P. 1st DEGREE BLACK BELT

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"Uniting Mind and Body" (Shintai) is the philosophy behind the Probationary 1st Degree Black Belt in RKD Karate. This level represents the achievement of a level of mastery in which the student has successfully combined their mental and physical abilities to reach a state of harmony in their practice. The journey to this level requires hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of karate. The Probationary 1st Degree Black Belt serves as a symbol of this unity and represents the student's continued commitment to their training and personal growth.

Probationary 1st Degree Black Belt RKD Karate Grading 

Purpose:

At the Probationary 1st Degree Black Belt level in RKD Karate, the practitioner is expected to demonstrate a high level of mastery of the techniques and principles learned at the lower belt levels. This includes not only a technical proficiency in strikes, kicks, blocks, and other movements, but also an understanding of the underlying philosophy and culture of karate. The student should be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the art and its principles, and be able to apply them in their training and sparring.

In addition to demonstrating mastery, the focus is also on continuing to refine techniques and develop a strong, personal practice. This means that the practitioner should be able to identify areas for improvement and work to refine their skills through consistent and dedicated training. They should be able to perform the techniques with power, speed, and accuracy, and be able to integrate the principles of karate into their practice in a seamless manner.

Overall, the Probationary 1st Degree Black Belt level represents a significant milestone in the practitioner's journey towards mastery of the martial art, and requires a deep commitment to the art and a strong, personal practice.

Grading Procedure:

1. Opening/Closing Procedure (Hakkai Shiki)

• Line Up (Kiosuke)

• Formal Seated Postion (Seiza)

• Meditation (Mokuso)

• Stop Meditation (Mokuso Yama)

• Bow to the Founder (Sensei Bayliss ni Rei)

• Bow to the Instructor (Sensei ni Rei)

• Bow to your training partners (Otagai ni Rei)

• Rise (Tate)

2. Wake Up (Shinzen Undo) 

• Wake up – breath, relaxation, balance personal routine - 2 minutes.

3. Warm Up (Jumbi Undo)

• Personal warm up routine - 2 minutes

• Strength & Breath – push-ups, sit ups, squats - 60count/60sec each exercise.

• Personal stretch routine - 2 minutes

4. Basic Techniques (Kihon)

• Uke: Hooking Receive (Kake Uke)

• Basics (Kihon) and Moving Basics (Ido Kihon): Full revision of all previous grading requirements.

5. Forms (Kata)

• Sanchin (Three Battles)

• Ku no Sei" (Essence of Emptiness)

• Shizen no Dō (Path of Nature's Strength)

6. Fighting (Kumite)

• Ippon Yokusoku Kumite (One Attack Prearranged Fighting): Defense against grabs (front, side, rear).

• Jiyu kumite (free sparring, full power) - 10 x 2min rounds.

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.

What it Means to Receive a Black Belt in RKD Karate

Receiving a black belt in RKD Karate is a significant achievement that represents years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth. This rank symbolizes mastery of the core principles and techniques of karate, including basic techniques, advanced techniques, tactics, and personal development.

The journey towards earning a black belt begins with the foundation of Kihon, or basic techniques. This includes learning the basics of stance, footwork, and strikes, as well as the more advanced techniques and tactics necessary for karate practice. As students progress through the ranks, they are challenged to apply these techniques in increasingly complex and dynamic situations, and to refine their skills through continuous practice and training.

Earning a black belt also requires a strong commitment to personal growth and development. In RKD Karate, the emphasis is not only on mastering physical techniques, but also on developing a strong and virtuous character. Black belt students are expected to lead by example both in and out of the dojo, and to embody the principles of karate in their daily lives.

Receiving a black belt is a testament to the time and effort that a student has invested in their training, and to their commitment to becoming their best selves. The black belt is a symbol of mastery, and it opens the door to even further growth and development in the practice of RKD Karate.

In conclusion, receiving a black belt in RKD Karate is a significant accomplishment that represents years of hard work and dedication, as well as mastery of the core principles and techniques of karate. It is a symbol of personal growth, and it opens the door to further development and refinement in the practice of RKD Karate.