Tenshin Shoden Ryu Karate-Do
Rank Requirements 10th kyu-4th kyu
Jukyu (10th Kyu)- White Belt
Kukyu (9th Kyu)- White Belt
Hachikyu (8th Kyu)- White Belt
Sichikyu (7th Kyu)- Yellow Belt
Rokyu (6th Kyu)- Orange Belt
Gokyu (5th Kyu)- Green Belt
Yonkyu (4th Kyu)- Green Belt
Sankyu (3rd Kyu)- Brown Belt
Nikkyu (2nd Kyu)- Brown Belt
Ikkyu (1st Kyu)- Brown Belt
Shodan (1st Dan)- Black Belt
Other Yudansha Grades
Jukyu (10th Kyu) Rank Requirements- White Belt
The new student enters Tenshin Shoden Ryu Karate do as a 10th Kyu, and is considered this rank as soon as they have a gi. This Kyu Grade may be skipped and no certificate will be awarded.
Kukyu (9th Kyu) Rank Requirements- White Belt w/ 1 stripe
Students must be able to properly line up and understand the commands of Shugo, Kiotsuke, and Sensei/Sempai ni rei. They should also know the meaning of Onegai Shimasu and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu. This Kyu Grade may be skipped and no certificate will be awarded.
Hachikyu (8th Kyu) Rank Requirements- White Belt w/ 2 stripes
Students must be able to properly wear their gi, including tying their belt by themselves. Students must also be able to perform Taikyoku Shodan. This Kyu Grade may be skipped and no certificate will be awarded.
Sichikyu (7th Kyu) Rank Requirements- Yellow Belt
Physical Fitness
10 Sit-Ups
Academic
Written Paper #1- 1 or more page handwritten paper (with the “weak” or “support” hand) on why you want to study the martial arts.
Kata (Forms)
Taikyoku Shodan (First Cause #1)
Ukemi Waza (Falling Techniques)
Ushiro Ukemi (Falling Backwards)
Yoko Ukemi (Falling to the Side)
Mae Mawari Ukemi (Forward Tumbling)
Dachi (Stances)
Hachigi Dachi (Yoi Stance/Ready Stance)
Zenkutsu Dachi (Front Stance)
Kiba Dachi (Horse Stance)
Kokutsu Dachi (Back Stance)
Shizentai (Natural Stance)
Jigotai (Defensive Fighting Stance)
Kihon Waza (Basic Techniques)
Jodan Age Uke (Upper Rising Block)
Soto Ude Uke (Outside Inside Block), a/k/a Soto Uchi Uke
Gedan Barai (Low Block)
Shuto Uke (Knife Hand Block)
Choku Tsuki (Standing Punch)
Oi Tsuki (Front Punch)
Gyaku Tsuki (Reverse Punch)
Kentsui Uchi (Hammer Fist Strike)
Mae Keage Geri (Front Snap Kick)
Mawashi Geri (Round House Kick)
Yoko Keage Geri (Side Snap Kick)
Renraku Waza (Combination Techniques)*
(1) Gedan Barai – Gyaku Tsuki, (2) Soto Ude Uke – Gyaku Tsuki, (3) Jodan Age Uke – Gyaku Tsuki, (4) Gedan Barai – Oi Tsuki, (5) Soto Ude uke – Oi Tsuki, (6) Jodan Age Uke – Oi Tsuki
* Unless otherwise noted, all renraku waza will be conducted from both zenkutsu dachi and kokutsu dachi.
Kumite (Sparring)
Ippon (1-Step), Sanbon (3-Step), and Gohon (5-Step) Kumite
Zenkutsu Dachi – Jodan Age Uke/Chudan Soto Ude Uke/Gedan Barai
Kokutsu Dachi – Jodan Age Uke/Chudan Soto Ude Uke/Gedan Barai
Tameshiwari (Breaking)
1 Board with Kentsui Uchi
Other Requirements
Candidates must lead stretching and exercises at least once prior to testing for Sichikyu.
Terminology
Gedan (Low)
Chudan (Mid-Level)
Jodan (High-Level)
Sensei (Teacher)
Seiza (Sitting position)
Kio-tsuke (Attention)
Yoi (Ready)
Gi (Karate Uniform)
Dojo (Place of learning or practicing the martial way)
Rokyu (6th Kyu) Rank Requirements- Orange Belt
All Previous Rank Requirements, Plus:
Physical Fitness
20 Sit-Ups
20 Push-Ups
Academic
Written Paper #1- 1 or more page double spaced typed paper on the importance of healthy living, to include eating nutritionally, nutritional supplements, physical work outs, and not smoking. Give some examples of good nutritional and healthy living habits (for instance, drinking green tea) and explain why they are important.
Time in Grade
Candidates must have at least 5 hours of formal teaching time since Sichikyu.
Candidates must have at least 30 hours of formal training time since Sichikyu.
Kata (Forms)
Heian Shodan (Peaceful Mind #1)
Ukemi Waza (Falling Techniques)
Mae Ukemi (Falling to the Front)
Ushiro Mawari Ukemi (Tumbling to the Rear)
Ushiro Ukemi (Falling Backwards) from standing
Yoko Ukemi (Falling to the Side) from standing
Tai Sabaki (Body Movements)
Ayumi Ashi (Natural Walking)
Tsuri Ashi (Sliding Step)
45 Degree Pivot
90 Degree Pivot
180 Degree Pivot
270 Degree Pivot
Dachi (Stances)
Neko Ashi Dachi (Cat Stance)
Shiko Dachi (Kiba Dachi with feet at 45 Degree Angle)
Kihon Waza (Basic Techniques)
Ude Uke (Inside Outside Block), a/k/a Uchi Uke
Nukite Uchi (Spear Hand Strike)
Te Osae Uke (Pressing Hand Block)
Empi Uchi (Elbow Strike)
Shuto Uchi (Knife Hand Strike)
Yoko Kekomi Geri (Side Thrust Kick)
Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques)
O Soto Gari (Major Outside Reaping Throw)
Ko Soto Gari (Minor Outside Reaping Throw)
O Goshi (Major Hip Throw)
Deashi Barai (Forward Foot Sweep)
Shomen Ate (Front Chin Attack)
Ai Gamae Ate (Regular Front Posture Attack)
Gyaku Gamae Ate (Reverse Front Posture Attack)
Koto Gaeshi (Outside Wrist Lock Throw)
Osae Waza (Holding Techniques)
Kesa Gatame (Sash hold)
Kata Gatame (Shoulder Hold)
Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locking Techniques)
Ikkyo (Arm Lock Twist Takedown)
Koto Gaeshi (Inside Outside Wrist Lock)
Koto Hineri (Outside Inside Wrist Lock)
Koto Osae (Pressing Wrist Lock)
Soto Koto Osae (Outside Inside Pressing Wrist Lock)
Ude Osae (Elbow Pressing Lock)
Waki Gatame (Side Arm Lock)
Ude Gatame (Arm Lock)
Ude Garami (Arm Entanglement)
O Soto Osae (Major Outer Press)
Goshinjutsu Waza (Self Defense Techniques)
Forward Punch- 2
Strike to Forehead- 2
Same Side Wrist Grab-2
Opposite Side Wrist Grab- 2
Double Wrist Grab- 2
Lapel Grab- 2
Kumite (Sparring)
Ippon (1-Step), Sanbon (3-Step), and Gohon (5-Step) Kumite
Zenkutsu Dachi- Chudan Shuto Uke
Kokutsu Dachi- Chudan Shuto Uke
Tameshiwari (Breaking)
1 Board with Kentsui Uchi
1 Board with Shuto Uchi
1 Board with any kick
Terminology
All Japanese terms for the techniques required at this level and previous levels, plus:
Ippon (of one or one of)
Sanbon (of three or three of)
Gohon (of five or five of)
Keage (To snap out and back)
Kekomi (To thrust)
Mawashi (Circular or rounded, in a circular angle)
Migi (From or to the right)
Hindari (From or to the left)
Soto (From the outside to the inside)
Count to 10 in Japanese:
One (Ichi)
Two (Ni)
Three (San)
Four (Shi)
Five (Go)
Six (Roku)
Seven (Sichi)
Eight (Hachi)
Nine (Ku)
Ten (Ju)
Shugo (Line Up)
Onegai Shimasu (Please teach me/us)
Domo Arigato Gozaimas (Thank you very much)
Rei (Bow)
Ritsurei (Standing bow)
Zarei (Sitting bow)
Hajime (Begin)
Yame (Stop)
Gokyu (5th Kyu) Rank Requirements- Green Belt
All Previous Rank Requirements, plus:
Timed Run- 1/4 mile in 2 minutes
30 Sit-Ups
30 Push-Ups
Academic
Written Paper #1- 1 or more page double spaced typed paper on your personal experiences to date with the martial arts training you have received. What positive, and/or negative benefits or detriments have you noticed due to your training?
Time in Grade
Candidates must have at least 10 hours of community service since Hachikyu (White Belt).
Candidates must have at least 5 hours of formal teaching time since Rokyu.
Candidates must have at least 30 hours of formal training time since Rokyu.
Dachi (Stances)
Kosa Dachi (Cross Legged Stance)
Fudo Dachi (Immovable Stance)
Kata (Forms)
Heian Nidan (Peaceful Mind #2)
Ten No Kata (Omote and Ura)
Ukemi Waza (Falling Techniques)
Zempo Ukemi (Rolling Breakfalls)
Kihon Waza (Basic Techniques)
Ren Tsuki (Double Punch)
Teisho Uchi (Palm Heel Strike)
Seiken Juji Uke (Closed Hand X-Block)
Shuto Juji Uke (Open Hand X-Block)
Morote Ude Uke (Reinforced Inside Outside Block), a/k/a Morote Uchi Uke, Morote Uke
Ushiro Geri (Back Kick)
Uraken Uchi (Back Fist Strike)
Mawashi Empi Uchi (Circular Elbow Strike)
Sokutei Mawashi Uke (Circular Sole Block)
Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques)
Ippon Seoi Nage (One Handed Shoulder Throw)
Moroto Seoi Nage (Two Handed Shoulder Throw)
Tai Otoshi (Body Drop)
O Uchi Gari (Major Inner Reaping Throw)
Ko Uchi Gari (Minor Inner Reaping Throw)
Uki Goshi (Floating Hip Throw)
Hiza Guruma (Knee Wheel Throw)
Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi (Foot Stop Throw)
Irimi Nage (Entering Throw)
Gedan Ate (Attack from Below)
Ushiro Ate (Rear Attack)
Osae Waza (Holding Techniques)
Kami Shiho Gatame (Upper Four Corner Hold)
Yoko Shiho Gatame (Side Four Corner Hold)
Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locking Techniques)
Ude Gaeshi (Arm Upward Turn)
Hiki Taoshi (Arm Pull Down from the Front)
Ude Hineri (Arm Twist Behind Back)
Tenkai Koto Hineri (Turning Arm Twist)
Nikkyo (Pressing Down Wrist Lock)
Goshinjutsu Waza (Self-Defense Techniques)
Forward Punch- 4
Lapel Grab- 4
Same Side Wrist Grab- 4
Two Hands on One Wrist Grab- 4
Opposite Side Wrist Grab- 4
Double Wrist Grab- 4
Strike to Forehead- 4
Front Choke- 2
Front Bear Hug, Arms Free- 2
Tameshiwari (Breaking)
1 Board with Shuto Uchi
1 Board with Teisho Uchi
1 Board with Mawashi Empi Uchi
1 Board with Yoko Geri
Terminology
All Japanese terms for the techniques required at this level and previous levels, plus:
Age (Upward)
Yoko (To or from the side)
Otoshi (Downward)
Ushiro (To or from the rear)
Gyaku (Reverse)
Ura (Turning or spinning)
Ma-ai (Distance from or to)
Kuzushi (To break the balance of)
Yonkyu (4th Kyu) Rank Requirements- Green Belt w/ 1 stripe
All Previous Rank Requirements, Plus:
Physical Fitness
Timed Run- 1/4 mile in 2 minutes
50 Sit-Ups
50 Push-Ups
Academic
Written Paper #1- 2 or more page double spaced typed paper on the benefits of studying the martial arts. Include all aspects of the “Mind, Body, and Spirit” Concept.
Service
Candidates must have at least 10 hours of community service since Gokyu.
Candidates must have at least 20 hours of teaching time since Gokyu.
Candidates must have at least 40 hours of formal training time since Gokyu.
Stances (Dachi)
Kosa Dachi (Cross-legged Stance)
Kata (Forms)
Taikyoko Nidan (First Cause #2)
Taikyoko Sandan (First Cause #3)
Heian Sandan (Peaceful Mind #3)
Kihon Waza (Basic Techniques)
Ura Tsuki (Uppercut Punch), a/k/a Uraken Shomen Uchi
Age Tsuki (Rising Punch, striking with back of fist in an upward motion)
Teisho Uke (Palm Heel Block)
Haito Uchi (Ridge Hand Strike)
Mikazuki Geri (Inside Outside Crescent Kick)
Soto Mikazuki Geri (Outside Inside Crescent Kick), a/k/a Gyaku Mikazuki Geri
Kakiwake Uke (Reverse Wedge Block)
Hiza Geri (Knee Kick)
Soto Kensui Uchi (Outside Inside Hammer Fist Strike)
Fumikomi Geri (Stamping Kick)
Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques)
Hiki Otoshi (Pulling Drop Throw)
Harai Goshi (Sweeping Hip Throw)
O Kuri Ashi Barai (Sweeping Ankle Throw)
Tomoe Nage (Stomach Throw)
Hane Goshi (Spring Hip Throw)
Uchimata (Inner Thigh Throw)
Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi (Supporting Foot Lifting Pull Throw)
Kata Guruma (Shoulder Whirl Throw)
Osae Waza (Holding Techniques)
Kuzure Kami Shiho Gatame (Modified Upper Four Corner Hold)
Tate Shiho Gatame (Vertical Four Corner Hold)
Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locking Techniques)
Sankyo (Reverse Wristlock Takedown)
Shime Waza (Choking Techniques)
Hadaka Jime (Naked Strangle/Choke)
Kata Juji Jime (Half Cross Choke)
Gyaku Juji Jime (Reverse Cross Choke)
Renraku Waza (Combination/Continuation Techniques)*
* Unless otherwise noted, all renraku waza will be conducted from both zenkutsu dachi and kokutsu dachi.
Goshinjutsu Waza (Self-Defense Techniques)
Forward Punch- 8
Lapel Grab- 6
Same Side Wrist Grab- 6
Two Hands on One Wrist Grab- 6
Opposite Side Wrist Grab- 6
Double Wrist Grab- 6
Strike to Forehead- 6
Front Choke- 4
Rear Choke- 2
Front Bear Hug, Arms Free- 4
Front Bear Hug, Arms Trapped- 2
Knife Attack from front above- 1
Knife Thrust Attack from Front- 1
Kumite (Sparring)
Ippon (1-Step), Sanbon (3-Step), and Gohon (5-Step) Kumite
Zenkutsu Dachi-
Kokutsu Dachi-
Tameshiwari (Breaking)
2 Boards with Kentsui Uchi
2 Boards with Shuto Uchi
1 Board with Teisho Uchi
1 Board with Mawashi Empi Uchi
1 Board with Yoko Geri
1 Board with Mae Geri
1 Board with Otoshi Gyaku Tsuki