ACKU Black Belt

The ACKU Black Belt and Ranking

Our ACKU karate teaching system is the same as the karate you would learn in Japan. Our style is Shotokan. The concept or philosophy of Bushido is taught in a Canadian cultural context. We do not kneel or bow. We speak English in our clubs.

ACKU awards degrees of black belts (called dans). Ranking or degree of black belt is signified in the ACKU by badge colour.

We do not use Japanese symbols on our belts because we cannot read Japanese. Our belt has our association name and the student's name in English.

Regular and dedicated training time frames are required between advancement of black belt levels.

Requirements

ACKU 1st Dan (Shodan): Red Badge

• Heian Kata 1-5
• Tekki Kata 1-3
• Bassai Dai
• Kanku Dai
• ACKU Jo, Nunchaku, Bokken, Sai, Tonfa, Bo, Kama
• Up to three years regular practice

ACKU 2nd Dan (Nidan) Gold Badge

• Jion
• Empi
• Kanku Sho
• ACKU Jo, Nunchaku, Bokken, Sai, Tonfa, Bo, Kama
• One year regular ACKU OA after first dan

ACKU 3rd Dan (Sandan) Emerald Badge

• Hangetsu
• Jitte
• Gankaku
• Chinte
• Ji in
• Bassai Sho
• Sochin
• Nijushiho
• Two years regular ACKU OA after second dan

ACKU 4th Dan (Yondan) Violet Badge

• Wankan
• Meikyo
• Unsu
• Gojushiho Dai
• Gojushiho Sho
• Three years regular ACKU OA after third dan

ACKU 5th Dan (Godan) Black Badge

• Four years regular ACKU OA after fourth dan

ACKU 6th Dan (Rokudan) Platinum Badge

• Five years regular ACKU OA after fifth dan

ACKU 7th Dant (Shichidan) Senior Instructor Badge

• Six years regular ACKU OA after sixth dan

ACKU 8th Dan (Hachidan) Senior Instructor Badge

• Seven years regular ACKU OA after seventh dan

ACKU 9th Dan (Kyudan) Master Instructor Badge

• Eight years regular ACKU OA after eighth dan

ACKU 10th Dan (Judan) Master Instructor Badge

• Nine years regular ACKU OA after ninth dan