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shotokanman70
shotokanman70's picture
Shodan Test Breakdown

I think you're going to like this!

In this video I share footage of my student's recent shodan test. My curriculum is registered with the WCA. As you can see in the video, the curriculum is both broad and deep. This particular test was physically demanding and lasted 4 hours (including a few barf breaks). In addition to the physical skills assessed, shodan candidates are required to submit written works on various topics including the Canadian criminal code and how it pertains to self protection.

If you are interested in looking at the drills in greater detail, some links are provided in the YouTube video description. Some of the drills are of my own creation. Others have been borrowed from Iain and others.

cheers,

Andy

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Brilliant video Andy! I hope it inspires a few of the 3K types to return to a more holistic version of the art. Karate is awesome when people “unwrap it and open the gift” … as opposed to fixating on how pretty the wrapping paper is :-)

All the best,

Iain

shotokanman70
shotokanman70's picture

Iain Abernethy wrote:

I hope it inspires a few of the 3K types to return to a more holistic version of the art.

I hope it does. I had a couple people inform me that it wasn't Shotokan. Thank-you Captain Obvious ;)

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

shotokanman70 wrote:
I had a couple people inform me that it wasn't Shotokan. Thank-you Captain Obvious ;)

“I have heard myself and my students referred to as the ‘Shotokan School’, but I strongly object to this attempt at classification” – Gichin Funakoshi

You’re in good company it seems :-)

All the best,

Iain

Pierre
Pierre's picture

Wow, this is extremely inspiring! Thank you for sharing Andy.

All the best,

Pierre

shotokanman70
shotokanman70's picture

Thank you, Pierre. Glad you enjoyed it.

Kiwikarateka
Kiwikarateka's picture

A solid holistic and practical approach, wish I had to do something like this for my Shodan!

I'll definitely be stealing some of the ideas for myself (not that I'll be testing anyone for black belt any time soon, I only did my Shodan two years ago haha).

I'm assuming the usual "Do 10,000 push ups!", "Do 10,000 punches in Shikodachi" aspects of belt testing were omitted as I don't see them in the video?

shotokanman70
shotokanman70's picture

Kiwikarateka, No shiko dachi, LOL. The test was 4 hours including 4 barfing breaks. No need to add a fitness component as it's built into the test.