"Testing Requirements"

Karate Brown 3rd

Rising Sun Martial Arts - Hinode-Ryu Karate

Brown Belt 3rd Degree to Solid Black Belt Requirements   

What you need to know as a Brown Belt 3rd Degree:

    Now that you have reached the rank of Brown Belt 3rd degree in Hinode-Ryu Karate, you need to know that your ride on the promotion expressway has come to an end. Your test to Solid Black Belt is not scheduled on a regular promotion test cycle, AND, it is NOT an easy journey!

Reaching the Black Belt level is NOT a "Right of Passage".

It IS an earned event!

Our Solid Black Belt is defined as "Master of the Basics"...Not "Master of the Entitled".  You are entitled to nothing. If you pass this test, you will have earned it!

 Now is the time to see if you have been training and listening for the past 6 + years and whether or not you have the dedication, desire, determination and discipline needed to become a Black Belt. Many students have reached this level, but only few have achieved the honor of passing their Black Belt test. Many students have decided to stop training at this point, realizing that they were not prepared, or ready, to accept the challenge to prepare for this test. Many have made it to the actual test, but failed there. Some have made it through the test only to realize that being a Black Belt is not the end of training or of their commitment. Few have made it through and continue to train and pursue the Black Belt experience.

    A few people have commented on this practice of making the Black Belt test so difficult. It has been said that after training for so long and spending so much money, that it is terrible that students don't just get the chance to get a Black Belt. When asked if that was the kind of reputation that we wanted, the answer was simple. That is the exact reputation that we want. It has also been said that there is a fine line between running a business and a Dojo. At Rising Sun, that line is clear; Brown Belt 3rd Degree! We run a business up to Brown Belt 3rd Degree. We run a Dojo at Black Belt. We would much rather have a student leave Rising Sun while calling us unfair, than to let them "have" a Black Belt they didn't earn.

    Yes, you have been training for a long time. Yes, you have spent a lot of money during that time. Remember this; You have received valuable training for that tuition, but you are not entitled to a Black Belt! Even in a world where we are all special and receive awards for everything we do, the Black Belt stills remains the most coveted and special thing in the Martial Arts world. So when you do take this journey, and pass this test, you can honestly be part of that special group of people that have EARNED their rank.

    A Solid Black Belt test is NOT about how many people you can "beat up", but rather it's about overcoming your fears, phobias and turning up the dedication to be "better than the last time you entered the Dojo". Your Black Belt test has NOTHING to do with being better than anyone else. It's ALL about you and your improvement through your Martial Arts training.

    Here is what to expect during this time as a Brown Belt 3rd degree:

• You have 3 choices involving your training:
•     1. Continue training with the effort and dedication needed to achieve the Solid Black Belt rank.  
•     2. Continue training as a Brown Belt 3rd Degree, knowing that you cannot commit the time and effort at this time to test for Solid Black Belt.  
•     3. Stop training all together.
• There is NO time frame to be scheduled for testing. Usually, it takes a minimum of 18 weeks to prepare for testing to Solid Black Belt, however; we have had students take up to 3 years before testing.
• Once your minimum time-in-grade has been achieved, we will evaluate your training. If your attendance, dedication and effort towards testing has been significant, you will be invited to take your written test.
• Written tests will include ALL levels of testing from White Belt through Black Belt. Students must score an "A" (90.00% or higher) to be invited to a physical test. Students scoring a "B" can take their written test again without delay. Earning a "C" will require you to wait at least 3 months before taking the written test again. Lower than a "C" requires a 6 month wait before re-testing.
• If you pass the written portion of the test and are invited to take a physical test, your test will include ALL levels of testing from White Belt through Black Belt. Your physical test will also include self defense randori's and sparring against other Black Belts. Please be reminded that making it to the physical test is NOT a guarantee of passing. In fact, there is still a greater chance of failing than passing this test. Like the written portion of the test, re-tests are determined by your overall grade.

Brown Belt 3rd Degree to Solid Black Belt Requirements

Brown 3rd Promotion Help

Kata: Jion   (Brown 3rd)

To execute this kata using the compass directions, make sure that north is the direction that you start from. You will only need to use the 8 compass directions of north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west and northwest. Place the compass directions on your surrounding walls to make sure your directions are correct.

Ready Position, Feet Together (Kiotsuke), Bow (Rei), Ready Position (Yoi)

1.    Maintain focus in the north direction (moving only the left leg) - travel in reverse to a right front stance, execute double blocks (left arm - reverse down block, right arm - forearm block).

2.    Focus 45 degrees to the left until the focus is in the northwest direction (moving only the left leg) - travel forward into a balanced stance, execute a middle level x block.

3.    Maintain focus (northwest) and foot position, with dynamic breathing - shift stance into a left front stance while pressing x blocks open to shoulder width.

4.    Maintain focus (northwest) - prepare arms by extending left arm into a front punch position and retracting right hand to right hip. Travel forward into a right front stance by executing a right leg front kick. Upon entering the right front stance, execute a right front punch.

5.    Maintain focus (northwest) and stance (right front stance), execute first a reverse punch with the left arm, then a front punch with the right arm.

6.     Focus 90 degrees to the right until the focus is in the northeast direction (moving only the right leg) - travel  into a balanced stance, execute a middle level x block.

7.    Maintain focus (northeast) and foot position, with dynamic breathing - shift stance into a right front stance while pressing x blocks open to shoulder width.

8.    Maintain focus (northeast) - prepare arms by extending right arm into a front punch position and retracting left hand to left hip. Travel forward into a left front stance by executing a left leg front kick. Upon entering the left front stance, execute a left front punch.

9.    Maintain focus (northeast) and stance (left front stance), execute first a reverse punch with the right arm, then a front punch with the left arm.

10.    Focus 45 degrees to the left until the focus is in the north direction (moving only the left leg) - enter an attention stance that is turned to a 45 degree angle (northeast), execute a reverse open hand rising block with the right arm and bring the left arm across your body towards the right armpit into a guard position.

11.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the left leg into a balanced stance, execute a left rising block.

12.    Maintain focus (north) - pivot hips to enter a left front stance, execute a right reverse punch.

13.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the right leg into an attention stance that is turned to a 45 degree angle (northwest), execute a reverse open hand rising block with the left arm and bring the right arm across your body towards the left armpit into a guard position.

14.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the right leg into a balanced stance, execute a right rising block.

15.    Maintain focus (north) - pivot hips to enter a right front stance, execute a left reverse punch.

16.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the left leg into an attention stance that is turned to a 45 degree angle (northeast), execute a reverse open hand rising block with the right arm and bring the left arm across your body towards the right armpit into a guard position.

17.     Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the left leg into a left front stance, execute a left rising block.

18.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the right leg into a right front stance, execute a right front punch. (kiai)

19.    Focus 270 degrees to the left until the focus is in the east direction (moving only the left leg) - enter a left back stance, execute double blocks. (left down block, right backarm block).

20.    Maintain  focus (east) - shift stance into a side horse stance, from a knuckle catch at the right hip - execute a reverse hook punch with the right arm.

21.    Focus 180 degrees to the right until the focus is in the west direction (moving only the right leg) - enter a right back stance, execute double blocks. (right down block, left backarm block).

22.    Maintain  focus (west) - shift stance into a side horse stance, from a knuckle catch at the left hip - execute a reverse hook punch with the left arm.

23.    Focus 90 degrees to the left until the focus is in the south direction (moving only the left leg) - enter a left front stance, execute a left down block.

24.    Maintain focus (south) - travel forward with the right leg into a right side horse stance, execute a right palm strike.

25.    Maintain focus (south) - travel forward with the left leg into a left side horse stance, execute a left palm strike.

26.    Maintain focus (south) - travel forward with the right leg into a right side horse stance, execute a right palm strike.

27.    Focus 270 degrees to the left until the focus is in the west direction (moving only the left leg) - enter a left back stance, execute double blocks. (left down block, right backarm block).

28.    Maintain  focus (west) - travel forward with the right leg into an attention stance position, from a knuckle catch at the right hip - execute a rising doublefist block with the left arm. (This block should be done in a slicing motion from the hip to it's final position.

29.    Focus 180 degrees to the right until the focus is in the east direction (moving only the right leg) - enter a right back stance, execute double blocks. (right down block, left backarm block).

30.    Maintain  focus (east) - travel forward with the left leg into an attention stance position, from a knuckle catch at the left hip - execute a rising doublefist block with the right arm. (This block should be done in a slicing motion from the hip to it's final position.

31.    Focus 90 degrees to the left until the focus is in the north direction - pivot the stance to the north direction and from an x block position in front of the chest, use dynamic breathing to open the x block to double down blocks at each side of the body.

32.    Maintain focus (north) - execute a right knee thrust and bring both hands back to the hips.

33.    Maintain focus (north) - step forward with the right leg into a right cross stance, execute a downward x block.

34.    Maintain focus (north) - travel in reverse with the left leg into a right front stance, execute double down blocks.

35.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the left leg into a left front stance, execute double forearm blocks.

36.    Maintain focus (north) - travel forward with the right leg into a right front stance, execute a right hammer strike. (Leave the left arm extended for preparation)

37.    Maintain focus (north) - maintain your stance (right front stance), shuffle forward and execute an augmented back knuckle strike.

38.    Focus left, turn 270 degrees until your focus is in the east direction (moving only your left leg) - enter a left front stance, execute a left forearm block.

39.    Maintain focus (east) - travel forward into a right front stance, execute a right front punch.

40.    Focus right, turn 180 degrees until your focus is in the west direction (moving only the right leg) - enter a right front stance, execute a right forearm block.

41.    Maintain focus (west) - travel forward into a left front stance, execute a left front punch.

42.    Focus left, turn 90 degrees until your focus is in the south direction (moving only the left leg) - enter a left front stance, execute a left down block.

43.    Maintain focus (south) - prepare your arms with a right hammer strike preparation and execute a right leg knee thrust and travel forward with the right leg into a narrow right front stance.

44.    Maintain focus (south) - pivot hips into a right side horse stance, execute a right hammer strike.

45.    Maintain focus (south) - pivot hips into a narrow right front stance, prepare your arms with a left hammer strike preparation.

46.    Maintain focus (south) -  execute a left leg knee thrust and travel forward with the left leg into a narrow left front stance.

47.    Maintain focus (south) - pivot hips into a left side horse stance, execute a left hammer strike.

48.    Maintain focus (south) - pivot hips into a narrow left front stance, prepare your arms with a right hammer strike preparation.

49.    Maintain focus (south) -  execute a right leg knee thrust and travel forward with the right leg into a narrow right front stance.

50.    Maintain focus (south) - pivot hips into a right side horse stance, execute a right hammer strike.

51.    Focus left, turn 270 degrees until your focus is in the west direction (moving only the left leg) - enter an attention  stance, execute an augmented wedge block.

52.    Maintain focus (west) - travel forward with the left leg into a left side horse stance, execute a left hammer strike.

53.    Focus right, turn 180 degrees until your focus is in the east direction (moving only the rightleg) - enter an attention  stance, execute an augmented wedge block.

54.    Maintain focus (east) - shuffle forward with the right leg into a right side horse stance, execute a right hammer strike. (kiai)

To return to the ready position, maintain focus north, bring left foot out to a ready position.

Ready Position, Feet Together (Kiotsuke), Bow (Rei), Ready Position (Yoi)

Self Defense (Brown 3rd)

Kyusho Iti

Frankenstein attack

Left side    Step forward with the left leg into a left front stance, execute a left cover block then a right reverse scooping block. Take your right arm straight across their throat while moving your right leg forward to an attention stance. Continue moving your left leg around so that you are directly behind the attacker and apply the choke. Step back slightly with your right leg into a left fighting stance to draw your attacker's balance towards you. Turn 180 degrees to the left (moving only your left leg) - enter a left kneeling stance and then continue to the ground on top of your opponent.

Right side    Step forward with the right leg into a right front stance, execute a right cover block then a left reverse scooping block. Take your left arm straight across their throat while moving your left leg forward to an attention stance. Continue moving your right leg around so that you are directly behind the attacker and apply the choke. Step back slightly with your left leg into a right fighting stance to draw your attacker's balance towards you. Turn 180 degrees to the right (moving only your right leg) - enter a right kneeling stance and then continue to the ground on top of your opponent.

Kyusho Ni

Frankenstein attack

Left side    Step forward with the left leg into a left front stance, execute a left cover block then a right reverse scooping block. With the right arm, redirect the attacker's arm towards your right hip and use your left arm to begin redirecting your attacker by striking to their shoulder while you turn your body 360 degrees to the right by moving only your right leg. Redirect your opponent down to the ground. Control their arm.

Right side    Step forward with the right leg into a right front stance, execute a right cover block then a left reverse scooping block. With the left arm, redirect the attacker's arm towards your left hip and use your right arm to begin redirecting your attacker by striking to their shoulder while you turn your body 360 degrees to the left by moving only your left leg. Redirect your opponent down to the ground. Control their arm.

Kyusho San

Wrist grab attack       

Left side    With right hand, reach across and control opponent's wrist. Do not escape the wrist grab with your left hand. Turn 90 degrees to the right until the focus is in the east direction (moving only the left foot) - enter a left elongated front stance. (Utilize the "Swoosh" motion with your opponent's arm). Turn 90 degrees to the right until the focus is in the south direction (no foot movement) - pivot feet to enter a horse stance, dip under your opponent's arm, placing their elbow on your right shoulder. At this point you should have the "Z" lock in place. Slowly raise your center, while pulling downward on their wrist. (Your right elbow should be at their right shoulder blade). Pull slowly to tap.

Right side    With left hand, reach across and control opponent's wrist. Do not escape the wrist grab with your right hand. Turn 90 degrees to the left until the focus is in the west direction (moving only the right foot) - enter a right elongated front stance. (Utilize the "Swoosh" motion with your opponent's arm). Turn 90 degrees to the left until the focus is in the south direction (no foot movement) - pivot feet to enter a horse stance, dip under your opponent's arm, placing their elbow on your left shoulder. At this point you should have the "Z" lock in place. Slowly raise your center, while pulling downward on their wrist. (Your left elbow should be at their left shoulder blade). Pull slowly to tap.

Kyusho Si   (in)

 Left side    From a wrist grab on your left wrist, trap the attacker's hand with your right hand to your left hand. While stepping slightly to the left, make a circular motion in a clockwise direction to rotate their wrist 180 degrees and control their wrist.

Right side    From a wrist grab on your right wrist, trap the attacker's hand with your left hand to your right hand. While stepping slightly to the right, make a circular motion in a counter-clockwise direction to rotate their wrist 180 degrees and control their wrist.

Kyusho Si   (out)

 Left side    From a wrist grab on your left wrist, turn your left palm up while bringing your right hand under their hand to trap at their thumb. While stepping slightly to the left, rotate their thumb towards the outside until they begin to fall.

Right side    From a wrist grab on your right wrist, turn your right palm up while bringing your left hand under their hand to trap at their thumb. While stepping slightly to the right, rotate their thumb towards the outside until they begin to fall.

Weapons Defenses

Rules of Weapon's defenses:

1.     Stay calm

2.    Remove the target

3.    Control the weapon

4.    Counter attack to obtain the weapon

Knife

Stationary Knife to chest or head:    Hands up to peaceful guard. With an open handed x block, strike the opponent on the inside of the wrist and the back of the hand near the knuckles. Strike through the attacker so that the wrist bends and the weapon is dislodged from their grip. Continue to control the attacker and utilize the most sensible throw to get them to the ground. Control the attacker and if possible, control the weapon.

Lunge Knife to the chest or stomach:    Hands up to peaceful guard. As the knife is lunged forward, step off the line of attack allowing the knife to pass you. Control the wrist of the attacker at your ki as you continue to turn. Bring your other hand up to assist in a wrist peel position. Reverse your direction 180 degrees while continuing to control your attackers wrist at your ki to utilize kotegaeshi for a throw. Once opponent is on ground, continue to twist wrist until knife is removed. Continue to control the attacker and if possible, control the weapon.

Stationary Gun to chest or head:    Hands up to peaceful guard. With an vertical shuto, strike the opponent's wrist on the inside while at the same time utilize a palm strike to the top of the gun to remove and control the weapon. Once the gun is removed, step back and aim the gun low, towards the leg of the attacker and instruct them to get on the ground. Do this while keeping your finger away from the trigger to avoid and accidental discharge of the weapon. Keep a safe distance from the attacker so you will have time to defend yourself if they keep attacking.

Elbow Drop

Weapons attack       

Left side    After removing the weapon from the attacker, turn 180 degrees to the right until your focus is in the same direction as your opponent's, by stepping forward with the left foot into a balanced stance and then turning to the right and bringing the right foot next to the left. As you turn, draw your left arm over the right arm of your opponent, sliding your tricep down their arm from their shoulder to their elbow. Control the attackers right arm at their wrist with your right hand. Have both of your hands trap at the opponent's wrist, then quickly drop your energy and weight in a downward and slightly left direction until your opponent loses their balance and falls.

Right side    After removing the weapon from the attacker, turn 180 degrees to the left until your focus is in the same direction as your opponent's, by stepping forward with the right foot into a balanced stance and then turning to the left and bringing the left foot next to the right. As you turn, draw your right arm over the left arm of your opponent, sliding your tricep down their arm from their shoulder to their elbow. Control the attackers left arm at their wrist with your left hand. Have both of your hands trap at the opponent's wrist, then quickly drop your energy and weight in a downward and slightly right direction until your opponent loses their balance and falls.