On the following pages is the British Sankukai Karate Association grading syllabus from 9th kyu to sandan. From 9th kyu to 3rd kyu there must be a minimum training period of four months between gradings from 3rd kyu to 1st dan. This gives a minimum period of training for a beginner to progress to black belt of three years ten months but in reality this is usually four and a half to five years. The minimum period between 1st and 2nd dan is two years and three years between 2nd and 3rd dan.

Students are divided into adults and cadets (under 18 years). A cadet's age is taken into consideration on gradings. Cadet dan grades are known as 'seinen' and may require reassessment on reaching 18 years old before becoming a senior dan grade. 9th kyu to 4th kyu gradings normally take place in the students own dojo, graded by their own instructors or by an invited grading officer. However, brown and black belt gradings should be by a panel of grading officers. These are Association gradings and may not be at the student's own dojo. Here the student will have to perform with and against students form other dojos.

Often students become too focused on gradings and progression to the next belt. Each grade should be a reflection of the level that the student has attained in his or her training rather than his or her training being aimed at passing the next belt, which is a rather back to front training philosophy. Of course, a certain amount of training has to be directed at work for gradings as it is the instructors responsibility to endure that the student has covered the syllabus before attempting he grade.

There is quite a high drop out at the shodan level. A good karateka will not see the attainment of 1st dan black belt as the fulfilment of his or her ambition but rather something to aim for as the first rung on the ladder. The coloured belts (kyu grades) should be seen as a period of gaining enough knowledge to begin training in karate. First dan is the first step, where the student now has a sound foundation of basic technique and its application and are in a position to start their 'real career' in karate. It is a long hard journey from novice to the first rung on the ladder and sadly only a very small percentage of those who start actually reach that point. However, those who persevere and reach the level of nidan normally enter into a lifetime's training in karate.