Dan Grading Requirements

Black Belt Grading – 1st Dan

The grading takes approximately 4–5 hours. Students must remain on the floor unless instructed otherwise.

Testing is conducted by WKA 7th Dan Grandmasters (or higher), or a board with at least two 4th Dan Masters.

The highest-ranking Dan or Senior Executive present has final authority on decisions.

Grading of 1st Dan is pass/fail, with no retests beyond the main session.

Eligibility Requirements

• Submissions by club coach/manager; high attendance over 4 years
• Years of training/attendance/grading history
• Fight record (if any)
• Dedication & determination
• Fitness & skill level
• Other martial arts qualifications
• Commitment & instructing/refereeing experience
• Medical/injury considerations

Required Gear

• Club uniform/training attire
• Gloves (min. 10 oz), mouthguard, groin guard (male), optional headgear
• Leather shins, focus pads, Thai pads/shield
• Colored belt (previous grading)
• No jewelry, water bottle, towel, clean change of uniform

Timeline & Structure

Arrive 30 minutes early. Self-warm-up required.

• 0–1.5 h: Technique/combinations
• 1.5–3 h: Pad/shell work
• 3–4 h: Controlled sparring
• 4–4.45 h: Conditioning/fitness (examiner’s choice)
• 5 h: Grading complete

Technique Requirements

Hands, Elbows, Kicks — full lists (jab, cross, hooks, elbows, all kicks, combos, etc.)

Combinations

Examples include jab/cross/hook, snap front + roundhouse combinations, and complex sequences. Demonstrate slow then fast, power/style variations.

Pads

Multi-punch and kick combos on pads. Practice holding pads correctly.

Conditioning

• 50 Thai kicks per leg
• 2 min clinch knee strikes
• Horse stance: bent knees, straight back, arms out
• Push‑ups ×40; sit‑ups ×50; squats ×80 (with extra cardio as needed)

Sparring

Light controlled sparring in various pair/group configurations. Full protective gear required.

Awarding

Belts and certificates presented post-grading. Failed candidates receive private feedback.

Requirements for 2nd Dan include:

• Minimum 2 years since last exam
• Selection of 1st Dan combinations

Understanding Movement & Combinations

1. Teach pad combos — 3×2 min rounds
2. Analyze combo effectiveness
3. Explain correct distances

Tactics & Techniques

1. Execute all punches/techniques in both stances, including jumps/turns
2. Explain organic, muscular & physical qualities of kickboxing

Practical Teaching Skills

1. Defenses for punches to face
2. Defenses for body kicks
3. Defenses for strangle holds
4. Lead a basic class: warm‑up, cool‑down, stretching

Requirements:

• 3 years since last exam, and 5 years as instructor

Grading & Examination Skills

1. Design pad combos for grading
2. Judge techniques for different student abilities
3. Explain distance/combo effectiveness
4. 1,000‑word thesis on kickboxing
5. Nutrition plan + understanding of weight maintenance

• Minimum 3 years since last exam
• Minimum 10 years experience
• Minimum 6 years of instructing

All previous requirements expected. Must lead an examination under supervision.

• Minimum 4 years since last exam
• Minimum 15 years experience
• Minimum 10 years of instructing

Required to present multiple students for black belt exams and take an examiner's panel role.

20+ years experience. Must have overseen several gradings, tournaments, and instructor certifications.

25+ years experience. Required to act as international examiner, coach, and tournament official. Written submission and thesis expected.

30+ years experience. Must have served as a national leader, coach, or administrator. Graded by board of 7th+ Dan examiners.

40+ years experience. Honorary and leadership-based role. Requires lifetime contribution to martial arts and WKA.

In rare circumstances, honorary or accelerated promotions may be awarded for exceptional service or achievements in martial arts and the WKA organization. Determined solely by the WKA Executive Board.