In 1990, Mr. Foster formed the Yoshukai International Karate Association’s testing board to provide a standardized ranking method for students being promoted to the dan ranks of his system. To accomplish their goal, the board meets twice a year, once at Summer Camp and again at the beginning of each calendar year to evaluate students from 1^st kyu up through 4^th dan.

Students must meet the testing requirements and have their Instructor’s recommendation prior to the scheduled test date in order to be eligible for a dan grade promotion. First kyu testing in front of the board is provided as an option to the Instructor and is strongly recommended to prepare the student for his or her 1^st dan test.

The testing board consists of members from the Yoshukai International Karate Association and is overseen by Mr. Mike Foster. The board’s Executive Director, Mr. Michael McClernan selects individuals from the association to serve an apprenticeship on the board. The apprenticeship allows time for the new board member to learn the ranking system and become proficient in evaluating test candidates. A board member must be in good standing with the association and must be willing to abide by the guidelines of testing his or her students in front of the board.

The testing board is made up of 4^th degree black belts (and above) and is divided in two separate boards, one for kata and one for kumite. Each board consists of 3 to 5 members and individuals are rotated to give all eligible members an opportunity to serve on the board. The kata board is under the direction of Mr. Tiger Moore and the kumite board is under the direction of Mr. Bob Bush.