1st dan grading

[Gi]

We do an essay also together with all the normal stuff-hyungs etc also alot of free fighting some fights against a number of oponents at the same time. We do break techniques as well. one house brick with back fist for 1st dan, 2 bricks for 2nd dan. 3 for third dan. Do you do break techniques.

[bogirl]

So write your essay anyway.  I turned one in with my Yondan test to explain the histories of the kata I did and how they tied together.

[deckyrd]

See, I'd always heard that we were required to write an essay at our dojo, but when I went for my Shodan-ho I was told not to, and then when the last round of certifications went out I've heard conflicting reports (the girl wrote an essay anyway and they accepted it, but it was never a requirement).

Personally, I think it should be a required part of the test because as much as the physical stuff is important, the psychological and philosophical part is just as important (if not more so). 

And, since I have a minor in Japanese studies (and am applying for grad school for a masters in Asian studies), and have a ton of research under my belt in Japanese history and martial-arts history, I would LOVE to write an essay to talk about Bushido and what it means to be a black belt.

[supergroup7]

I've been through a Shodan test in Shotokan.  I remember the requirements being:

Attending the 2 day seminar classes with the Master

A selection of basics, and combinations of that rank level done in ido geiko ( moving) in various stances.

Bassai Dai, and a couple of other kata selected by the Master

Some sparring- I fought 3 fights.

In the future, I may be testing for Shodan in Kyokushin. It involves:

3 days of tests.

1st day written exam, and also hand in essay on topic of Sensei's choice.

2nd day physical requirements, basics ( of all rank levels), combinations, kata

3rd day self defense, sparring ( I believe 15 fights.. but I could be wrong, it might be more), weapons, tamishiwari ( breaking)

[bogirl]

We also require that any black belt candidates currently in school must have at least a B (3.0) average, or they can't test.

If grades are the only thing holding a student back, we will arrange a tutor.  Grades are rarely an issue, because we stress good grades and award patches for academic achievement at all ages/ranks.

[Gambatte Karate]

Ours is VERY similar to bogirls. Because we are from the same system. I actually require a bit more of my students though.  My students have to do the same things hers do, but....We add the following:

weapons disarms: 2 club, 2 knife, and 2 gun
At least ONE weapon kata WITH bunkai or application
Count to 100 in japanese
Know all 6 basic blocks in japanese
Know all 10 basic attacks in japanese
All kata have a japanese name, and an english meaning. The student must know the english meaning as well as the japanese name.
If student is in school of any kind, they must be maintaining at least a B average.
Know the 10 elbow techniques (I believe bogirl calls them "goshin jitsu techniques") WITH takedown.
I also require them to spar for 5 minutes straight with me.
If they can perform all these things, they may be awarded their first dan.

I say "may be awarded", because it is not a guarantee. If the student has not shown the martial arts spirit, and shown a will to advance and help to spread their knowledge, they may not be awarded their 1st dan.

[bogirl]

For most of our affiliated Shudokan dojo, here's the list for the Shodan-ho test:

10 kata (5 mandatory, 5 of student's choice)
30 kata bunkai
5 kata applications
5 goshin jitsu techniques
advanced fighting combinations.

If they pass that, then there is a one year probationary period, (Shodan-ho) during which they must continue to train, learn a very advanced kata, 10 bunkai and the application for it, 5 goshin jitsu techniques, assist in a class for at least 4 months, and write an essay.

Then they test with the kata, bunkai, application and goshin jitsu to show that they have continued to train and learn.   

Then they get their full Shodan rank and certificate.

[Gi]

Hi what do you guys have to do for your 1st dan grading?