Gradings & Events
From white belt to black belt and beyond
Senior Belt Progression
Zen Do Kai uses a coloured belt ranking system. Each belt represents increased skill, knowledge and commitment. Gradings are conducted under BJMA standards.
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White BeltIntroduction
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Yellow BeltFundamentals
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Orange BeltIntermediate
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Blue BeltAdvanced
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Green BeltConsolidation
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Brown BeltPre-Black Belt
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Black BeltProvisional Black Belt
Students typically grade every 3–4 months depending on attendance, effort and ability. The first grading (Sho Dan Ho) is a provisional black belt — the beginning of the Dan grade journey.
Dan Grade Progression — Black Belt & Beyond
After achieving Black Belt (Sho Dan Ho), the journey continues through the Dan grades. Each level carries greater responsibility for teaching, leadership and the art itself.
Junior Belt Progression
Junior students follow the same belt colour progression, adapted for younger age groups with additional emphasis on discipline, coordination and age-appropriate self-defence.
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White BeltStances & Basics
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Yellow BeltKicks & Defences
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Orange BeltAdvanced Kicks & Thai Pads
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Blue BeltHand Defences
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Green BeltKnees & Advanced Stances
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Brown BeltElbows & Weapons
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Black BeltProvisional Black Belt
What Does Grading Involve?
Gradings are formal assessments where students demonstrate the skills and knowledge required for their next belt level.
- Forms (kata) Demonstrating set patterns of techniques with precision and intent
- Basics Core strikes, blocks and stances executed with correct technique
- Self-defence Practical defensive techniques applied in realistic scenarios
- Sparring Controlled free fighting (at applicable belt levels)
- Fitness Physical conditioning component (push-ups, sit-ups, squats)
- Theory Knowledge of terminology, Japanese counting and martial arts history
Your instructor will let you know when you are ready to grade. Students are only put forward when they have demonstrated sufficient preparation and commitment.
What to Expect on the Day
Gradings are typically 2–4 hours depending on rank. Lower belt gradings tend to be shorter, while Brown and Black Belt gradings are more intensive. You should arrive in a clean, pressed gi with your belt, water bottle and any required equipment. Expect to be assessed alongside other students grading at the same or similar level.
How to Prepare
- Regular attendance — consistent training is the most important factor
- Practice at home — run through your forms, combinations and fitness drills
- Know your theory — terminology, counting in Japanese, and the history of Zen Do Kai
- Build your fitness — train to exceed the minimum requirements, not just meet them
- Ask questions — your instructor is there to help you succeed
Fitness Requirements
Every grading includes a fitness component. Requirements increase with each belt level. All fitness tests are chanted (counted aloud).
Senior Fitness Requirements
| Exercise | White | Yellow | Orange | Blue | Green | Brown | Black |
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| Push-ups | 10 | 15 | 25–30 | 35–40 | 50–65 | 75–90 | 100 |
| Sit-ups | 10 | 15 | 25–30 | 35–40 | 50–65 | 75–90 | 100 |
| Squats | 10 | 15 | 25–30 | 35–40 | 50–65 | 75–90 | 100 |
Junior Fitness Requirements
Junior fitness requirements are scaled for younger students. Each grading also includes a 3-minute calisthenics warm-up and 3-minute stretching component.
| Exercise | White | Yellow | Orange | Blue | Green | Brown | Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push-ups | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
| Sit-ups | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
| Squats | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
Upcoming Gradings
| Date | Type | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | Tip Grading | Woolley Dojo | Date to be confirmed |
| TBD | Full Belt Grading | Woolley Dojo | Date to be confirmed |
Events & Activities
Wolf Clan participates in and hosts a range of events throughout the year, including:
Tournaments
Interclub and regional competitions for students ready to test their skills.
Seminars
Specialist training sessions with visiting instructors from around Australia.
Social Events
Club BBQs, end-of-year celebrations and community activities.
Camps
Intensive training weekends for accelerated development.
Start Your Journey
Every black belt was once a white belt who kept showing up. Come to a class and take the first step.