As students progress their belt colour changes, reflecting an increasing level of proficiency across the various elements of Karate. SKIA has the following belt system:
| Belt | Rank | Training Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
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10th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Shodan (first basic Kata) Gohon Kumite (five-step Kumite) |
| 9th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Shodan (first basic Kata) Gohon Kumite (five-step Kumite) |
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8th Kyu |
Basic Kihon Heian Nidan (second basic Kata) Sanbon Kumite (three-step Kumite) |
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7th Kyu |
Basic Kihon Heian Sandan (third basic Kata) Sanbon Kumite (three-step Kumite) |
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6th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Yondan (fourth basic Kata) Kihon-Ippon Kumite (basic one-step Kumite) |
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5th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Godan (fifth basic Kata) Kihon-Ippon Kumite (basic one-step Kumite) |
| 4th Kyu | Basic Kihon Tekki Shodan (first advanced Kata) Kihon-Ippon Kumite (basic one-step Kumite) |
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3rd Kyu | Advanced Kihon Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Empi (brown belt Kata) Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (advanced one-step Kumite) |
| 2nd Kyu | Advanced Kihon Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Empi (brown belt Kata) Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (advanced one-step Kumite) |
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| 1st Kyu | Advanced Kihon Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Empi (brown belt Kata) Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (advanced one-step Kumite) |
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| 1st Dan | Advanced Kihon Jitte, Tekki Nidan, Bassai-sho, Kanku-sho, Hangetsu, Gankaku (black belt Kata) Jiyu Kumite (free-fighting) |
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| 2nd Dan | Advanced Kihon Tekki Sandan, Sochin, Ji'in, Chinte, Nijushiho (black belt Kata) Jiyu Kumite (free-fighting) |
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| 3rd Dan | Impromptu Kihon and Kumite Meikyo, Unsu, Wankan, Gojushiho-dai, Gojushiho-sho (black belt Kata) |
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| 4th Dan and beyond | Impromptu Kihon and Kumite Additional Kata, including Seienchin, Seipai, Gankaku-sho and Nijuhachiho |
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Note that all Dan Gradings are conducted by SKIF accredited examiners and are recognised by SKIF affiliates worldwide.