To receive the rank of Nidan, you must meet the following guidelines:
- Be minimum 19 years of age.
- Have been a Shodan at least 2 years of Active Training (see Section B definitions).
- Attend a minimum of 2 Black Belt Clinics each calendar year
- You are encouraged to compete or participate in 2 SWKKF tournaments annually
- The individual must be of strong moral character and demonstrate mental and emotional maturity and should be reflected in their behavior. The student must be in compliance with the Code of Conduct (Section “A” – Code of Conduct of the SWKKF Standards and Ethics)
- Additional kata requirements:
The attributes that are required to progress to the rank of Nidan are as follows:
- Technical basics have improved.
- Show an improvement on form and power.
- Speed has increased on techniques.
- The attributes that are suggested to enhance further knowledge and understanding include:
- Technical Basics
- Continued development can be observed through power and speed of techniques in waza, kihon, kata and kumite.
- Elimination of extra movement
- Show good body mechanics, good form, speed and power in all sections of the grading.
- Kata
- Speed, power, timing, and sequencing.
- Conformance to the documented expected standards.
- Demonstrate kime (focus, ki ken tai ichi), spirit, and control while performing kihon and kumite techniques.
- Targeting a. Be precise on the location of your strikes, punches, kicks. Demonstrate proper range of targeting in all sections of the grading.
- Distancing and Timing.
- Demonstrate proper distancing range for the technique(s).
- Timing of execution of technique offensively and defensively.
- Understand and demonstrate footwork, pivoting and usage of angles (off the line, side stepping).
- Taisabaki (body shifting)
- Demonstrate core body movement.
- Correct rotation for blocks and strikes.
- Follow the directions of the instructor on the day of the grading.