The Kobushi Shukokai Grading Syllabus.
Your Grading

All students are eligible to grade. In order to be recommeded to take a grading, the student must fulfil the following critria.

  • Hold a current up to date K.S.K.A Licence.
  • Train at a registered K.S.K.A Dojo.
  • Has trained for the required length of time.
  • Has attended an appropriate ammount of full national courses with the K.S.K.A senior instructors.
  • Attained the standard which is perceived to be eligible for grading, by their Instuctor, or on recommendation of the K.S.K.A commitee.
Beinners:  This includes grades upto purple belts, (8th to 4th Kyu). In principle , eligible students can expect to grade on or about a 3 month basis.

Brown to Black Belt: (3rd Kyu to 1st Dan). Generally a minimum of six months training between grades must elapse.

Shodan to Nidan: (1st Dan to 2nd Dan) Generally a minimum of two years between grades must elapse.

Nidan to Shodan: (2nd Dan to 3rd Dan) Generally a minimum of three years between grades must elapse.

Yondan onwards: (4th Dan and above) Awarded by committee, minimum time applies.

Required Kata for each Grade

Yellow Belt- 8th Kyu- Shiho Zuki
Orange Belt- 7th Kyu- Pinan Nidan
Green Belt- 6th Kyu- Pinan Shodan
Blue Belt- 5th Kyu- Pinan Sandan
Purple Belt- 4th Kyu- Pinan Yondan and Godan
Brown Belt 3- 3rd Kyu- Jinn and Jurokono, plus grading officers choice of Pinan Kata's.
Brown Belt 2 - 2nd Kyu- Chinte and Matsukaze, plus grading officers choice of Pinan Kata's.
Brown Belt 1- 1st Kyu- Saifa and Annanku, plus grading officers choice of Pinan Kata's.

Black Belt Grades

Shodan - 1st Dan- Basai Dai and Jion, plus grading offers choice.

Nidan - 2nd Dan- Shio Kosokan and Sochin, plus grading offiers choice.

Sandan- 3rd Dan- Seianchin and Seipai, plus grading officers choice.

The Katas which are for each grading, are in addition to those listed for any previous grades and should not be forgotten.
The relevant stripe/band for each grade must be worn on the tail end of the Gi belt.

Additional Katas not listed in the syllabus.

Tensho, Sanchin, Bassi Sho, Nesei Shi, Seriu, Chinto, Tomoro no passai, Na-Pa-Pu, Kurunnfa, Kosokan dai, Supa Impa.


SHUKOKAI KATAS AND THEIR MEANINGS
 
PINAN   "Peaceful mind"
BASSAI   To storm/breach the fortress
DAI   Major, large
SHO   Minor, small, lesser
ANNANKO   The light from the South
SEIENCHIN   Lull in the storm/ To control, suppress & pull
JIIN   Named after the Saint/ Mercy & kindness
MATSUKAZE   Wind flowing through the Pine trees
SAIFA   To smash and tear to pieces
SEIPAI   Number 18 (3 X 6). The 3 represents good, bad & peace. The 6 represents colour, voice, taste, smell, touch and justice.
KOSOKUN SHIHO   To view the sky
KURURUNFA   Holding your ground/ forever peacefulness
ROHAI   Sign of the Heron/Clear mirror
EMPI   "Flying Swallow"
UNSU   Hands of a Cloud
JION   The meaning of this Kata has been lost but "Gratitude for the Buddah" has been suggested
NEISEISHI   Twenty four steps
SANCHIN   Three battles

PERFORMING KATA
 
There are eight main points to consider to correctly perform kata.
1. A realistic demonstration of the kata meaning.
2. Understanding of the techniques being used (BUNKAI)
3. Good timing, rhythm, speed, balance and focus of power (KIME)
4. Correct use of breathing as an aid to KIME
5. Correct focus of attention (CHAKUGAN) and concentration.
6. Correct stances (DACHI)
7. Proper tension in the abdomen (HARA) 
8. Correct form (KIHON) of the style being demonstrated