Grading’s are held approximately three times per year. In order to grade, it is important that you regularly attend training sessions and anyone wishing to attempt a grading must have permission to do so from the Chief Instructor. He or she is best qualified to judge when students are ready to attempt a grading examination. Grading’s are conducted by a Shotokan Nation Examiner. As with school exams, there is a grading syllabus for all levels so you will know what is expected of you in advance. Coloured belts are used to denote grades.