Your Progress, Not Just Your Belt

Belt tests at Grey Duck Karate aren’t about being perfect or comparing yourself to someone else.

They’re an opportunity to show what you’ve learned, demonstrate your progress, and take on your next challenge.

As you advance, we look for growth in three major areas:

Kata — movement, technique, balance, power, and understanding
Kihon — strong fundamentals and increasingly effective body mechanics
Kumite — applying karate safely and effectively with another person

Expectations increase gradually. Beginners are learning what to do. Intermediate students begin understanding how it works. Advanced students are expected to demonstrate why it works and adapt their karate to their own bodies.

Your instructors will help you prepare. You don't have to figure it out alone.

  • Start Here

    Your first goal is simple: get comfortable in the dojo and learn the fundamentals of karate etiquette and movement.

    What We're Looking For

    Understand basic dojo etiquette, your training uniform, and basic commands. Learn how to bow, stand in shizentai, tie your belt, and perform a basic punch with hikite.

    Examination

    1. Tie your belt correctly without assistance.

    2. Stand in bowing position and shizentai.

    3. Demonstrate a proper bow.

    4. Give the commands to bow to the front, the instructors, and each other clearly and correctly.

    5. Demonstrate a basic punch with hikite (pulling hand).

    Focus: Listen, learn, ask questions, and get comfortable training.

  • Build Your Foundation

    Now individual techniques start becoming karate. We're looking for basic balance, posture, stability, stances, and an awareness of distance and timing.

    Kata

    1. Perform Taikyoku Shodan from beginning to end without assistance.

    Kihon

    1. forward Lower Sweep

    2. backward Lower Sweep

    3. forward Step-In Punch

    4. backward Step-In Punch

    5. forward Rising Block

    6. backward Rising Block

    Kumite

    Single-Arm Grab & Escape — with a partner

    Defender starts from Standing Position (Shizentai).

    1. Attacker grabs the defender's left wrist. Defender performs a Lower Sweep and pulls the arm back, using the sweeping arm to escape the grasp.

    Change roles & repeat other direction.

    1. Repeat the sequence with the defender stepping backward and using Rising Block.

    Focus: Balance, posture, stance depth, hikite, distance, and timing.

  • Add More Tools

    Your karate vocabulary starts growing. You'll add new hand techniques and kicks while learning to coordinate them with your movement.

    Kata

    1. Perform Heian Shodan without assistance.

    2. Demonstrate Movement #4—the pull & strike—with a partner.

    Kihon

    1. forward Step-In Punch (chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block

    3. forward Outside Block

    4. backward Inside Block

    5. forward Knife-Hand Block

    6. forward Front Kick (chudan)

    7. forward Roundhouse Kick (chudan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg)

    Kumite

    Sanbon Kumite — 3-step sequence with a partner

    Attacker starts from Downward Block (left leg forward). Defender starts from Standing Position (Shizentai).

    1. Attacker: Step-In Punch (head) 3x forward

      Defender: Rising Block (backwards) / Reverse Punch after last block

    Change roles & repeat other direction.

    1. Repeat the sequence with the attacker punching the stomach and the defender stepping back and blocking with Outside Block.

    Focus: Stable stances, posture, hikite, coil and recoil in kicks, distance, and timing..

  • Connect Your Movement

    At this level, techniques should begin feeling connected instead of like a series of separate movements.

    Kata

    1. Perform Heian Nidan.

    2. Demonstrate the practical application (Bunkai) from the first three moves of Heian Nidan with a partner.

    Kihon

    1. forward Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Reverse Punch (chudan)

    3. forward Outside Block / Reverse Punch (chudan)

    4. backward Inside Block / Reverse Punch (chudan)

    5. forward Knife Hand Block

    6. forward Front Kick (chudan)

    7. forward Roundhouse Kick (chudan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg)

    Kumite

    Sanbon Kumite — 3-step sequence with a partner

    Attacker starts from Downward Block (left leg forward). Defender starts from Standing Position (Shizentai).

    1. Attacker: Step-In Punch (head) 3x forward

      Defender: Rising Block (backwards) / Reverse Punch after last block

    Change roles & repeat other direction.

    1. Repeat the sequence with the attacker punching the stomach and the defender stepping back and blocking with Outside Block.

    Focus: Connect stepping and hip rotation to your arm techniques while improving posture, accuracy, coordination, and kick control.

  • Use Your Whole Body

    Knowing the technique is no longer enough. Now we're looking more closely at how your body creates it.

    Kata

    1. Perform Heian Sandan.

    2. Demonstrate 1 Bunkai sequence (student's choice) from the above kata with a partner.

    Kihon

    1. forward Triple Punch (jodan-chudan-chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Reverse Punch (chudan)

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike (kiba-dachi)

    4. backward Knife Hand Block / Nukite (chudan)

    5. forward Inside Block / Reverse Punch (chudan)

    6. forward Double Front Kicks (back leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kicks (back leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg)

    Kumite

    Ippon Kumite — attacker gedan barai / defender shizentai / no shifting

    Block/counter against:

    1. Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. Step-In Punch (chudan)

    3. Front Kick (chudan)

    Focus: Structure, posture, stance transitions, accurate preparation, speed, timing, and coordinated counterattacks.

  • Add Speed Without Losing Control

    Your karate should become faster and more dynamic while maintaining good structure.

    Kata

    1. Perform Heian Yondan.

    2. Demonstrate 1 Bunkai sequence (student's choice) from the above kata with a partner.

    Kihon

    1. forward Triple Punch (jodan-chudan-chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Reverse Punch

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike / Back-Fist Strike

    4. backward Knife Hand Block / (front leg) Front Kick / (step down) Knife-Hand Strike (jodan)

    5. forward Inside Block / Reverse Punch

    6. forward Double Front Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg)

    9. forward Back Thrust Kick

    10. forward Front Kick (back leg) / Roundhouse Kick (back leg) / Reverse Punch

    Kumite

    Ippon Kumite — attacker gedan barai / defender shizentai / no shifting

    Block/counter against:

    1. Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. Step-In Punch (chudan)

    3. Front Kick (chudan)

    Jiyu Ippon Kumite — both shifting in fighting stance

    Block/counter:

    1. (shift in) Jab (jodan)

    2. (shift in) Reverse Punch (chudan)

    Focus: Speed, power, targeting, body dynamics, smooth transitions, and control.iption

  • Make It Effective

    Correct technique is the starting point. Now we're looking for purpose, power, structure, and direction.

    Kata

    1. Perform Heian Godan.

    2. Demonstrate 1 Bunkai sequence (student's choice) from the above kata with a partner.

    Kihon

    1. forward Triple Punch (jodan-chudan-chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Reverse Punch

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike / Back-Fist Strike

    4. backward Knife Hand Block / (front leg) Front Kick / (step down) Nukite

    5. forward Inside Block / Reverse Punch

    6. forward Double Front Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg)

    9. forward Back Thrust Kick

    10. forward Front Kick (back leg) / Roundhouse Kick (back leg) / Reverse Punch

    Kumite

    Ippon Kumite — attacker gedan barai / defender shizentai / no shifting

    Block/counter against:

    1. Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. Step-In Punch (chudan)

    3. Front Kick (chudan)

    4. Roundhouse Kick (chudan)

    Jiyu Ippon Kumite — shifting in fighting stance

    Block/counter against:

    1. (shift in) Jab (jodan)

    2. (shift in) Reverse Punch (chudan)

    Focus: Integrate body dynamics and structure to generate increasingly effective power.

  • Refine What You've Built

    Brown belt begins the finishing stage before black belt. The building blocks—posture, stance, structure, and body dynamics—should become increasingly dependable.

    Techniques should move beyond simply being accurate toward being strong, controlled, and effective.

    Kata

    1. Perform Tekki Shodan.

    2. Demonstrate 1 Bunkai sequence (student's choice) from the above kata.

    Kihon

    1. forward Triple Punch (jodan-chudan-chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Front Kick (front leg) / Reverse Punch

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike / Back-Fist / Reverse Punch

    4. backward Knife Hand Block / (front leg) Front Kick / Nukite

    5. forward Inside Block / Reverse Punch

    6. forward Double Front Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg) / Step-In Punch

    9. forward Back Thrust Kick

    10. forward Front Kick / Roundhouse Kick (same leg) / Step-In Punch

    11. forward Roundhouse Kick / Back Thrust / Reverse Punch

    12. in place Front Kick / Side Snap (same leg / both sides)

    Kumite

    Jiyu Ippon Kumite — shifting in fighting stance

    Block/counter against:

    1. Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. Step-In Punch (chudan)

    3. Front Kick (chudan)

    4. Roundhouse Kick (chudan)

    5. Side Kick (front leg / chudan)

    6. (shift in) Jab (jodan)

    7. (shift in) Reverse Punch (chudan)

    Focus: Speed, power, control, stability, directional force, distance, timing, and zanshin.

  • Understand Your Karate

    At this level, you should increasingly understand and be able to explain the principles behind what you're doing—not simply reproduce the movement.

    Kata

    1. Perform Sentei Kata.

    2. Demonstrate 1 Bunkai sequence (student's choice) from the above kata.

    Kihon

    1. forward (step forward) Triple Punch (jodan-chudan-chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Front Kick (front leg) / Reverse Punch

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike / Back-Fist / Reverse Punch

    4. backward Knife Hand Block / (front leg) Front Kick / Nukite

    5. forward Inside Block / Jab (same arm)

    6. forward Double Front Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg) / Step-In Punch

    9. forward Back Thrust Kick / Reverse Punch

    10. forward Front Kick / Roundhouse Kick (same leg) / Step-In Punch

    11. forward Roundhouse Kick / Back Thrust / Reverse Punch

    12. in place Front Kick / Side Snap / Side Thrust (same leg / both sides)

    Kumite

    Jiyu Ippon Kumite — shifting in fighting stance

    Block/counter against:

    1. Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. Step-In Punch (chudan)

    3. Front Kick (chudan)

    4. Roundhouse Kick (chudan)

    5. Side Kick (front leg / chudan)

    6. (shift in) Jab (jodan)

    7. (shift in) Reverse Punch (chudan)

    Focus: Increased speed, power, control, stability, body awareness, and understanding.

  • Prepare for Black Belt

    This is the final kyu level before Shodan.

    Major structural problems should be disappearing. Your karate should demonstrate speed, power, control, adaptability, and effectiveness appropriate to your individual body.

    Kata

    1. Perform Sentei Kata.

    2. Demonstrate 1 Bunkai sequence (student's choice) from the above kata.

    Kihon

    1. forward (shift forward) Jab / (step forward) Triple Punch (jodan-chudan-chudan)

    2. backward Rising Block / Front Kick (front leg) / Reverse Punch

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike / Back-Fist / Reverse Punch

    4. backward Knife Hand Block / (front leg) Front Kick / Nukite

    5. forward Inside Block / Jab (same arm) / Reverse Punch

    6. forward Double Front Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kicks (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Side Kick (front leg) / Step-In Punch

    9. forward Back Thrust Kick / Reverse Punch

    10. forward Front Kick / Roundhouse Kick (same leg) / Step-In Punch

    11. forward Roundhouse Kick / Back Thrust / Reverse Punch

    12. in place Front Kick / Side Snap / Side Thrust / Back Thrust (same leg / both sides)

    Kumite

    Jiyu Ippon Kumite — shifting in fighting stance

    Block/counter against:

    1. Step-In Punch (jodan)

    2. Step-In Punch (chudan)

    3. Front Kick (chudan)

    4. Roundhouse Kick (chudan)

    5. Side Kick (front leg / chudan)

    6. Back Kick (chudan)

    7. (shift in) Jab (jodan)

    8. (shift in) Reverse Punch (chudan)

    Focus: Proficiency, effectiveness, adaptability, and putting all the pieces together.

  • Advanced Training Begins

    Black belt isn't the finish line.

    Shodan represents a student who has developed a strong foundation in karate's physical techniques and a growing understanding of the principles behind them.

    You should be able to perform karate, understand karate, and begin making karate your own.

    What We're Looking For

    Kata

    Demonstrate proficiency in four primary technical elements:

    • Form

    • Body Dynamics

    • Power

    • Transition

    You should also demonstrate a functional understanding of the bunkai principles within your chosen kata.

    Kihon

    Consistently demonstrate:

    • Rotation

    • Vibration

    • Shifting and stepping

    • Whole-body integration

    • Speed and power

    • Structure and balance

    • Control

    Kumite

    Show continuous engagement using karate techniques rather than uncontrolled fighting.

    We're looking for combinations, strategy, forward and backward movement, lateral movement, tai sabaki, distance, timing, and the ability to deliver controlled techniques safely.

    Examination

    Kata

    1. Perform one Sentei Kata: Bassai Dai, Jion, Enpi, or Kanku Dai.

    2. Demonstrate one bunkai sequence of your choice from that kata.

    3. Perform a kata selected by the examiner from Heian Shodan through Tekki Shodan.

    Kihon

    1. forward Shift Forward Jab / Step Forward Triple Punch

    2. backward Rising Block / Front-Leg Front Kick / Reverse Punch

    3. forward Outside Block / Elbow Strike / Back-Fist Strike / Reverse Punch

    4. backward Knife-Hand Block / Front-Leg Front Kick / Step Down / Knife-Hand Strike (neck level)

    5. forward Inside Block / Front-Leg Front Kick + Same-Arm Jab / Reverse Punch

    6. forward Double Front Kick (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    7. forward Double Roundhouse Kick (front leg chudan / back leg jodan)

    8. forward Step Up with Back Leg / Front-Leg Side Kick / Step-In Punch

    9. forward Back Thrust / Reverse Punch

    10. forward Back-Leg Front Kick / Same-Leg Roundhouse Kick / Step-In Punch

    11. forward Roundhouse Kick / Back-Leg Back Thrust / Back-Fist Strike / Reverse Punch

    12. in place Front Kick / Side Snap / Side Thrust / Roundhouse Kick / Back Kick / Crane Kick

    Kumite

    1. Offensive Sparring — examinee attacks; partner defends

    2. Defensive Sparring — partner attacks; examinee defends

    3. Jiyu Kumite — free sparring

    Alternatives may be used for students age 50+ or students with physical limitations. description

What Are We Really Testing?

A belt test isn't just a checklist of techniques.

As you progress, we're looking for growth in:

Technique — Can you perform the movement?
Structure — Can you maintain posture and alignment?
Movement — Can your body work together efficiently?
Power — Can you make the technique effective?
Control — Can you apply that power safely?
Understanding — Do you know what you're doing and why?
Adaptability — Can you make karate work for your body?

Early in your training, we'll give you a lot of direction.

As you advance, we'll expect you to take more ownership of your karate.

That's the point.

The belt marks your progress. The skills are what matter.