Grading

General Information

• Examination candidates must use the KSKA Grading Application Form (PDF or DOC) and transmit it to one of the Shihankai.
• On receipt of the application the Shihankai member will decide when and where the applicant is proposed for examination.
• For a grading from 1^st to 3^rd Dan the applicant needs a signature from a full member of the KSKA on the application form. This member must have minimum one grade higher than the applicant will try.
• For grading to 4^th Dan and above the applicant must be a member in the KSKA. If his / her member status is provisional or dormant (see Membership/Status) a grading is not permitted (this is fixed in the Statutes). The application form has to be signed by one member of the Shihankai.
• 5^th Dan and above grading are exclusively held at the Gasshukus.
• 1^st - 4^th Dan grading can be undertaken by one member of the Shihankai.
• 5^th Dan grading and above must be undertaken by minimum 2 members of the Shihankai (Exceptions may be made in special occasions with the approval of the Shihankai).
• Members who present themselves for 4^th Dan and above examination are expected to participate regularly at the KSKA Gasshuku.
• Minimum waiting time between gradings are stipulated in the syllabus. Remember: The minimum waiting time is for Karateka who have reached an exceptional high technical and mental level.
• After a grading the KSKA Grading List (PDF or DOC) must be completed by the Examiner and sent to the General Secretary.

The cost for each Dan grading is € 100. Candidates who fail the examination will be refunded by € 50 of the fee. For subsequent attempts they are only required to pay € 50 without refunds on failure.

Grading Syllabus
Grading Application Form: PDF DOC
KSKA Grading List: PDF DOC 

Acceptance of Dan grades from other organisations

On entry in the KSKA the Dan grade of a new member will be recognised and added to our Dan list with a note of the organisation which granted it.

If a KSKA member upgrades his level outside of the KSKA, it will not be recognised as a KSKA grade.

If a member leaves the KSKA and upgrades outside of the KSKA and then reapplies for membership of the KSKA, the new Dan Grade again will not be recognised.

For further information please ask the KSKA General Secretary.