work hard and accept instruction, the beginning of focus and power in their movements, and their kiai (sp?) or spirit shout.

Test for the first green belt is where most students begin to struggle (not all of them, but most of them). The expectation of spirit and power takes a jump here. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of the practical application of techniques in part of the exam we call 'one-step sparring' where they must defend against an attack and then counter-attack with a single effective technique. As students learn, they typically are able to master one aspect of these expectations at a time--either power OR speed OR accuracy--but then require another kyu cycle to master another and so on. Some students get it all at once.

The major element--more than speed, power, or correct form--that we expect at the green belt level is spirit. Now spirit entails work ethic, willingness to learn, willingness to risk mistakes in order to learn and grow, and a productive attitude toward the sensei and their peer partners in class. We are more willing to pass a student who has good spirit and struggles a little with technique than a student who has perfect technique but no spirit. We can teach technique, but we cannot teach spirit. Spirit is a choice that each student makes when they bow into the dojo each day.

The brown belt levels are the final few levels before students may test for their black belt. Now we require that they have strong spirit, good and consistent work ethic, correct technique, power, speed, accuracy, and an understanding of the purpose and application of moves. We expect them to be a good example to their peers in the dojo. It is at this level that we expect them to put all of these things together in preparation for their black belt.

Now the kyu system counts down from no kyu to first kyu (third degree brown belt). The philosphy behind this is that the first degree black belt, or first dan, is level one in karate. The other belts and kyus are simply steps in reaching the first level. Having a first dan signifies that a person has mastered all of the basics of karate and may now begin to truly train. A first dan means only that a person knows enough to finally be a true student of karate and the learning has just begun.

Our students excel at and struggle with karate each for their own reasons. As senseis, we focus on their karate training, but also how they learn, what motivates them, and how they handle stressful situations. We work through what we can with them in the dojo.

We just had kyu exams on Friday. Most of the students passed. Some students didn't pass because they didn't put effort into training over the last six weeks and didn't have it to draw on when they needed it. Some students didn't pass because they chose to cope with the stress by becoming apathetic. Some students didn't pass because they weren't willing to risk a mistake and played it too safe. Some students didn't pass because they are physically awkward and struggle with even the basics. Some students passed because their spirit and hard work in the dojo compensated for some of their mistakes in form. Some students passed because they tried really really hard and put their whole heart in regardless of the risk.