3rd Dan
Black Belt
Kihon
(Basic Movements)
At 3rd Dan, no terminology is tested during the grading.
Kata
(Set of Movements)
At 3rd Dan, two katas must be demonstrated to the examiner. The first of these will be from Option A and chosen by the student. The second will be any from Option B and chosen by the examiner. See the option lists below.
Option A
(One must be selected by the student to demonstrate)
Bassai Dai
The tenth kata has 42 movements, making it the longest kata on a students way to their black belt, and demonstrates powerful techniques.
Jion*
Hangetsu*
Gankaku*
(*Video content is pending production for the above Katas)
Option B
(One of these Katas will be chosen by the Examiner)
KANKU Dai*
(*Video is pending production for Kanku Dai)
Empi
The ninth kata is one of the longer katas at 37 movements, including a 360 degree jump.
Jitte
The seventh kata introduces movement that works with the bo (staff) and comprises of 24 moves.
Tekki Nidan
The eighth kata is set in kiba dachi (straddle stance) and works through whole body movements and grappling.
Bunkai
(Application of Kata)
The Bunkai (application of a kata) must be demonstrated by the student at 3rd Dan. They may pick any kata from Option A or Option B.
See video demonstrations on our Bunkai page.
Jiyu Kumite
(Free Sparring)
During grading, for 3rd Dan students will take part in Jiyu Kumite, which is a free fighting competition. At Stafford Shotokan Karate we focus on the martial art and traditional technique. Oppononents are decided by the Sensei, and of a similar level.