How much time do I have to perform my kata at a grading?
Normally you have 45 seconds for the opening ceremony, 5 minutes for the 5 katas you need to perform and 45 seconds for the closing ceremony. It is unlikely that you would be penalised for exceeding these times when grading up to about 3rd Dan. However, it does become a consideration when grading at higher levels and kata should be chosen that demonstrates your skill but can be completed within the time allocated. There is no penalty for finishing more quickly than is required but you will have to wait until the other people grading finish their katas and the second dismisses the group from the training area.
