BLACK BELTS AND ALUMNI

All of our instructors are Dan grades (Black Belts). There are multiple levels of Dan grade. Every martial arts style and association has its own criteria and grades do not necessarily equate between them. 

In the Practical Karate Association the minimum time to achieve a black belt with regular training and hard work is about five years. The grade indicates a solid grasp of the fundamentals of the system, not mastery. Black belts are still beginners.

Dan gradings for 1st Dan through to 4th Dan have minimum pre-grading training hours and skill requirements. Candidates must also attend a minimum number of Scenario Training Days and complete theory papers or essays. For 2nd Dan gradings and above external skill qualifications are required. All candidates have a five-hour skill assessment with their peers and senior grades. As they are in a position of trust, whether they are instructors or not, all Dan grades are required to have an enhanced DBS check every three years to remain current with the association. 
 

Dan gradings for 5th Dan and above are comprised of meeting pre-grading training hours and skill requirements, attendance at a minimum fixed number of Scenario Training Days, a theory paper, and contribution to the development of the Way through teaching and research.
 

Practical Karate Association Dan grades are deemed current as follows:
 

• 1st Dan – provisional for 6 months, up to 2 years from grading if still training, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 2nd Dan – up to 3 years from grading, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 3rd Dan – up to 4 years from grading, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 4th Dan – up to 5 years from grading, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 5th Dan – up to 6 years from grading, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 6th Dan – up to 7 years from award, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 7th Dan  – up to 8 years from award, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 8th Dan  – up to 9 years from award, in monthly training or 6 months from participation in a PKA run Sim Day or seminar.

• 9th Dan – honorary.

• 10th Dan – honorary.