The Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (SKIF) syllabus was devised by Chief Instructor Kanazawa Sensei 10th Dan as a way of providing a guide for both students and instructors as to what a student should know at each grade as they progress through the grading system. The syllabus is used in all SKIF clubs throughout the world and therefore helps maintain a consistent standard of SKIF Karate.

While the syllabus helps instuctors and students prepare for gradings and helps remove the 'fear of the unknown' factor of grading which can be nervous events for both instructors and students, it should not be seen as all a student needs to know for their grading. The syllabus is the minimum requirement for a particular grade but both instructors and students should strive to progress as to the best of their abilities at all times. This practice will help prepare students for when they become Yudansha (black belt holders) and the time between gradings will be much greater and the student will need to develop an ability to maintain their level of training without a grading being their primary means of motivation.

This information is presented as a useful reminder for students. It should in no way be considered a substitute for training with an experienced instructor. Please also note that any deviation from the SKIF syllabus, on this website, is a recommendation for use within these clubs.