Moving up the Ranks

Kyu ranking system

 Midwest Karate Club and affiliates utilizes the ranking system comprised of eight (8) student steps (Kyu), and 10 degrees of "mastery" (Dan). The color system for belts includes white (unranked), yellow (8th Kyu), orange (7th Kyu), green (6th Kyu), two steps of purple (5th Kyu, 4th Kyu), three steps of brown belt (3rd Kyu, 2nd Kyu, and 1st Kyu), and 10 degrees of black belt (Shodan through Judan).

Testing is available to students approximately every three months, but that doesn't necessarily mean you will get a new rank each time. . You must earn your rank. The JKA system is known for its high standards and almost everyone will not pass at least one test. Sometimes your instructor will decide that you need more time to prepare for a test, and will, or should ask you to wait.

The worst thing a karate sensei or instructor could do is to pass his or her student when the criteria or technical level is not at the required standard.  Usually, the emphasis is more on making the sensei look good by passing students, and not caring about the students benefit.

It also excuses the instructor from having to train or study to improve him or herself. If the student performs better than the teacher, then something is not right.   

 Karate is a way of life and should teach the value of dedication, hard work, and perseverance in order to survive in today’s society. 

Your time is valuable and the high standards of the JKA/JKS system make your training time even more valuable. As you advance, you'll discover that these high standards mean better karate.

The examinee must be a member of the Japan Karate Association International of Canada as it carries an insurance policy which covers you in the event of an injury during training.