As students progress their belt colour changes, reflecting an increasing level of proficiency across the various elements of Karate. All Dan Gradings are conducted by SKIF accredited examiners and are recognised by SKIF affiliates worldwide. SKIA has the following belt system:
| Belt | Rank | Training Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
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10th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Shodan (first basic Kata) Gohon Kumite (five-step Kumite) |
| 9th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Shodan (first basic Kata) Gohon Kumite (five-step Kumite) |
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8th Kyu |
Basic Kihon Heian Nidan (second basic Kata) Sanbon Kumite (three-step Kumite) |
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7th Kyu |
Basic Kihon Heian Sandan (third basic Kata) Sanbon Kumite (three-step Kumite) |
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6th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Yondan (fourth basic Kata) Kihon-Ippon Kumite (basic one-step Kumite) |
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5th Kyu | Basic Kihon Heian Godan (fifth basic Kata) Kihon-Ippon Kumite (basic one-step Kumite) |
| 4th Kyu | Basic Kihon Tekki Shodan (first advanced Kata) Kihon-Ippon Kumite (basic one-step Kumite) |
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3rd Kyu | Advanced Kihon Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Empi (brown belt Kata) Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (advanced one-step Kumite) |
| 2nd Kyu | Advanced Kihon Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Empi (brown belt Kata) Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (advanced one-step Kumite) |
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| 1st Kyu | Advanced Kihon Tekki Shodan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Empi, Jitte (brown belt Kata) Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (advanced one-step Kumite) |
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| 1st Dan | Advanced Kihon Tekki Nidan, Bassai-sho, Kanku-sho, Hangetsu, Gankaku (black belt Kata) Jiyu Kumite (free-fighting) |
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| 2nd Dan | Advanced Kihon Tekki Sandan, Sochin, Ji'in, Chinte, Nijushiho (black belt Kata) Jiyu Kumite (free-fighting) |
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| 3rd Dan | Impromptu Kihon and Kumite Meikyo, Unsu, Wankan, Gojushiho-dai, Gojushiho-sho (black belt Kata) |
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| 4th Dan and beyond | Impromptu Kihon and Kumite Additional Kata, including Seienchin, Seipai, Gankaku-sho and Nijuhachiho |
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