We have a unique approach to grading across all our classes at Foundation that is being refined and developed as we grow. Our grading process allows us to recognise and reward progression where necessary and support all of our students.
For our Kids and Juniors students we monitor attendance and when they reach 20 consecutive classes we flag them for assessment.
The initial assessments are based on grading criteria and the professional judgement of our instructors. We will observe and challenge students where necessary testing their knowledge and application. If we feel a student is ready then we award them their grade at the next available opportunity.
As our Junior students progress further towards advanced juniors grades we ask more of them in terms of training time, discipline and responsibility. This transition helps prepare them for the more demanding aspects of becoming an Advanced Junior student.
10th Mon (Green/White Belt) is also the first opportunity students will have to start their coaching Journey. This includes opportunities to gain formal coaching qualifications through our work with the Leadership Skills Foundation
Adult and Advanced Junior students have a more demanding grading process as the expectation we place on them increases.
We have formal gradings at set dates throughout the year. This is a much more traditional process with Adult and Advanced Junior students being tested individually through a closed assessment in front of instructors.
Kids Class Grading Structure
| Kids Grade | Belt Colour |
|---|---|
| 1st Kai / Ichi Kai | White / Red Stripe |
| 2nd Kai / Ni Kai | White / Yellow Stripe |
| 3rd Kai / San Kai | White / Orange Stripe |
| 4th Kai / Yon Kai | White / Green Stripe |
| 5th Kai / Go Kai | White / Blue Stripe |
| 6th Kai / Roku Kai | White / Purple Stripe |
| 7th Kai /Shichi Kai | White / Brown Stripe |
| 8th Kai /Hachi Kai | White / Black Stripe |
Juniors Class Grading Structure
| Juniors Grade | Belt Colour |
|---|---|
| 1st Mon / Ichi Mon | Red / White Stripe |
| 2nd Mon / Ni Mon | Red |
| 3rd Mon / San Mon | Red / Black Stripe |
| 4th Mon / Yon Mon | Yellow / White Stripe |
| 5th Mon / Go Mon | Yellow |
| 6th Mon / Roku Mon | Yellow / Black Stripe |
| 7th Mon / Shichi Mon | Orange / White Stripe |
| 8th Mon / Hachi Mon | Orange |
| 9th Mon / Ku Mon | Orange Black Stripe |
Advanced Juniors Class Grading Structure
| Advanced Juniors Grade | Belt Colour |
|---|---|
| 10th Mon / Jū Mon | Green / White Stripe |
| 11th Mon / Jūichi Mon | Green |
| 12th Mon / Jūni Mon | Green / Black Stripe |
| 13th Mon / Jūsan Mon | Blue / White Stripe |
| 14th Mon / Jūsuhi Mon | Blue |
| 15th Mon / Jūgo Mon | Blue / Black Stripe |
| 16th Mon / Jūroku Mon | Purple |
| 17th Mon / Jūshichi Mon | Purple / Black Stripe |
| 18th Mon / Jūhachi Mon | Brown |
| 19th Mon / Jūku Mon | Brown / Black Stripe |
| 20th Mon / Nijū Mon | Black / Red Stripe |
Adults Class Grading Structure
| Adult Grade | Belt Colour |
|---|---|
| 10th Kyu / Jukkyū | White |
| 9th Kyu / Kyūkyū | Red |
| 8th Kyu / Hachikyu | Yellow |
| 7th Kyu / Nanakyū | Orange |
| 6th Kyu / Rokkyū | Green |
| 5th Kyu / Gokyū | Blue |
| 4th Kyu / Yonkyū | Purple |
| 3rd Kyu / Sankyū | Brown |
| 2nd Kyu / Nikyū | Brown |
| 1st Kyu / Ikkyū | Brown |
| 1st Dan / Shodan | Black |