IOSSKA YUDANSHA RANK REQUIREMENTS**

Shodan

·         Minimum of 16 years old and 3 years of training

·         Kihon Renshu and Zenshin Kotai

·         Ippon Kumites – all 17 – demonstrated with a partner

·         Seisan, Ananku, Wansu, Passai, and Gojushiho

·         Seisan (3) person renzoku  kumite and Seisan Yakosoku  kumite

·         Three minute jiyu kumite match

·         50 hours as an assistant teacher

·         Written test on the history of the Shimabukuro family

Nidan

·         Minimum of 18 years old, two years after promotion to shodan

·         All material required for shodan

·         Wanchin, and Naifanchi shodan

·         3 minute jikyu kumite match

·         Nafianchi Renzoku Kumite

·         100 hours of as an assistant teacher

·         Written test on the history of Shorin Ryu Karate

Sandan

·         Minimum of 21 years of age and three years after promotion to nidan

·         All previous material

·         Chinto, Naifanchi nidan and Tokumine no kun

·         Demonstrate (2) Renzoku kumite drills

·         150 hours as an assistant teacher or sensei of a dojo for one year

·         Demonstrates support of Seibukan on a national level

·         Written test on basic principles of Seibukan development of speed, and power

Yondan

·         Minimum of 25 years old and four years after promotion to sandan

·         Bunkai applications from each Seibukan kata – two (2) from each kata

·         Kusanku and Naifanchi sandan

·         Demonstrate a renzoku kumite drill created by the person being graded

·         200 hours as an assistant instructor or sensei of a dojo for two years

·         Demonstrated support and development of Seibukan on a national level

·         Deliver a paper explaining the theory of any Seibukan kata – history, purpose and value of the kata

        (paper must be delivered one week before the grading date)

Godan

·         Minimum of 30 years old and 5 years after promotion to yondan

·         Jion and Passai Gwa – demonstrate the difference in execution from Seibukan kata

·         Deliver a paper on any subject relative to Seibukan (Paper must be delivered one week before the grading date)

·         300 hours of teaching as an assistant instructor or dojo sensei for five years

·         Demonstrated the ability to train others to the levels of yudansha

·         Demonstrated the support and development of Seibukan on a national and international basis

Rokyudan

·         Minimum of 36 years old and 6 years between promotion to godan

·         A proven dojo sensei or proven leader of other yudansha in a chartered Seibukan Dojo

·         Demonstrated the ability to develop yudansha to a higher grade levels

·         Visited and trained in Okinawa a minimum of 2 times

·         Teaches on a national level to Seibukan members

·         Pinan Kata

·         Perform (2) Seibukan Kata of choice

** The above requirements are subject to change at the discretion of Hanshi Dan Smith and the Seibukan USA Chief Instructors .  Check with your dojo Sensei for any additional requirements or necessary information.