Doshi-Kai
Matsuyama's Shotokan Karate
Doshi-Kai Grading System


Doshi-Kai Belt Ranks are awarded simply to represent level of ability and to mark personal progress. They are given to honor hard work put forth and the level of ability demonstrated, not the worth of the individual or how much better one student is than another. Colored belts are not considered to be the final destination in Doshi-Kai, whereas mental and physical development could be. The Belt Rank is considered a good way of showing a milestone of personal progression.

Kyu Ranks
Requirements

10th Kyu –White 
Beginner.

9th Kyu –
Yellow Stripe
After 30 workouts – eligible for 9th kyu.
Kihon, Heian Shodan, Kihon Ippon Kumite,
Sanbon Kumite (Jodan Oizuki and Chudan Oizuki).

8th Kyu –
Yellow
After 30 workouts – eligible for 8th kyu.
Kihon, Heian Shodan, Kihon Ippon Kumite,
Sanbon Kumite (Jodan Oizuki and Chudan Oizuki).

7th Kyu –
Orange
After 30 workouts – eligible for 7th kyu.
Kihon double combinations,
Kata (Heian Shodan, Nidan and Sandan), Kihon Ippon Kumite,
Sanbon Kumite (Jodan Oizuki, Chudan Oizuki and Chudan Maegeri).

6th Kyu –
Blue
After 40 workouts – eligible for 6th kyu.
Kihon double combinations (Tai-Sabaki),
Kata (Heian 1-5), Ippon Kumite (Jiyugamae) ,
Sanbon Kumite (Jodan Oizuki, Chudan Oizuki and Chudan Maegeri).

5th Kyu –
Green
After 40 workouts – eligible for 5th kyu.
Kihon and triple Kihon combinations (Tai-Sabaki),
Kata (Heian 1-5, Tekki 1, Bassai Dai),
Ippon Kumite (Jiyugamae),
Sanbon Kumite (Maegeri, Mawashigeri & Yokogeri), Jiyu Kumite.

4th Kyu –
Purple
After 50 workouts – eligible for 4th kyu.
Kihon and quadruple Kihon combinations (Tai-Sabaki),
Kata (Up to Tekki 2, Kwanku Dai, Jite),
Jiyu Ippon Kumite,
Sanbon Kumite ((Maegeri, Mawashigeri and Yokogeri: Kime each time),
Jiyu Ippon Kumite, Jiyu Kumite.

3rd Kyu –
Brown
After 75 workouts – eligible for 3rd kyu.
Kihon triple and quadruple combinations: jiyu gamae, Tai-Sabaki,
Kata (Up to Tekki 3, Empi, Hangetsu),
Sanbon Kumite, Jiyu Ippon Kumite
Sabaki Ippon Kumite (17 Hon: Maete x 5, Maete-Gyakuzuki x 4,
Maegeri x 4, Mawashigeri x 2, Yokogeri x 2),
Jiyu Kumite.

2nd Kyu –
Brown
After 75 workouts – eligible for 2nd kyu.
Kihon triple and quadruple combinations,
Kata (Up to Gankaku),
Sanbon Kumite, Jiyu Ippon Kumite,
Sabaki Ippon Kumite (17 Hon: Maete x 5, Maete-Gyakuzuki x 4,
Maegeri x 4, Mawashigeri x 2, Yokogeri x 2),
Jiyu Kumite.

1st Kyu –
Brown
After 75 workouts – eligible for 1st kyu.
Kihon triple and quadruple combinations,
Kata (Up to Jion),
Sanbon Kumite, Jiyu Ippon Kumite,
Sabaki Ippon Kumite (17 Hon: Maete x 5, Maete-Gyakuzuki x 4,
Maegeri x 4, Mawashigeri x 2, Yokogeri x 2),
Jiyu Kumite.

 
Shodan:  Requirements
1. After 100 workouts – eligible for Shodan.
2. Kihon: Should be able to perform correct stances, correct distribution of weight, etc.
Should be able to explain about basic techniques – how to use hips, back foot, transfer weight, etc.
3.Kata: Knowledge of meanings and applications of the movements in 15 Katas.
4. Kumite: Knowledge of sen, go-no-sen & sen sen-no-sen.
Should be able to take sen in jiyu kumite.
5. Instruction Ability: Assist with teaching classes.
6. Bo: Kihon Koubou, Kihon Kumite, Kata (Shushi-no-Kon-Sho).
7. Kihon Katame-Waza / Nage-Waza: 5 basic holding (joint) techniques, Shiho-nage, Sukui-nage, Irimi-nage, Kote-gaeshi, etc.

 


Example of Kihon Triple Combinations:
1. Oi-zuki, mae-te-zuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.
2. Oi-zuki, uke, gyaku-zuki.
3.Gyaku-zuki, mae-te-zuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.
4. Uke, mae-te-zuki or nuki-tsuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.
5.Keri, uke, gyaku-zuki.


Example of Kihon Quadruple Combinations:
1. Oi-zuki, uke, mae-te-zuki or nuki-tsuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.
2. Uke, gyaku-zuki, mae-te-zuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.
3.Uke, keri, mae-te-zuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.
4. Keri, uke, mae-te-zuki or nuki-tsuki or uraken, gyaku-zuki.

 

Students must fulfill the attendance requirement in order to go for promotion.

New members with previous experience (Shotokan or other styles of Karate) will wear a white belt for at least 30 workouts. At the next promotion they will then be ranked at the appropriate level under Doshi-Kai's ranking system.

Those who show substantial progress because of their diligence and commitment will be eligible for a double or triple promotion as "Batsugun".
    Next Promotion Dates
    Thursday
    June 26, 2008

    Thursday
    December 11, 2008



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    John O'Gara writes down his own personal experience about his Black Belt test. His first person account is interesting for those who have not taken the test, and also for others who have taken the test and want to remember the nerves and sweat.