Grading is the term that refers to the physical test a karate student must pass
before being promoted to the next rank (belt color).Your grading is a very
important part of your karate training, this is the time when everything that
you have learned and practiced is put to the test. Your grading will determine
if you have improved enough to be able to advance to a higher level of training.
Within our karate system there are different ranks (belt colors) and different
levels (stripes) within each rank. Each rank is made up of three levels (stripes)
and there are nine ranks (belt colors) before black belt. There is a minimum
number of classes that a student is required to attend before being allowed
to take a stripe test. Students must train for the minimum of 3 to 6 months
(depending on their rank), have earned three stripes and be a member in
good standing of our national association before being allowed to grade.

For membership applications to the Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate-Do Union USA
please see your instructor. Students are expected to train under a qualified
instructor  if they wish to grade in the Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate Union

Below are the requirements for stripe tests within the New York State branch       
of the Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate-Do Union USA
For grading requirements refer to the official S.S.U. Grading Syllabus booklet.
(grading books are available from your instructor)
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White belt, Yellow belt, Orange belt and Green belt   
Stripe test / 6 - 8 classes
Grading / Minimum 3 months training since last grading

Blue belt and Purple belt  
Stripe test / 12-16 classes
Grading / Minimum 6 months training since last grading.
Students must be able demonstrate the following techniques before receiving each stripe.
White belt to Yellow belt

First stripe/ From heiko dachi - 4 basics blocks (upper,outside,inside and lower)

Second stripe/ From zenkutsu dachi -basic punches & kicks
(front hand punch, reverse punch,lunge punch, back fist,
front kick to stomach, side thrust kick to knee

Third stripe/ Kata (Taikyoku Shodan) or (Shiho tsuki, under 8 years old)
Yellow belt to Orange belt

First stripe/ From zenkutsu dachi - reverse punch and thrust
From motto dachi - "A" combinations (1A through 4A)

Second stripe/ From front stance -side kick, round house kick
and outside crescent kick (chudan level)

Third stripe/ Kata (Pinan Nidan)
Orange belt to Green belt

First stripe/ From heiko dachi - step back to zenkutsu dachi  
demonstrate 4 basic blocks /upper,outside, inside, lower

Second stripe/ From front stance - back kick (chudan level)
roundhouse kick and inside crescent kick (jodan level)

Third stripe/ Kata (Pinan Shodan)
Green belt to Blue belt

First stripe/ From heiko dachi - step back 45% to cat stance,
knife hand block, shift to front stance, reverse punch and thrust
From heiko dachi - step back 45% to side stance,
lower sweep shift to front stance, reverse punch and thrust

Second stripe/ From motto dachi - foot sweep reverse punch  
and foot sweep roundhouse kick

Third stripe/ Kata (Pinan Sandan)
Blue belt to Purple belt

First stripe/ "A" combinations 1A through 9A

Second stripe/ From front stance - kicking combinations
Front kick (chudan) roundhouse kick (jodan)
Leading leg roundhouse kick (jodan) back kick (chudan)

Third stripe/ Kata - (Pinan Yondan and Pinan Godan)
3rd Brown belt to 2nd Brown belt

A, B, and C combinations - (Grading Officer to chose)

From front stance - Kick/punch combinations
back kick, back fist, reverse punch
reverse punch/thrust, front leg roundhouse

Pad work - Kicking/punching (Grading Officer to chose)

Ippon kumite - Self defense using kicks and take downs

Kata - (Pinan 1 - 5 GOTC) (Tensho and Naihanchi Shodan)

Jiyu kumite
2nd Brown belt to 1st Brown belt

A, B and C combinations (GOTC)

Ippon kumite - Advanced defense using take downs, chokes and locks

Pad work - Kicking/punching (GOTC)

Kata - (Pinan 1 - 5 GOTC)

Bassai Dai and Kosokun Dai

Jiyu kumite
1st Brown belt to 1st Black belt

Pad work - Kicking/punching (GOTC)

Kata - One kata from list through 1st brown (GOTC)

Kata with applicable bunkai - (Seienchin and Rohai)

Jiyu kumite - 2 matches (GOTC)
Purple belt to 3rd degree Brown belt

First stripe/ All "B" combinations

Second stripe/ Ippon kumite -
student must demonstrate basic defense against a kick or a punch

Third stripe/ Kata - (Sanchin and Juroku)
The stripes worn on a brown or black belt denote the actual rank of that student.
Each stripe has to be earned through a formal grading.
Below are the requirements for Ni kyu (2nd brown) through Shodan (1st black belt)