The planned dates for the gradings in 2025 are as follows :-
- 15th March 2025 – All grades (White Belts – Black Belts)
- 14th June 2025 – All grades (White Belts – Black Belts)
- 20th September2025 – All grades (White Belts – Black Belts)
- 13th December 2025 – All grades (White Belts – Black Belts)
Unless stated otherwise, gradings start promptly at 1pm and are expected to finish by 4pm. Gradings will take place in the Bournville College.(South & City College Birmingham, Longbridge Campus) Sports Hall, Longbridge, B31 2TW.
Please remember to ask Sensei Hession for permission to grade (at the Kenshin dojo Sensei Amuzu will usually indicate who is grading in class before the grading date, if not please check with him). If you require a new belt, please let Becky Clarke on the table know your name, belt colour and size. Please also make sure that your licence is up-to-date, as without a valid licence, you will not be able to grade. PIf grading please hand your licence book typo Becky Clarke or Sensei Sue (or Sensei Richard or Sensei Mike at Kenshin when Becky isn’t there) at least a week before your grading date. Please remember to bring water bottle, mitts, gumshields and optionally although recommended for gradings that involve more advanced forms of sparring groin or chest protectors.
People wishing to take a Dan grade will upon being given permission to apply to grade have to submit a formal grading request letter. Please ask your instructors for further details about the format of the grading and cost of the grading.
In order to be eligible to grade you are required to meet the following criteria:
- White Belts – minimum of two months training
- Orange Belts (9th Kyu) to Black & White Belts (1st Kyu) – train on a minimum of 28 classes since the previous grading.
- Black Belt (Shodan) – a minimum of six months training from passing the 1st kyu grading
- Black Belt (Nidan) – a minimum of two years from passing the Shodan grading
- Black Belt (Sandan) – a minimum of three years from passing the Nidan grading and to be 21 years of age or greater..
Opening and Closing dates for 2025:
The first training session for the year will be on Monday 6th January 2025 at the Weoley Castle Dojo
Easter Break:
- Last Session: Thursday 17th April 2025
- Closed: Friday 18th April 2025 (Good Friday) to Monday 21st April 2025 (Easter Monday) inclusive
- Re-open: Wednesday 23rd April 2025
May Bank Holidays:
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 5th May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 26th May 2025
Summer Break:
- Last Session: Saturday 9th August 2025
- Closed: Monday 11th August 2025 to Saturday 30th August 2025 inclusive.
- Re-open: Monday 1st September 2024
Christmas Break:
- Last Session: Saturday 13th December 2025 at the Bournville College Dojo
- Closed: Throughout Christmas and New Year holiday period
- Re-open: Monday 5th January 2026
