I spent a lot of time last year looking at our syllabus, and after a lot of experimentation we've come up with something that works for us.
The idea of a syllabus (or grading syllabus) is to offer some structure and guidelines for training and progression. It is not a complete list of every single technique, idea, movement, combination etc etc etc - because there are unlimited variations of all movements!
Our grading syllabus contains a few key techniques for each grade which students would be expected to know. It is a guide to where they should be focussing their training. It is not a black-and-white list of every possible technique. Therefore our syllabus might look a bit lacking compared to some "big list" syllabuses I've seen on the internet.
For example, in wado ryu the progression of basics is quite logical. We've also incorporated a small number of combinations that are reflective of the art. I've removed a lot of combinations because karate is not a memory test, and there's no need to just pile on endless more techniques.
By all means practice variations and themes, but there's no need to be graded on everything.
The new syllabus reference sheet will be available shortly. For now, here's a list of kata that we have:
Core Kata
Pinan Nidan, Shodan, Sandan, Yodan, Godan
Sanchin
Tensho
Naihanchi
Kushanku
Chinto
Seishan
Passai
Additional Kata
Niseishi
Wanshu
Rohai
Jitte
Jion
Ji'in
