YELLOW BELT

Home - Explore RDK - RDK Karate Path - Yellow Belt

Yellow Belt marks the beginning of the student's journey on the RKD Karate path. As a yellow belt, one should embrace the philosophy of "The Path of the Student" (Dokokara), which represents the commitment to continuously learn and grow as a practitioner. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of humility, discipline, and respect, as the student strives to master the fundamental techniques and principles of karate. Through consistent training and practice, the yellow belt will develop a deeper understanding of the art and continue to progress towards higher belts and greater mastery.

Yellow Belt RKD Karate Grading 

Purpose:

At the yellow belt level, the student will begin to refine their basic techniques, making sure to perform each movement with proper form and precision. They will learn new techniques and movements, expanding their repertoire and understanding of the martial art. Additionally, the student will start to develop good training habits, such as warming up properly, maintaining focus during training, and pushing themselves to perform at their best. At this level, the student will also continue to learn about etiquette and terminology, further deepening their understanding and appreciation for the martial art they are practicing.

Grading Procedure:

1. Opening/Closing Procedure (Hakkai Shiki)

• Line Up (Kiosuke)

• Formal Seated Postion (Seiza)

• Meditation (Mokuso)

• Stop Meditation (Mokuso Yama)

• Bow to the Path (Ryu Ku Do ni Rei)

• Bow to the Instructor (Sensei ni Rei)

• Bow to your training partners (Otagai ni Rei)

• Rise (Tate)

2. Wake Up (Shinzen Undo) 

• Personal Wake-Up routine - 1 minute 

3. Warm Up (Jumbi Undo)

• Personal warm up routine - 2 minutes

• 10 x push-ups, sit-ups, squats 

• Personal stretch routine - 2 minutes

4. Basic Techniques (Kihon)

• Stances (Dachi): Heisoku Dachi (Closed leg stance), Musubi Dachi (Standing stance), Heiko Dachi (Parallel stance), Shiko Dachi (Horse Stand Open Leg), Zenkutsu Dachi (Front Stance), Han Zenkutsu Dachi (Half Front Stance), Kumite Dachi (Fighiting Stance) - hold each stance for 20seconds.

• Guard (Kamai): Natural Guard (Shizentai no Kamai), Upper Guard (Jodan no Kamai), Centre Guard (Chudan no Kamai), Lower Guard (Gedan no Kamai)

• Footwork (Ashi Sabaki): Step Through (Ayumi Ashi), Half Shuffle (Tsugi Ashi), Lunge Step (Yori Ashi), Full Shuffle (Surikomi Ashi)

• Punching techniques (Zuki Waza): Jodan Zuki (Upper Punch), Chudan Zuki (Centre Punch), Gedan Zuki (Lower Punch), Shita Zuki (Short Punch).  All strikes preformed from Heiko Dachi.

• Kicking Techniques (Keri Waza): Front Knee Kick (Mae Hiza Geri), Front Kick (Mae Geri), each kick performed from fighting stance, 5 x slowly, 5 x fast with Ki.  First right side kicking, then left side.

• Moving Basics (Ido Kihon):  All moving basics performed from Kumite Dachi.

• Punches: Jodan Zuki-Ayumi Ashi (Upper Punch-Step Through), Jodan Zuki-Tsugi Ashi (Upper Punch-Shuffle Step), Jodan Zuki-Yori Ashi (Upper Punch-Lunge Step) - 2 x 5 steps forward and back, first right side leading, then left side leading.  Kicks: Front Knee Kick (Mae Hiza Geri), Front Kick (Mae Geri), - 6 kicks forward, turn, six steps back, All moving basics performed from Kumite Dachi.

5. Forms (Kata)

• Ku no Kihon (Basics of Emptiness)

6. Fighting (Kumite)

• Jukyuko kumite - Tewaza (Slow and soft sparring - give and take hands only, evading and maintaining a safe range using footwork).

7. Presentation of Rank (Dan ni Rei)

The presentation of belts at a karate grading is called "Dan ni Rei" in Japanese. It signifies mastery, recognizes progress and achievements, and is a moment of recognition and celebration. Bowing to receive the belt is a sign of respect and helps maintain tradition and discipline. Receiving a new belt marks progress in training and encourages continued growth and development.

The Fore Fist or Seiken is one of the most fundamental techniques in RKD Karate, and its importance cannot be overstated, which is why Yellow Belt is dedicated to application of this technique. The Seiken is a punch that is performed with the first two knuckles of the index and middle fingers, and is used as a primary striking tool in many karate techniques. In this article, we will explore the importance of the Seiken in RKD Karate and how it is used in the practice of this martial art.

The Seiken is considered to be the most important punch in RKD Karate because it is used in a wide range of techniques, from basic strikes to advanced combinations. This punch is also used in grappling techniques, where the practitioner must control their opponent and maintain a dominant position. The Seiken is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of situations, making it an essential part of a practitioner's arsenal.

The Seiken is also an important tool for developing power and accuracy in striking techniques. The fist is formed in a way that focuses the power of the punch into the striking surface, allowing for maximum impact with minimal effort. The Seiken is also used to develop speed and timing, as practitioners must learn to quickly and accurately deliver strikes in a controlled manner. The development of these skills through the practice of the Seiken can greatly enhance a practitioner's overall ability in RKD Karate.

In addition to its practical applications, the Seiken is also an important symbol of the RKD Karate philosophy. The closed fist represents the idea of unity and focus, as the practitioner must bring their mind, body, and spirit together to effectively perform the technique. The Seiken also represents the idea of discipline and control, as the practitioner must maintain proper form and technique in order to effectively deliver strikes. The Seiken is not just a physical tool, but also a symbol of the mental and spiritual aspects of RKD Karate.

In conclusion, the Seiken is an essential part of RKD Karate and plays a critical role in the development of practitioners. From basic strikes to advanced techniques, the Seiken is a versatile tool that is used in a wide range of situations. The Seiken also represents the philosophy and values of RKD Karate, making it an important symbol of the art. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, the Seiken is a technique that is worth mastering and incorporating into your training.