karate Archives - Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate

Get yourself ready for the grading by sparring as many rounds as possible--this will get you fit.

Kids–how do you pass your upcoming karate grading? Follow the dozen steps below and you will be on your way to your next rank.

Before the Kids Karate Grading

Ask the Sensei what will be on the grading. Many instructors will give you a handout that includes all the techniques on the actual grading–just ask for it. Some instructors will even let your parents video or photograph the techniques required.

Take the list home and mark the techniques in which you are not 100% sure; next class ask the sensei how to do them.

Once you have all the techniques down, have someone call them out one after the other. Now try to do it faster. Then do it in random order. By doing this, you are preparing yourself for the stress of the actual test, and you will know each technique by sound.

The forms or kata will take the most practice since they are the most difficult. Do them facing all directions and then do them with your eyes closed. Pay particular attention to the stances as that is what the sensei will look for. Do each form with intensity (imagine attackers coming at you), even while practicing.

Go to class early (or stay late) and ask one of the black belts to take you through a practice grading. Most will be willing to do this. The sensei will notice your initiative.

If your kids karate grading involves sparring, get yourself fit for it. Run, bicycle, hit the bags, anything to build up your heart and lungs. Do as many rounds of sparring as possible, even if it is only against a moving kick bag.

During the Grading

Get there early to warm up and stretch. This will help you get those kicks up and prevent injury. You do not want to pull a muscle on grading day. Even though most kids are naturally flexible, don’t take a chance.

Perform your techniques with full power. It is amazing how many people do not do this.

Spirit is really important. Yell your kiai each time you do a technique. Pop back into position so you are ready for the next move.

Do not let your classmates throw you off with their mistakes. Keep a razor-sharp focus on your imaginary opponent, right in front of you. Other kids may try to talk to you during the grading. Ignore them.

You will make mistakes, it is human nature and no one is perfect. Do not let it get you down. Improve on the remainder of the test and you will still have a good shot.

After the Grading

Pass or not, always ask the sensei how you can improve. This will help you next time you grade. It also shows the sensei that you care enough to ask.

Kids Karate Grading: How to Pass is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney link.

Note: After this article was written, an excellent post at My Journey to Black Belt was written. In it Sue referred to many of the principles in this post. Thank you Sue.

You can reach black belt if you follow my secrets, work hard, and don't give up.

During the last fifteen years of teaching karate for kids I have watched many obtain their black belts. I have also sadly watched many give up. It is especially heart-breaking to see them quit when they are close to obtaining black belt level. Why do some make it and some drop out? I strongly believe if you follow the following steps, you will have what it takes to pass the ultimate test–the black belt.

1. Give the Sensei your full attention. Look and listen when he or she is talking. You will learn a lot more. If someone is talking to you while the Sensei is explaining something, ignore them.

2. Focus your energy and thoughts on what you are doing–never mind what else is happening in the class. Visualize how each move would work against an attacker.

3. Stances are the key to success in all martial arts. Perfect the horse, cat, bow, sparring, or whatever stance your style teaches and you will be on your way to black belt.

4. Realize it takes many years of training to perfect your moves. Be patient with yourself, relax, and enjoy the process of learning and mastering the art.

5. Ignore anyone who says “You are not good at Karate/Kung Fu, etc.”. It does not matter what they think. You will be excellent in the martial arts if you put forth your best efforts.

6. Do not compare yourself to others in the class. Many of us are not gifted athletes, but we can be our best with practice. Your goal is self-improvement, and this will happen with time and effort.

7. Practice all your moves outside of class at least once a week. You will be amazed at the difference this makes and the Sensei will notice.

8. Try to keep yourself fit and flexible. Build up your heart and lungs. Running, swimming, bicycling, or any other activity that gets your heart pumping are the best. Do your stretches regularly so your kicks and punches have greater reach and you have less chance of injury.

9. Be dedicated to your training. There will be times when you don’t feel like going to martial arts class due to the weather or lack of energy. Go anyway and you will be glad you did. It will build your self-disclipine and you will feel great once you get there and start doing it.

10. Do not focus too much on the belts–they are not as important as the lessons you learn on your martial arts journey.

Sensei Matt Klein