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Yudansha Promotion Requirements

Probationary Black Belt

Minimum time in grade - 1 year
Shodan Ho- One year probationary black belt. Thesis, written test, five mile run followed by one-half hour Shiko Dachi, all kumite sets and kata up to this rank, board breaking, strength and conditioning, followed by Sanchin kata.

Black Belt 1st degree

Minimum time in grade - 2 years
Shodan- Karate ka must continue hard training and contribute to the dojo and set a fine example to all other karate ka's. If karate ka does not live up to their obligations, Shodan Ho rank will be revoked.

Black Belt 2nd degree

Minimum time in grade - 3 years
Nidan- Tensho kata and bunkai

Black Belt 3rd degree

Minimum time in grade - 4 years
Sandan- Sepai kata and bunkai

Black Belt 4th degree

Minimum time in grade - 5 years
Yondan - Shisochin kata and bunkai

Black Belt 5th degree

Minimum time in grade - 6 years
Godan -Seisan kata and bunkai

Black Belt 6th degree

Minimum time in grade - 7 years
Rokudan (Renshi) - Kururunfa kata and bunkai

The following will be based upon excellence as an instructor and contributions to karate-do. These ranks will come from Okinawa, based upon Sensei Labbate's recommendation:

Black Belt 7th degree

Minimum time in grade - 8 years
Shichidan (Kyoshi) - Supairenpei kata and bunkai

Black Belt 8th degree

Hachidan (Kyoshi)

Black Belt 9th degree

Kudan (Hanshi)

Black Belt 10th degree

Judan (Hanshi)