Deshi (Students) of Ueshiro Suntree YMCA Karate Dojo:

Onegai-shimasu.

As previously announced, we have an exciting major karate test coming
up one week from this Sunday -- on Sunday February 22nd. Please note
that the test will commence 90 minutes earlier than our normal class
time. We will start the test at 9:30 AM sharp in the Suntree YMCA and
end by 12:30 PM with a promotion ceremony. Make sure not to be late
to the test. I suggest showing up early and warming up outside while
waiting for the doors to open. Everyone should show up, even if you
are not testing this time. It is a great learning experience.

If you have not asked for permission to test yet, please see me at
this Sunday's 11:00 AM workout. Your readiness to test is mostly
determined based on your ability to perform the kata[s] required for
promotion to the next level (see requirements listed below). This
major testing opportunity will include promotions to Green tips,
Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Brown Tips, Orange Belt, and Brown Belt).
Three of our students who started with our dojo over two years ago,
when it opened, will be testing for Brown Belt. These will be the
first "historic" Brown Belt tests at our dojo.

Testing fees and paragraphs are also due to me this Sunday at the
11:00 AM workout. Please note fee requirements below.

Keep training.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu.

Tamir Sensei, Shihan
Ueshiro Suntree YMCA Karate Dojo

Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione


Testing & Ranking Information

Twice a year, in February and August, we conduct major testing which
includes promotions to solid color belts (e.g., Green Belt, Brown
Belt, Black Belt). In between these two major tests we conduct
intermediate tip testing every couple of months (e.g., April, June,
October, December). At the lower ranks, students may be tested
frequently. At the higher ranks, students may be tested every
couple of years or longer. The focus of our traditional karate-do
is not on promotions and belt colors, but rather on training and
diligent practice of kata.

Our ranks and belt colors are as follows:

Beginner (White Belt)
Ro-Kyu (White Belt with One Green Tip)
Go-Kyu (White Belt with Two Green Tips)
Yon-Kyu (Green Belt)
San-Kyu (Green Belt with Brown Tips)
Ni-Kyu (Brown Belt)
Ik-Kyu (Brown Belt with Black Tips)

Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)
Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt)
Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt)
Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt)
Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt)
Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt)
Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt)
Judan (10th Degree Red Belt)

A Yellow Belt may be awarded to children as an intermediate step
between the ranks of Go-Kyu and Yon-Kyu. Orange Belts may also be
awarded to children as an intermediate step between the ranks of San-
Kyu and Ni-Kyu. These intermediate steps help the young student
mature further prior to their next rank. All students under 18
years of age are required to have colored belts with a white stripe
along the belt (including Shodan), to denote their relative young
age. Upon their 18th birthday, they change the belt to a solid
color belt.

Qualification requirements for testing and promotion are described
in detail in the The Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question & Answer
Book (a.k.a., the Red Book) on pages 78-79. Review and permission
to test from your Sensei/Shihan is required in advance of the
testing day.

All those testing must submit a paragraph or essay to their Sensei/
Shihan describing their thoughts on karate.

A testing fee must also be paid in advance of the test. Adult Yon-
kyu and above must also have their annual membership fee paid in
full (annual membership fees are due in November). Those testing
must wear a clean gi with our Shorin-Ryu patch correctly placed on
the gi.

Testing fees are as follows:

$10 for Ro-Kyu (White Belt with One Green Tip)
$20 for Go-Kyu (White Belt with Two Green Tips)
$25 for Yellow Belt (optional intermediate level for youth)
$60 for Yon-Kyu (Green Belt)
$30 for San-Kyu (Green Belt with Brown Tips)
$35 for Orange Belt (optional intermediate lev’l for youth)
$80 for Ni-Kyu (Brown Belt)
$40 for Ik-Kyu (Brown Belt with Black Tips)
$200 for Dan (Black Belt Degree)

More specific testing requirements per rank
are listed below:

Testing for One Green Tip (Ro-kyu)
or Two Green Tips (Go-kyu):
Fukyugata Ichi (for Ro-Kyu)
Fukyugata Ni (for Go-Kyu)
Basic Techniques: high bock (jodan uke), chest block (chudun uke),
low block forward leaning stance (zenkutsu dachi gedan barai uke),
front snap kick
(mae geri), walking punch (chudan zuki), side-squat punch (oi zuki)
10 Pushups (men), 5 Pushups (women)
10 punches, squatting position

Testing for Green Belt (Yon-Kyu):
Minimum of 6 months training
Fukyugata 1-3
Oyotanren
Yakusoku kumite 1
Breaking technique

Testing for Brown Tips (San-Kyu):
Minimum of 6 months training as Yon-Kyu
Fukyugata 1-3
Pinan 1-2
Yakusoku kumite 1-2

Testing for Brown Belt (Ni-Kyu):
Minimum of 12 months training as San-Kyu
Fukyugata 1-3
Pinan 1-5
Yakusoku kumite 1-3
Breaking technique

Testing for Black Tips (Ik-kyu):
Minimum of 12 months training as Ni-Kyu
Fukyugata 1-3
Pinan 1-5
Naihanchi 1
Yakusoku kumite 1-3

Testing for Black Belt (Sho-Dan):
Minimum of 12 months training as Ik-Kyu
Fukyugata 1-3
Pinan 1-5
Naihanchi 1-3
Ananku
Wankan
Yakusoku kumite 1-4
Breaking technique

Any exception to the length of time necessary for the above ranks is
at the discretion of the Shihan. All other prerequisites are at the
discretion of Hanshi.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu

Tamir Sensei, Shihan
Ueshiro Suntree YMCA Karate Dojo

Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA
Under the Direction of Hanshi Scaglione