Testing & Demonstrating Kata
Note: Content retrieved from the Ueshiro Midtown Karate website in 2026
Key points on demonstrating kata
The following are some key principles to strive for when performing kata, whether in class or in front of a large audience. There are certainly more aspects to consider, but keeping these in mind as you practice will help you perform well whenever you are on the spot.
Sensei Karen Brophy, Co-Shihan
Ueshiro Bushi Dojo, Santa Monica
- Take your time. This is your moment to show your best form!
- Show every move.
- Relax.
- Show speed and power. Remember, speed is how quickly you execute each move, not how quickly you go from move to move.
- At the end of each move, show the tension, then relax and move on to the next move. Timing between moves should be two seconds (or 1, 1000… 2, 1000).
- Breathe.
- Don’t rush the Kata!! (I said that 2x on purpose).
- Keep moving. If you make a mistake, don’t start over – finish the kata!
- Show courtesy.
Test Requirements
- Demonstration of all kata up to and including those introduced at student’s current rank (chart).
- Regular class attendance and fulfillment of minimum time requirements at current rank.
- Proper courtesy and respect.
- Typewritten paragraph on any topic relevant to student’s training.
- Command of Shorin-Ryu history and vocabulary appropriate to student’s rank.
- Test fee.
- Demonstration of special exercise oyo-tan-ren – students testing for Yon-kyu.
- Demonstration of yaku-soku kumite (pre-arranged fighting) – students testing for Yon-kyu and above.
- Demonstration of tameshiwari (breaking technique) – students testing for Yon-kyu, Ni-kyu or Dan levels.
- Demonstration of bunkai (kata application) – students testing for San-kyu and above.
- Demonstration of ju kumite (freestyle sparring) – students testing for Sho-dan and above.
- All black belt testing will be at the discretion of Hanshi Robert Scaglione.
Minimum Time Requirements and Test Fees
| Testing for | Time at prior rank | Minimum Class per Week | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ro-Kyu: First green tip | 2 – 4 months | 2 | $10 |
| Go-Kyu: Second green tip | 4 – 6 months | 2 | 20 |
| Yon-Kyu: Green belt | 6 months – 1 year | 3 | 60 |
| San-Kyu: Brown tips | 6 months – 2 years | 3 | 30 |
| Ni-Kyu: Brown belt | 1 – 2 years | 3 | 80 |
| Ik-Kyu: Black tips | 1 – 3 years | 4 | 40 |
| Sho Dan: Black belt | 1 – 3 years* |
* Discretion of Hanshi Robert Scaglione.
Breaking and Pre-Arranged Fighting Requirements
| Testing For | Open-Hand break | Pre-Arranged Fighting |
|---|---|---|
| Yon-Kyu: Green belt | three 1-inch boards | 1st |
| Ni-Kyu: Brown belt | four 1-inch boards | 1st – 3rd |
| Sho Dan: Black belt (1st degree) | one cement block | 1st – 4th |
| Ni Dan+: Black belt (2nd degree and above) | two or more cement blocks | 1st – 4th |
