Yellow Belt (7th Kyu)

The student completes the techniques independently.

The student performs their techniques to a high standard. Their movements are consistently developed, powerful, fast and with good timing.

The student is beginning to demonstrate body dynamics when performing their techniques. For example, their hips are closed when punching, and open when blocking.

The student is focused and demonstrates intensity within their moves.

The student completes their kata independently.

The student must demonstrate a good understanding of movements within the kata, each must be consistently fully developed and performed to the correct target.

The student must demonstrate four or more of the following criteria, one of which must be technique:

• Technique: movements performed correctly to a high standard. They are clear, fully developed, and consistent.
• Dynamics: movements are performed sharply with good balance. The transitions between moves are completed with correct muscle engagement.
• Eye direction: the kata is performed with the student looking in the correct direction and engaging their eyes before each move.
• Timing: the kata is performed with the correct timing and tempo for each move or group of moves.
• Kime: the student matches their breathing to each technique to tense the body and generate maximum power.
• Zanshin: the student is totally focused; each move has intent, and the kata is performed with intensity.

The student completes their sparring independently.

The student demonstrates a high level of form, with consistent speed, power, and timing.

The student is fully engaged with their partner, they consistently maintain good distance, targeting, and eye contact.

The student demonstrates focus, intent, and intensity whilst maintaining good control.

The student completes the techniques independently.

The student demonstrates mostly good, developed form with some power, speed, and timing.

The student is generally focused.

The student completes their kata independently.

The student must demonstrate a basic understanding of movements within the kata. Some of their movements are fully developed and performed to the correct target.

The student must demonstrate up to three of the following criteria:

• Technique: movements performed correctly to a high standard. They are clear, fully developed, and consistent.
• Dynamics: movements are performed sharply with good balance. The transitions between moves are completed with correct muscle engagement.
• Eye direction: the kata is performed with the student looking in the correct direction and engaging their eyes before each move.
• Timing: the kata is performed with the correct timing and tempo for each move or group of moves.
• Kime: the student matches their breathing to each technique to tense the body and generate maximum power.
• Zanshin: the student is totally focused; each move has intent, and the kata is performed with intensity.

The student completes their sparring independently.

The student demonstrates good form, with some power, speed, and timing.

The student demonstrates consistent engagement with their partner through correct distancing, targeting, and eye contact.

The student completes the required techniques with minor support.

The student demonstrates a basic understanding of form.

The student completes their kata to count without assistance, with the correct techniques in the correct order in the correct directions.

The student demonstrates a basic level of technical proficiency in their kata.

The student completes their sparring independently.

The student demonstrates a basic understanding of form.

The student demonstrates basic levels of engagement with the partner. They maintain the correct distance, target , and eye contact.

The student cannot complete the techniques they are asked to demonstrate with support after three attempts.

The student cannot complete their kata with support after three attempts.

The student cannot complete their sparring with support after three attempts.