Shotokan white to yellow belt progression/requirements

[xravenwingsx]

Thanks for the input, everyone! It was most helpful! I finally got a response from my sensei via email, and this is what he had to say:

"There are five possible outcomes when a student tests. They are: Fail, half (a belt with a black stripe going through it), recommended (student will be promoted but there are conditions that need to be met in 6 weeks to keep it), pass, and skip a belt (rare).

 

 

 

We are a part of the Japanese Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA) and follow their guidelines including belt rankings. Below is the list of belt rankings.

 

 

 

10th Kyu – White belt (where you are now)

 

9th Kyu – 2nd degree White belt

 

8th Kyu – Yellow belt

 

7th Kyu – 2nd degree Yellow belt

 

6th Kyu – Green belt

 

5th Kyu – 2nd degree Green belt

 

4th Kyu – Brown belt

 

3rd Kyu – 2nd degree Brown belt

 

2nd Kyu – 3rd degree Brown belt

 

1st Kyu – 4th degree Brown belt

 

1st Dan – 1st degree Black belt

 

2nd Dan – 2nd degree Black belt

 

Etc…"

[ninjanurse]

I checked out the JSKA website and noted that the belt ranking system is different from the one you have posted here but if you go to their site it lists all the technical requirements for each kyu. This may be helpful if they are indeed following the same guidelines.

http://www.jskajp.org

[xravenwingsx]

Thank you! I checked out the website tonight and it spelled it out pretty well. I asked Sensei in a formal email about the SPECIFIC syllabus. I am testing for 9th Kyu next month...finally after 6 months. They're pretty conservative about testing and giving out belts. you REALLY have to earn it. I've heard about schools where they give out belts like candy....pretty glad I'm not in one of them.