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Kyusha gradings fall under the auspices of the Maltese Kendo Federation. 

Kyusha need to have a minimum of 40% attendance to grade in between grades. 

To grade Kyusha members need to be registered with the MKF prior to 5th kyu. 

 

The Maltese Kendo Federation grading syllabus is listed as: 

6th Kyu
1. Kirikaeshi: (Kakarite side only)
2. How to cut set forms of kihon-keiko-ho with shinai (Kakarite side only)
3. Kihon Kata: Kihon Ich and Kihon Ni with osamae kata (Once only as either Kakarite or Motodatchi)

5th Kyu
1. Kiri-kaeshi: (Kakarite side only)
2. Uchikomi Keiko – 5 strikes (Kakarite side only)
3. Kihon Kata: Kihon Ichi to Kihon San (Once only as either Kakarite or Motodatchi)

4th Kyu
1. Kiri-kaeshi with good kiai and correct cutting distance (Kakarite side only)
2. Uchikomi Keiko – 5 strikes (Kakarite side only)
3. Kihon Kata: Kihon Ichi to Kihon Shi (Once only as either Kakarite or Motodatchi)

3rd Kyu
1. Kiri-kaeshi: left hand remains in centre with smooth, effective movements (Kakarite side only)
2. Uchikomi Keiko – 5 strikes (Kakarite side only)
3. Kakari Keiko – 7 strikes (Kakarite side only)
4. Kihon Kata: Kihon Ichi to Kihon Kyo (Once only as either Kakarite or Motodatchi)

2nd Kyu
1. Kiri-kaeshi: with a full rich kiai and proper breathing (Kakarite side only)
2. Uchikomi Keiko – 5 strikes (Kakarite side only)
3. Kakari Keiko – 7 strikes (Kakarite side only)
4. Kendo no Kata: Ippon-me to Sanbon-me (Once only as either Kakarite or Motodatchi)

1st Kyu
1. Kiri-kaeshi: with a full rich kiai, fluid movement and proper breathing (Both Sides)
2. Jigeiko (2 mins)
3. Kendo no Kata: Ippon-me to Gohon-me (Once only as either Kakarite or Motodatchi)

Taikai day is set in a formal setting and is to be taken seriously as the last step in preparing TEAM MALTA for international participation and representation. Hence the importance of the Formal setting and required attitude.

Points to consider
● Formal setup 
● Selected shinpan
● Full etiquette is respected – appropriate behavior expected
● Shinpan in correct attire, be it suit or gi and hakama
● Explanation only in between matches

The main objective of the shiai programme is to provide an opportunity
for all, both kyusha and yudansha to understand specific or combined
topics, in various formats from educational training to informal shiai
matches and the learning by doing methodology.
The Saturday session will start with the regular 30 minute club warm up,
followed by an informal style of coaching allowing for questions and the
opportunity to develop understanding. Correction during a match is
allowed accompanied with explanation.

Topics for development:
● the differences & similarities between grading & shiai
● the different categories of shiai and grading
● International rules and regulations
● Tournament set up, flow and management
● Individual & team tournaments
● Shinpan development
● What is ippon
● Shiai etiquette, rules and regulations
● Mind set and preparation in facing the competition
● Personal fitness training and development out of the dojo
● Nutrition, stretching and physiotherapy
● Facing Jodan or nito players
● Fencing within the shiai jo limits
● Managing time performance
● Other thoughts open for discussion

The main objective of the shiai programme is to provide an opportunity
for all, both kyusha and yudansha to understand specific or combined
topics, in various formats from educational training to informal shiai
matches and the learning by doing methodology.
The Saturday session will start with the regular 30 minute club warm up,
followed by an informal style of coaching allowing for questions and the
opportunity to develop understanding. Correction during a match is
allowed accompanied with explanation.

Topics for development:
● the differences & similarities between grading & shiai
● the different categories of shiai and grading
● International rules and regulations
● Tournament set up, flow and management
● Individual & team tournaments
● Shinpan development
● What is ippon
● Shiai etiquette, rules and regulations
● Mind set and preparation in facing the competition
● Personal fitness training and development out of the dojo
● Nutrition, stretching and physiotherapy
● Facing Jodan or nito players
● Fencing within the shiai jo limits
● Managing time performance
● Other thoughts open for discussion