Updated Kata Clinic Requirements for Competitive Stream Gradings
Future competitive stream grading candidates, for nidan or higher, will need to meet their kata clinic requirements (described in the National Grading Syllabus) by attending one of the designated scheduled kata clinics prior to the actual date of the grading. See the table below. Candidates will still be required to attend the waza clinic portion of the grading and to receive the Provincial Grading Board’s final decision on their promotion.
Future competitive stream candidates are to inform Gord Okamura at gyokamura@gmail.com if they are planning to register and attend a grading in the upcoming year in advance, in order to ensure a clinic is scheduled. The credit for attendance will be valid for one year from the date of the kata clinic (if before June, then good for June and November gradings). If candidates are unable to attend a clinic, then they will postpone their grading so that all requirements will be met. Attendance at a recognized clinic out of province may be considered (must be approved in advance).
The Provincial Kata Committee is responsible for the overall teaching of kata to the judo membership and the Provincial Grading Committee will continue to evaluate the kata at the formal yudansha grading for Technical Stream candidates and Competitive Stream shodan candidates. Club senseis and students are offered kata clinics so that they have a basic understanding of the current kata and can practice at their dojo before grading. It is also recommended that candidates have a competent kata partner to ensure a successful demonstration.
The kata clinics conducted by the Provincial Kata Committee are part of a number of kata events which are intended to elevate the level of kata, especially for technical candidates and their senseis. It will be important that the level of kata at any grading is high in order to recognize the importance of the black belt. If the kata demonstrated at a Yudansha Grading is lacking, the candidate will need to repeat before being promoted.
Gord Okamura, Allan Sattin,
Provincial Kata Committee Provincial Grading Committee