Yellow Belt (7th Kyu)

• The student completes all of the required techniques correctly and independently.
• The student performs their techniques to a consistently high standard, with good preparation, stances, finishing positions and targets.
• The student demonstrates good speed, power and timing.
• The student is beginning to demonstrate good body dynamics, including appropriate hip rotation, with the hips closing on punches and opening on blocks.
• The student remains focused and demonstrates good intensity throughout their techniques.
• The overall performance is standout and above the standard normally expected at this grade.

• The student completes Heian Nidan correctly and independently.
• The student demonstrates a consistently good understanding and development of the movements.
• The student demonstrates five or six of the following qualities, one of which must be Technique:
  • Technique: movements, stances, preparations and targets are performed correctly and to a good standard.
  • Dynamics: the body is used effectively to generate movement and power, with good balance and transitions from one technique to the next in a fluid and efficient manner.
  • Eye direction: the student looks in the correct direction and uses their eyes appropriately before or with each movement.
  • Timing: the Kata is performed with appropriate rhythm, timing and transitions between movements.
  • Kime: techniques are completed with clear focus, energy and intent.
  • Zanshin: the student maintains awareness, concentration, posture and readiness throughout and at the end of the Kata.
• The overall performance is standout and above the standard normally expected at this grade.

• The student completes their five-step sparring correctly and independently.
• The student demonstrates five or six of the following qualities:
  • Aim: attacks and counterattacks are directed towards the correct target.
  • Distance: the student maintains an appropriate distance from their partner.
  • Pressure: the student moves with commitment and positive intent towards their partner.
  • Control: techniques are performed safely and with appropriate control.
  • Timing: attacks, blocks and counterattacks are performed at the appropriate moment.
  • Technique: attacks, blocks, stances and counterattacks are performed correctly.
• The student remains focused, engaged and controlled throughout.
• The overall performance is standout and above the standard normally expected at this grade.

• The student completes the required techniques correctly and independently.
• The student demonstrates mostly good, developed technique.
• The student shows some good preparation, stances, finishing positions and targets.
• The student demonstrates some good speed, power and timing, although these may not always be consistent.
• The student begins to demonstrate appropriate hip rotation on some techniques.
• The student is generally focused.
• The overall performance is clearly good and above the standard normally expected at this grade.

• The student completes Heian Nidan correctly and independently.
• The student demonstrates a good understanding and development of the movements, although some areas may still be inconsistent.
• The student demonstrates three or four of the following qualities:
  • Technique
  • Dynamics
  • Eye direction
  • Timing
  • Kime
  • Zanshin
• The overall performance is clearly good and above the standard normally expected at this grade.

• The student completes their five-step sparring correctly and independently.
• The student demonstrates three or four of the following qualities:
  • Aim
  • Distance
  • Pressure
  • Control
  • Timing
  • Technique
• The student demonstrates good engagement with their partner.
• Some areas may still be inconsistent, but the overall performance is clearly good and above the standard normally expected at this grade.

• The student completes the required techniques independently and at an acceptable standard for the grade.
• The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the correct techniques, stances and movements.
• Their preparation, targeting, speed, power or timing may still be basic or inconsistent.
• Hip rotation may be limited or inconsistent.
• The student may receive an individual correction where a weakness has been identified.
• The overall performance meets the standard normally expected from a student grading for Yellow Belt.

The student achieves a Credit by meeting either of the following standards:

• The student completes Heian Nidan correctly and independently and demonstrates one or two of the following qualities:
  • Technique
  • Dynamics
  • Eye direction
  • Timing
  • Kime
  • Zanshin

OR

• The student makes a serious error during their initial independent performance but subsequently completes Heian Nidan correctly after the error has been explained and a further attempt is given.

The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the Kata at the standard expected for the grade.

• The student completes their five-step sparring correctly and independently.
• The student demonstrates one or two of the following qualities at a good standard:
  • Aim
  • Distance
  • Pressure
  • Control
  • Timing
  • Technique
• The remaining areas may still be basic or inconsistent.
• The student demonstrates an acceptable level of engagement and control with their partner.
• The overall performance meets the standard normally expected from a student grading for Yellow Belt.

The student is unable to complete the required techniques correctly after their initial attempt and the two permitted further attempts.

The student is unable to complete Heian Nidan correctly after their initial independent attempt and the two permitted further attempts.

The student is unable to complete the required five-step sparring correctly after their initial attempt and the two permitted further attempts.