Welcome to the Lewisham Shotokan Karate Centre

Karateka (people who practice karate) wear loose clothing known as a Gi (pronounced “g-ee”) and wear a belt to signify grade. Kyu grades will wear coloured belts as follows:

Beginner - White

9th Kyu - Orange

8th Kyu - Red

7th Kyu - Yellow

6th Kyu - Green

5th Kyu - Purple

4th Kyu - Purple and White

3rd Kyu - Brown

2nd Kyu - Brown and White

1st Kyu - Brown and Double White

1^st Dan (Shodan) through to 10^th Dan (Jyudan) - Black

The black belt system operates in reverse to that of the Kyu grades with 1^st Dan being the lowest and 10^th Dan the highest.

The gradings (or exams) are undertaking frequently and normally to progress to the next kyu grade is approximately every 3 to 4 months, with a 6-month period between each brown belt. A minimum level of class attendance must be achieved in order to be entered for the exam. For black belt gradings the period is longer and can only be undertaken at national or regional events which are organised by the JKAE on a regular basis.