Adult Green Belt Requirements Karate

Green belt requirements in karate can vary slightly depending on the style (e.g., Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, etc.) and the dojo or organization. However, most styles follow a similar structure of progressing through basic techniques, kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

Here’s a general overview of typical green belt requirements in many karate systems:

General Karate Green Belt Requirements

1. Basic Techniques (Kihon)

You’ll be expected to demonstrate good form, power, and control in the following techniques:

• Punches (Tsuki)

  
  

  • Oi-zuki (lunge punch)

  • Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch)

  • Kizami-zuki (jab punch)

    
    

• Kicks (Geri)

  
  
  
  

  • Mae-geri (front kick)

  • Yoko-geri (side kick)

  • Mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick)

    
    

• Blocks (Uke)

  
  

  • Gedan-barai (downward block)

  • Age-uke (rising block)

  • Soto-uke (outside block)

  • Uchi-uke (inside block)

    
    

• Stances (Dachi)

  
  

  • Zenkutsu-dachi (front stance)

  • Kokutsu-dachi (back stance)

  • Kiba-dachi (horse stance)

    
    

2. Kata (Forms)

Typically, you’ll be required to perform one or two kata from the curriculum with precision and proper timing.

Examples (depending on style):

• Shotokan: Heian Sandan or Heian Yondan.

• Goju-Ryu: Gekisai Dai Ichi or Gekisai Dai Ni.

• Wado-Ryu: Pinan Sandan or Pinan Yondan.

• Shito-Ryu: Pinan Sandan or other style-specific kata.

  
  

3. Kumite (Sparring) | Adult Green Belt Requirements Karate

Demonstrating control, awareness, and application of techniques in a sparring context:

• Basic sparring drills (ippon kumite or sanbon kumite).

• Free sparring (Jiyu Kumite): light contact and controlled exchanges.

• Emphasis on proper distancing, timing, and defense.

  
  

4. Self-Defense Techniques | Adult Green Belt Requirements Karate

Some dojos include basic self-defense moves such as:

• Escapes from grabs

• Defenses against strikes or simple weapon attacks

  
  

5. Theory & Etiquette

You may be asked to know or explain:

• Japanese terminology for techniques

• Karate principles (e.g., respect, discipline)

• Dojo kun (rules/code of conduct)

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Tips to Prepare | Adult Green Belt Requirements Karate

• Practice your basics daily – focus on clean techniques and good posture.

• Ask a senior belt or instructor to review your kata and correct mistakes.

• Work on control and calmness in sparring – speed and power come with time.

• Review your dojo’s written curriculum if available.

Joe is an orange belt in karate