Tournaments

We do not focus on Sports Karate. However, we can prepare you if you wish to compete in a tournament. There are many tournaments in and around Northern California and the San Francisco Bay area. If you wish to compete, we will support, coach, and prepare you in all the elements of competition. At no stage in your training are you required to compete.

About Earning Rank

Each individual progresses at their own pace and many factors are involved in rank advancement. Achieving rank is an exciting part of martial arts training and can act as a great motivator. However, there are very specific requirements for every rank and these requirements take time to accomplish.

At Sierra Shotokan, we do not promote rank for profit. Advancement most often comes down to how much investment and commitment the karateka puts into their training. It is very rare for an individual to achieve Dan (black belt) status in less than 4 years and it generally takes between 4 to 5 years of consistent, uninterrupted, focused, and diligent training. Reaching this goal can be a challenge and it is not uncommon to repeat testing more than once.

Listed below are the rankings and the required kata for each.

9th       Kukyu                          White                          Heian Shodan

8th        Hakyu                         Yellow                         Heian Nidan

7th        Shikyu                         Orange                       Heian Sandan

6th        Rokkyu                       Green                          Heian Yondan

5th       Gokyu                          Purple                         Heian Godan

4th       Yonkyu                        Purple                        Tekki Shodan, Junro Shodan

3rd       Sankyu                        Brown                        Bassai Dai, Junro Nidan

2nd       Nikyu                           Brown                        Bassai Dai, Junro Sandan

1st          Ikkyu                            Brown                        Kanku Dai, Junro Yondan

Kyu grade exams up to Sankyu, are usually held every three months depending upon the student’s attendance and progress. It is advisable that the student attends class a minimum of two times per week before considering testing.