Each test candidate is expected to know all the required katas up through the rank for which they are testing. Students will be asked to perform 2 to 3 different kata and at least one of the core kata (Sei San, Sochin, and Ten Shin) for their rank. The board may request to see some of the more advanced kata from the required list so the student should be prepared. Each student is allowed one kata mistake per test and must acknowledge the mistake by stopping and requesting to begin again. Otherwise, the board will assume the individual is not aware of the mistake and will score accordingly.

Students are expected to perform kata in the prescribed manner. Although correct execution of the individual techniques (kicking, punching, etc.) is very important during the kata test, the techniques themselves will be graded as they relate to the kata and not separately. Test candidates are expected to know how to punch and kick before they present for dan rank and will not receive a passing grade based on fundamentals alone.

The board may ask questions, such as age, length of time training, etc. These questions will help the board make their decisions when scoring the test candidate. Although it may be useful to speak Japanese and know the history of martial arts, students are expected to be proficient in kata and kumite, not Japanese language and history. Students will not be tested beyond simple class commands that are commonly used, and that will not be done in a formal manner. Students should already have a basic understanding of the history of Mike Foster’s Yoshukai Karate by the time they reach this level.