The Ishinryu Karate Journey
The Ishinryu Karate journey starts from White belt (or 9th Kyu) and progresses through to black belt (your first level black belt also being known as your 1st dan or shodan). As with all martial arts, Karate is a way of life, and the journey is one of a life time of continuous learning and development.
It will require years to achieve your 1st black belt (or Shodan) and will represent the culmination of effort, skill and determination. Achieving your Shodan will also be the opening of a new chapter to a whole new book and you will realise that your journey has only just begun.
Students will be notified if they are eligible to grade. Students may also ask if the sensei thinks they are ready to grade.
The below are the Ishinryu Karate SF grades and a guideline for the minimum time between grades.
White belt (9th kyu)
Beginner
red belt (8th Kyu)
3 months or 10 classes
Yellow Belt (7th Kyu)
3 months or 10 classes
Orange Belt (6th Kyu)
3 months or 10 classes
Green Belt (5th Kyu)
3 months or 20 classes
Purple Belt (4th Kyu)
3 months or 30 classes
Blue Belt (3rd Kyu)
6 months or 40 classes
Brown (2nd Kyu)
6 months or 50 classes
Brown (1st Kyu)
6 months or 50 classes
Black (1st Dan)
1 year or 100 classes
Dojo Rules
Please remember that being taught is a privilege and not a right.
All students must:
Show respect at all times.
Arrive 5 mins before class start time.
For safety reasons please remove all jewelry (incl. watches, rings, necklaces, armbands etc).
For personal hygiene reasons please cover / bandage any open wounds or injuries.
Bow when entering the dojo and when stepping on or off the dojo floor.
Remove their shoes when stepping on the dojo floor.
Clean the dojo floor after training.
Participate in all activities to the best of their ability.
Bow and sit in a kneeling position until instructed to join the class if the class is already in session.
Request permission to leave the dojo floor if the class is already in session.
Leave the dojo floor and/or the dojo completely if instructed for any reason.
Must not teach any other person outside of the dojo any of the techniques or strategies learned in the dojo.