4th Kyu

Orange Belt

Kihon

(Basic Movements)

The following movements are demonstrated from Zenkustu Dachi (Forward Stance), moving forwards with each movement:

Japanese Movement
Age Uke, Gyakuzuki, Gedan Barai High-rising block, Punch off back leg, Low sweeping block
Soto Uke, Kizamizuki, Gyakuzuki Outside Block, Jab Punch, Punch of the back leg
Shuto Uke, Nukite Knife Hand Black, Spear Hand
Soto Uke, Empi Uchi, Uraken Outside Block, Elbow Strike, Back
Shuto Uke, Mae Geri, Nukite Knife Hand Block, Front Kick, Spear Hand
Yoko Geri Kekomi (from Zenkustu Dachi) Thrust Kick, from Forward Stance
Mawashi Geri Roundhouse Kick

See the Kihon movements demonstrated for 4th Kyu.

Where no height is specified for a movement, the student would be expected to perform these at middle (chudan) and upper (jodan) heights.

In training and grading, these would be called out as follows, for example:

Japanese Movement
Jodan Oi Zuki Upper-height Forwards Punch
Chudan Oi Zuki Middle-height Forwards Punch
Jodan Shuto Uke Upper-height Knife-hand block
Chudan Shuto Uke Middle-height Knife-hand block

Kata

(Set of Movements)

Heian Shodan

The first kata, with 21 movements, focuses on stance transitions (forwards and backwards), punching and blocking. It is the foundational kata that all students learn first.

Heian Nidan

The second kata, with 26 movements, and introduces more stances (Kokutsu - Back Stance).

Heian Sandan

The third kata, shorter with only 20 movements, with simultaneous strikes and blocks.

Heian Yondan

The fourth kata, with 27 movements taking place in an I-shape, with elbow strike and kosa-dachi (cross-legged stance) being introduced.

Ippon Kumite

(One Step Sparring)

One step sparring is where a student defends from a single attack. The attacker will take one step towards the defending student, who will be expected to avoid, or block the incoming attack and respond with an appropriate technique.

At 4th Kyu the student will be expected to demonstrate 10 different techniques to defend against:

  • Jodan Oi Zuki (upper-height, forward punch)

  • Chudan Oi Zuki (middle-height, forward punch)

  • Gedan Oi Zuki (lower-height, forward punch)

  • Right and left hand attacks

Jiyu Kumite

(Free Sparring)

During grading, for 4th Kyu 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.