Teacher Certification





The International Uechi-ryu Karate Federation has adopted a new Instructor Certification Program following a five year trial. Certificates will be issued to participating dojo, based on the following criteria:

4.1. Apprentice Instructor Program: Brown belt or above
Steps dojo takes to award an Apprentice Instructor Certificate:

  • Incorporate program into curriculum
  • Identify students who qualify for program and wish to participate.
  • Develop a "trainee Instructor's Course. (A screening program designed to identify candidates who qualify for and wish to participate in the program. ) This preliminary course consists of written material developed by the dojo and a special class for candidates designed to communicate the importance of the program.
  • Dojo submits the names of all candidates who pass this preliminary screening to the Region Administrator for processing.
  • Apprentice Instructor Certificates are awarded to these students by the Federation.
  • Students begin the Apprentice Instructor Program.

4.2. Instructor Program:
The steps a dojo takes to advance an Apprentice Instructor to Instructor status:

  • Student must be at least a 1st degree Black Belt.
  • Student must have been an Apprentice Instructor for at least one year.
  • Student must have successfully passed the Apprentice Instructor final exam.
    *A written exam created by the dojo.
    *A discussion with the candidate, conducted by senior instructors from the Chapter.
  • Dojo sends names of successful candidates to Region Administrator for processing.
  • Full Instructor Certificates are awarded to candidates by Federation
    Candidates begin their Instructor Program.

4.3 Shihan Program:
The steps necessary for a Instructor to become a Shihan Instructor:

  • Candidate must be at least a 4th degree Black Belt.
  • Candidate must have been a Instructor for at least 3 years.
  • Candidate must be recommended for the award by his/her teacher for the Certificate.
  • Candidate must pass his/her teacher's test for the certificate. This test may be written, physical or a combination of both.
  • Test must be witnessed by at least one Master Instructor.