Kenseikan Karate International
Ranking Procedures
1 KKI Ranking- KKI has taken on the responsibility of issuing rank as a service to its members. The ranking system has been based on the benchmark set by the Dai Nippon Butokukai.
2 Examiners- Grading Panels are arranged by the International Technical Director with the approval of KKI Management Committee.
3 Procedure- a grading is conducted according to the Member Dojo methods based on KKI ranking criteria.
4 The International Technical Director, based upon the recommendation of the respective Member Dojo Head, must approve KKI Shodan through to Godan rank examinations.
5 Rokudan and above, based upon the recommendation of the International Technical Director, must be approved by the KKI Management Committee.
6 The applicant thesis must be typed and based on technical research connected to traditional karate. It is considered more favourably if the research has been published.
7 Grading Fees- subject to change as per the determination of the KKA Management Committee:
Shodan- $100.00
Nidan- $150.00
Sandan- $200.00
Yondan- $250.00
Godan- $300.00
Rokudan- $350.00
Shichidan- $400.00
Hachidan- $450.00
Kyudan- $500.00
8 Recommended Rank is subject to the same grading fees as regular rank but the License will be endorsed with Recommended X Dan.
9 If the application does not achieve the rank promotion then he/she will be allowed to complete the criteria free of charge after a recommended time period. If the applicant does not pass then any subsequent attempts at the rank will attract a fee of half the normal grading fee applicable to the grade attempted.
10 Successful applicants will be presented with a License Certificate.
Age Requirements:
1st Dan- after three years total practise
2nd Dan- after 1 year as a practising Shodan (4 years minimum training)
3rd Dan- after 2 years as a practising Nidan (6 years minimum training)
4th Dan- after 3 years as a practising Sandan (9 years minimum training)
5th Dan- after 3 years as a practising Yondan (12 years minimum training)
6th Dan- after 5 years as a practising Godan (17 years minimum training)
7th Dan- after 7 years as a practising Rokudan, 42 yrs old (24 years minimum training)
8th Dan- after 8 years as a practising 7th Dan, 50 yrs old (32 years minimum training)
9th Dan- after 10 years as a practising 8th Dan, 60 yrs old (42 years minimum training)
Types of Rank:
1. Regular Rank:
The stage of progress of the human character as reached through physical and spiritual training.
2. Recommended Rank:
The stage of progress reached through continued practise as well as personal contribution and service.
3. Honorary Rank:
An award of rank as a result of one's support of the development of traditional karate.
Regular Rank Standards:
1st Dan
This level necessitates a further maturation of abilities. All basic body movements with hand and leg techniques can be applied with extended force and proper application in basic combinations. No age limit and not eligible for a teaching title.
Assessment Criteria:
Kata: Performance of intermediate kata.
Kihon: Performance of individual technique and basic combinations.
Kumite: The ability to use basic techniques for offence and defence.
Written Test: General knowledge short answers and multiple choice paper.
2nd Dan
This stage requires the personal assimilation and performance of all basic body movement and technique to such a degree that their execution is in accord with the demands of the candidates own body.
Assessment Criteria:
Kata: Performance of advanced kata (including applications)
Kihon: Combination of all basic techniques.
Kumite: A number of matches or a self defence demonstration.
Written Test: 500 - 1000 word essay
3rd Dan
At this stage, the individual has acquired the understanding of the underlying principles in all basic body movement and technique. Moreover, this understanding can be demonstrated in the application of techniques under varied circumstances and conditions.
Assessment Criteria:
Kata: Performance of advanced kata (including applications)
Kumite: A number of matches or a self defence demonstration.
Written Test: 500 - 1000 word essay
4th Dan
The individual attaining this level has exemplified understanding of the underlying principles upon in all body movement and techniques. Moreover, this candidate has also cultivated a profound understanding of the defensive application of Karate technique under varied circumstances. Developing a working knowledge of both theory and practice, the Yondan candidate is capable of imparting such learning to others.
Assessment Criteria:
Kata: Performance of advanced kata.
Explanation of principles must accompany the demonstration.
5th Dan
This is the level wherein associated research has been completed in some limited area. Such research must include its application in an manner that is both relevant and applicable to the individual's particular physique.
Assessment Criteria:
Kata: Performance of advanced Kata with all required factors combining both physical and spiritual.
Research: Presentation of favourite technique.
Explanation of theory and practice must accompany the demonstration.
6th Dan
The attainment of this level necessitates the performance of Karate research in an area that by its nature has a universal benefit to be derived by its application.
Assessment Criteria:
Presentation of written dissertation.
7th Dan
To achieve this level, the candidate must has undertaken advanced comparative research in associated areas through the actual application and extensive analysis of general theory and practise. Dan applicant must be 42 years or older and title applicant must be 40 years or older.
Assessment Criteria:
Presentation of written dissertation surrounding the value and application of such research.
8th Dan
At this level a candidate has successfully completed research in a new and previously unexplored but associated area. Dan applicant must be 50 years or older and title applicant must be 40 years or older.
Assessment Criteria:
Presentation of written dissertation on such research.
9th Dan
The requirements for this level call for an uncommon dedication for an extended period of time to the areas of individual achievement and development of the highest order. Moreover this accumulated knowledge and expertise must have been utilised in the general service of Karate-do development. Dan applicant must be 60 years or older and title applicant must be 55 years or older.
Assessment Criteria:
Awarded at the discretion of the KKA Technical Committee and Management Committee.
a) Has applied oneself by hard work, through continuous practise to achieve a high level of development in karate. However there is a physical limitation or handicap.
b) Has provided distinguished service through instruction and continued practise but is limited or lacking in technique for respective rank.
c) Has fulfilled necessary regular ranking requirements but through circumstances has been unable to be evaluated under required ranking.
d) Any other circumstance other than that described above and has contributed to the advancement of karate, such as research, development, practise, etc.
In general, candidates must have the respect of the community by virtue of their good character and be in direct or indirect support of the goals of Traditional Karate .