Shodan- Black Belt Test Requirements
 

Physical Requirements (Minimum) 5 mile run, 500 sit-ups, 500 push-ups, 500 kicks (round, front, side, back)

I. Be of Good Moral Character

Understand and adhere to the traditions of Karate-Do teachings. Possess and display the moralities of Karate-Do.

II. Karate Kotoba

Written test of all previous language requirements, understand and be able to explain:

III. Kata with Speed, Power, Focus
 
Kihon Kata
Ippon
Nihon
Sanbon
Fukyu Kata
Dai Ichi
Dai Ni
Dai San
Fukyu No Kata
Naihanchi Kata
Ichidan
Nidan
Sandan
Pinan
Shodan
Nidan
Sandan
Yondan
Godan
Passai Sho Passai Dai
Kusanku Sho Chinto
 

IV. Bunkai For all Kihon, Fukyu, Taiyoku, Naihanchi, Pinan, and Passai Kata, and Kusanku Sho Kata

V. Yotsu Kado No Renshu (Ichibanme - Nijubanme)

VI. Te Waza from all previous tests

VII. Geri Waza

VIII. Te To Uke To Shi Waza

IX. Empi Waza Dai Ichi & Dai Ni Plus Bunkai

X. Shuto Waza & Bunkai

XI. Ukemi Waza

XII. All Kihon, Kaeshi, Jiyu, and Tanren Kumite

XIII. Bag Work for Power, Speed, Technique

XIV. Jiyu Kumite

Close Pursuit
All Hands (Plus chops and Elbows)
All Kicks
Combinations of Both
Jamming
 
Side Stepping
Sweeping
Counter Moves 
 
 

XV. Jumping Kicks
Jumping Front Kick
Flying Side Kick
Jumping Spinning Round Kick
Jumping Spinning Back Kick
 
Jump Spinning Crescent Kick
Jump Spinning Round Kick
Jump Spinning Heel Kick
 

XVI. Board Breaking (Evidence of Power)

XVII. Grabbing Techniques

XVIII. Attitude

XIX. Free Fighting (1-1;2-1;3-1;4-1)

XX. Self Defense Techniques

Handed in one week before test
 
12 for Sodan 18 for Nidan 24 for Sandan

XX. Written Tests (Selected Topics)

Handed in two weeks before test
 
Shodan - 10 pages Nidan - 12 pages
Sandan - 15 pages Yondan - 20 pages
Godan - 25 pages Rokudan - Karate Thesis - 100 pages