A Grading is the formal name for your ‘belt rank test’ or ‘exam’.  

There are minimum requirements to meet before you will be allowed to do a grading. These can be seen in our different grading syllabus.

We offer three grading opportunities a year and the dates are usually announced at the beginning of the year. You therefore have a goal to work towards and can plan your training around the dates.

It is not compulsory to take a grading and sometimes it is good to wait a bit longer between gradings so you can get even better at what you are doing. If you fail to meet the minimum requirements for a grading (i.e. number of lessons attended between gradings etc); then your instructor will not allow you to grade.

All  students under the age of 7 will take pre-kyu grades. These are more commonly known as ‘stripy grades’ in our club.This grading takes place in Colchester and involves a course, exam and the grading cost also include your new belt. This is usually around £15 per grading.

The kyu grading (colour belt grading) for those aged 7+ can take place either in Colchester or Southend on Sea depending on the number of students taking part.  The more students grading the more likely we are to get an examiner to visit us at our own Dojo in Colchester.

All Dan Grades (black belt gradings) take place at our annual  UKTKF Spring and Summer Camps in Windsor.