Getting Ready For Your First Grading

 

Prior to your grading, it is recommended that you attend training twice per week (more if you have the opportunity). Ideally, you need to be at a stage where you can perform your moves without having to think about what you are doing. This is because most people are quite nervous about grading and if you have to think about what you are doing, your nervousness may take a stronger grip. The real secret to grading, as with any other sport is practise, practise, practise. Carefully study the grading syllabus (you can find it inside the Ruach Members area of the web site) and cover all the points so that your body can physically cope with the demands that you are putting on it.

Hot Tips!
Get outside of your comfort zone. Go to some of the other Ruach Karate Clubs where you don't usually train. A change of environment will help you to experience training differently with people that you have not met before because this may happen with your grading.

Partner some one who you would not normally partner. Your best bet by far is to team up with a black belt on some exercises if you can. People outside of Karate would think this insane...but in fact this is the best thing that you can do because you will be perfectly safe as they are trained to look after you as a lower grade. Ask them to help you with your strong and weak points. Don't be afraid, get with the highest grade you can who is about the same size as you; they will help you to build your confidence.

 

What do you need to bring to the grading?

1. WKA License- if you have not already handed it in prior to the grading. Make sure you have filled it in correctly and signed your license and that it is up to date.
2. Attendance Book - Sensei will need to see this so that he can see how frequently you train and make judgments on your performance.
2. Grading Permission slip- When the grading dates are announced, your Sensei will give you a permission slip and sign it to say that you are ready for your grading. This is usually given back to your Sensei 1 week before the grading session.
3. Safety Equipment - By now you should have a pair of mitts, a groin guard and a gum shield. Bring everything.
4. The Grading Fee - You will need to pay for your grading on the day. A table will be set up where you hand in your WKA license together with your grading fee.
5. A drink - It's important to keep yourself hydrated. It might be an idea to bring some extra cash to buy yourself a drink.

 

What time should I be there and what should I do?
Always get there between 30-15 minutes before grading begins. You will need time to register and get warmed up. Grading is not like a normal training session. You will not line up or do a warm up beforehand so everything is up to you.

Hot Tip!
Do your warm up exercises and work through your syllabus and Kata. The best place to do this is in the centre of the dojo not in a quite place tucked away in a corner. This is because your grading will take place in the centre of the Dojo so get used to it as soon as you can. If you hide yourself away in a corner to practise and then you have to perform in the centre of the Dojo later, your nerves may get the better of you.

Make sure you have eaten at least 2 hours before the grading so your body has time to process that valuable energy. Don't eat chocolate or sweets as because they will give you only a temporary energy rush that will not last.

What Happens?

When you get to the grading you are on your own to a certain degree:

1. Register: Go to the registration table to hand in your license and grading fee.
2. Do your own warm up: Make sure you have warmed up each muscle group as you do at the beginning of a normal class. Do not run around the dojo as you might injure someone or indeed yourself. Have respect for everyone else because they will be nervous too.
3. Practise: Find a space in the middle of the dojo so you get used to the nerves and practise your grading syllabus and Kata. Just keep on going through it over and over again.
4. Grading Begins: Before we start, Sensei always has a little chat with everyone to reassure you and remind you what is going to happen. Everyone is asked to move to the perimeter the Dojo so that centre stage is left clear for grading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When will you be called?
Sensei usually begins with the Orange belts first so that you as a white belt will know what to do when you are called for your grading. However, don't ever worry because on all of your gradings, Sensei will always show you what to do as in the picture below he is instructing the Yellow Belts what to do next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do when your name is called

1. When you here your name stand up, bow to Sensei and say "oss" (yes in Japanese). Sensei will tell you where to stand and other people will be called to stand next to you. Don't worry you will not be on your own. When Sensei has called up all of the students that are grading in this section he will begin (see your syllabus page).

2. Begin: All gradings begin with downward block. The first thing he will do is ask you to step forward and make Gedan Barrai which you always step forward with your left leg blocking with your left arm.

3. Kihon: You will do all your basics, normally 4 of each technique going forwards and backwards (Punches and blocks etc).

4. Kata: Everyone in your group will be called to stand to face Sensei to perform Kihon Kata. Everyone will perform it at the same time. (Don't watch the others because they may get it wrong! Just be totally focussed on what you have to do)

5. Kumite: You will be given a partner of about the same size as yourself to demonstrate your 5 step sparring consisting of punches and blocks.

6. Finished: Sensei will then ask you to bow then to sit down.

7. Relax: That's it, your part is complete! Sensei will call up the other groups ascending in grade order. This is your chance to practise your observational skills and learn from the higher grades. Now is a time for respect because other people around you are getting ready to grade so please sit still and quiet while they are preparing themselves.

8. Feedback: When everyone has completed their grading you will all be asked to gather around Sensei at the main table. Sensei will speak to every person individually so when you name is called simply raise your hand and say "Oss Sensei". He will then give you feedback on your performance and go through what you can improve upon then he will announce your grade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9: Presentations: When everyone has received their feedback you will be called up to be presented with your new belt, grade certificate and your license will be returned. Sensei will shake your hand and then you are free to leave the Dojo.

Overall, grading is an enjoyable experience. The only reason to be nervous is if you do not know your syllabus so take the time to practise, practise, practise.

"OSS"
Good luck from us all

 

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