Gradings & Events
From white belt to black belt and beyond
Belt Progression
Zen Do Kai uses a coloured belt ranking system. Each belt represents increased skill, knowledge and commitment. Senior and junior students follow the same colour pathway with age-appropriate requirements. Gradings are conducted under BJMA standards.
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White Belt IntroductionSenior Basics & stances Forms: 1 (Punch Routine) Sparring: N/A Fitness: 10 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Introduction & discipline Forms: N/A Sparring: N/A Fitness: 3 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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Yellow Belt FundamentalsSenior Fundamental techniques Forms: 2 Sparring: N/A Fitness: 15 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Kicks & defences Forms: N/A Sparring: N/A Fitness: 3 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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Orange Belt IntermediateSenior Intermediate techniques Forms: 4 Sparring: N/A Fitness: 25–30 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Advanced kicks & Thai pads Forms: 1 (Iron Horse — watch) Sparring: N/A Fitness: 5 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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Blue Belt AdvancedSenior Advanced techniques Forms: 5 Sparring: 4–10 rounds Fitness: 35–40 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Hand defences Forms: Iron Horse (full) — watch Sparring: 4 × 1 min Fitness: 5 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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Green Belt ConsolidationSenior Consolidation & depth Forms: 6 Sparring: 10 rounds Fitness: 50–65 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Knees & advanced stances Forms: Sanchin (Three Battles) — watch Sparring: 6–8 × 1 min Fitness: 10 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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Brown Belt Pre-Black BeltSenior Pre-black belt mastery Forms: 7 Sparring: 10 rounds Fitness: 75–90 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Elbows & weapons Forms: Tensho (Rotating Palms — watch), Seinchin Sparring: 10 × 1 min Fitness: 10 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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Black Belt Sho Dan Ho — ProvisionalSenior Provisional black belt Forms: 7 Sparring: 10 rounds Fitness: 100 push-ups, sit-ups, squatsJunior Provisional black belt Forms: All four forms Sparring: 10 × 1 min Fitness: 15 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
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.
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Sho Dan 1st Dan — Sempai
Form consolidation, creativity through Freeform, and a lifetime martial arts perspective. Assistant instructor.
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Ni Dan 2nd Dan — Dai Sempai
Fighting fitness, advanced skills, 8-week grading preparation regime. Senior instructor with expanded teaching duties.
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San Dan 3rd Dan — Sensei
Ground fighting discipline, throws, submissions, controls, and delta self-defence scenarios. Can head a club.
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Yon Dan 4th Dan — Renshi
Yamaneryu Bojutsu (Bo staff) weapons training. Regional leadership role.
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Kyoshi 5th Dan+ — Master Instructor
Family Head. Oversees multiple clans and clubs. Sets club direction and represents the club to the governing body.
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 — watch Punching & Kicking #1 and #2
- 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 | Location | Notes |
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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.
Syllabus content based on BJMA East Coast curriculum. All syllabus material is copyright Bob Jones Martial Arts.
Start Your Journey
Every black belt was once a white belt who kept showing up. Come to a class and take the first step.