KYOKUSHIN-KAN INTERNALTIONAL GRADING FREQUENCY
Grading in each Branch (or dojo) location should be held no more than four times per year.
In special cases, exceptions may be made with permission from International Honbu (Branch Chief or Country Representative).
Azadani Kyokushin Karate
KYOKUSHIN-KAN INTERNALTIONAL
Qualification of Examiners
- Three Judges should be present at the Kyu Grading. One of the three must hold Sandan or higher and must be authorized by the Branch Chief (or CR) to conduct the Grading.
- It is permitted to hold Shodan and Nidan Grading in each branch (or dojo), and three judges should be present. One of the three must hold Yondan or higher and must be authorized by Kancho. In situations where such conditions do not exist, the Branch Chief (or DO) must invite Kancho, Fuku-Kancho (vice-chairman), Honbu Chief, Vice-Honbu Chief, or other Shihan appointed by Kancho.
- Grading for Sandan or higher must be held at International Honbu (with the exception noted below) and will be held once per year. Grading to Godan or higher is possible only when Kancho administers the Grading personally. For candidates who are absolutely unable to attend a grading at International Honbu, Gradings from Sandan to Godan may be held at overseas branches only when one of the following is present: Kancho, Fuku-Kancho (vice-chairman), Honbu Chief, or Vice-Honbu Chief, or other Shihan appointed by Kancho.
- Gradings for Rokudan or higher can only be held at International Honbu with all of the following present: Kancho, Fuku-Kancho (vice-chairman), Honbu Chief, and Vice-Honbu Chief.
- An exception to above can be made in special cases where a rank-authorizing camp or seminar is sponsored by International Honbu, and Kancho, Fuku-Kancho (vice-chairman), Honbu Chief, and Vice-Honbu Chief are all present.
Requirements for Kyu Promotion
- Grading for 10th Kyu may be taken by any beginner who has trained for at least two months at the branch location where the Grading is to be administered. Grading for 10th Kyu will focus on the following requirements: Dojo etiquette, Dojo Oath, Basic Technique (Kihon), Zenkutsudachi Ido-geiko, and Taikyoku 1.
- Each branch (or dojo) location shall hold regular Kyu Gradings in strict accordance with the requirements given in the Kyu Grading Syllabus. Kyu Gradings will focus on the following requirements: Dojo etiquette; Dojo Oath; Basic Technique (Kihon); Ido-geiko for Zenkutsudachi, Kokutsudachi, Sanchindachi, Kibadachi and Shikodachi; Kata including Taikyoku 1 to 3, Pin-an 1 to 4, Sanchin, Yantsu, and Juji-kata; Kumite; and additional examinations of strength, stamina, flexibility, and jumping ability. Pin-an-Ura Kata and Tsukino-kata should be considered additional training exercises but should not be considered requirements for promotion.
Azadani Kyokushin Karate
Belt Sequence and Color
| Color of Belt | Rank |
|---|---|
| White Belt | No Kyu |
| Orange Belt | 10th Kyu |
| Reddish Brown Belt | 9th Kyu |
| Light-blue Belt | 8th Kyu |
| Blue Belt | 7th Kyu |
| Yellow Belt | 6th Kyu |
| Light Purple Belt | 5th Kyu |
| Yellow Green Belt | 4th Kyu |
| Green Belt | 3rd Kyu |
| Brown Belt | 2nd Kyu |
| Brown Belt with silver stripe | 1st Kyu |
| Black Belt | Shodan or higher |
- All Black Belts & Black Belt Certificates will be issued by International Honbu. (Kyu belts & certificates will be issued by each country.)
- The list below shows the sequence of rank (Kyu and Dan).
- The color of the Kyu belts are example of Japanese standard. Each country may choose their own color for Kyu grades.
- Honorary Dan promotions can only be authorized by Kancho and the Kyokushin-kan Executive Committee.
- Concerning Shihan titles (Renshi, Kyoshi and Hanshi): Shihan title (three levels) is independent of Dan level. The title Shihan (Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi) cannot be used by any instructor without a Shihan License sanctioned by International Honbu. However, only in countries other than Japan, the title Shihan could be awarded when the person gets Godan, taking into account that the person cannot use the title of Renshi, Kyoshi or Hanshi without taking the proper grading as mentioned below. Shihan status supersedes Dan level, and those with Shihan status hold seniority over even higher Dan levels without a Shihan License. During training, Shihan License holders should line up at the very front of the dojo. Examination for Shihan License is independent of Dan Grading and must be administered at an International Honbu-sanctioned promotion in which Kancho, Fuku-Kancho (vice-chairman), Honbu Chief, and Vice-Honbu Chief are all present.
Azadani Kyokushin Karate
Requirements for Dan Promotion
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from 1st Kyu to Shodan will be authorized.
- All promotion requirements for 1st Kyu must be met.
- A minimum of one year must have passed since the 1st Kyu acquisition.
- Candidate must be at least 10 years old at the time of Grading. (For Youth Class)
- Candidate must perform the following Kata: Pin-an 5, Gekisai-Dai and Gekisai-Sho, Saiha, and Naifanchin-Shodan (Tekki).
- Candidate must be able to perform 50 consecutive knuckle push ups.
- Candidate must be able to perform bo-tobi at least 20 times (Jumping forward and backward over a one-meter rod held in both hands).
- Candidate must demonstrate excellent skill in Kumite. (10-man Kumite or equivalent must be held at Grading.)
- Candidate must have excellent ability to teach and must possess the personality of an assistant instructor.
- Candidate must be sure to fulfill other requirements specific to their branch, such as participation in seminars, camps, and tournaments.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Shodan to Nidan will be authorized.
- All promotion requirements for Shodan must be met.
- A minimum of two years must have passed since the Shodan acquisition.
- Candidate must be able to perform the following Kata: Garyu, Seienchin, Naifanchin-Nidan, and one Bo-jutsu kata.
- Candidate must be able to instruct all Kata-bunkai of up to all Shodan Kata.
- Candidate must be able to perform fifty consecutive 5-fingertip pushups.
- Candidate must be able to break 2 regulation boards with 4 techniques standard in tournament tameshiwari (seiken, shuto, enpi and sokuto).
- Candidate must demonstrate excellent skill in Kumite. (20-man Kumite or equivalent must be held at Grading.)
- Candidate must have excellent ability to teach and must possess the personality of a teacher.
- Candidate must be sure to fulfill other requirements specific to their branch, such as participation in seminars, camps, and tournaments.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Nidan to Sandan will be authorized.
- All promotion requirements for Nidan must be met.
- A minimum of three years must have passed since Nidan acquisition.
- Candidate must be able to perform the following Kata: Seipai, Kanku, Naifanchin-Sandan, and two Bo-jutsu Kata.
- Candidate must be able to instruct Kata-bunkai of up to all Nidan kata.
- Candidates must be able to perform fifty consecutive 5-fingertip push ups.
- Candidate must be able to break 1 concrete block or 10 Kawaras with either Seiken or Shuto.
- Candidate must demonstrate excellent skill in Kumite. (30-man Kumite or equivalent must be held at Grading.)
- Candidate must possess the personality of a teacher.
- Candidate must have strong knowledge of health and the human body.
- Candidate must have formal qualification and significant experience as a center ring tournament referee.
- Candidate must be sure to fulfill other requirements specific to their branch, such as participation in seminars, camps, and tournaments.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Sandan to Yondan will be authorized.
- All promotion requirements for Sandan must be met.
- A minimum of four years must have passed since Sandan acquisition.
- Candidate must be able to perform the following Kata: Suushiiho, Tensho, two Bo-jutsu Kata, and one Sai-jutsu Kata.
- Candidate must be able to instruct Kata-bunkai of up to all Sandan Katas.
- Candidate must demonstrate 5 seated Urawaza techniques and 5 standing Urawaza techniques.
- Candidates must be able to perform fifty consecutive 5-fingertip push-ups.
- Candidate must demonstrate excellent skill in Kumite. (40-man Kumite or equivalent must be held at Grading.)
- Candidate must have the personality of a branch chief, including leadership and organizational management skills.
- Candidate must have strong knowledge concerning training to improve health and bring up young people.
- Candidate must have formal qualification and significant experience as a center ring tournament referee.
- Candidate must participate in a high rank Dan seminar sponsored by International Honbu and administered by Kancho directly.
- Candidate must receive a recommendation from their Area Chairman (Europe, Middle East, Africa, etc.) and Kancho’s permission before taking the examination.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Yondan to Godan will be authorized.
- All promotion requirements for Yondan must be met.
- A minimum of five years must have passed since Yondan acquisition.
- Candidate must be able to perform the following Kata: Two Koryu-Kata (Old traditional Kata) designated by Kyokushin-kan, three Bo-jutsu Kata, and two Sai-jutsu Kata.
- Candidate must be able to instruct Kata-bunkai of up to all Yondan Katas.
- Candidate must demonstrate 10 seated Urawaza techniques and 10 standing Urawaza techniques.
- Candidate must demonstrate excellent skill in Kumite. (50-man Kumite or equivalent must be held at Grading.)
- Candidate must possess the character of a branch chief, must demonstrate excellent leadership ability, and excellent capacity for managing an organization.
- Candidate must have formal qualification and significant experience as a center ring tournament referee.
- Candidate must participate in a high rank Dan seminar sponsored by International Honbu and administered by Kancho directly.
- Candidate must receive a recommendation from their Area Chairman(Europe, Middle East, Africa, etc.) and Kancho’s permission before taking the examination.
Special Circumstance Regarding Age when Grading up until Godan
- In situations where the candidate is over 40 years old, the kumite requirement for the grading may be waived. However, in this case, the candidate must participate in the International Instructors’ Camp or other international seminar organized by International Honbu expressly for this purpose.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Godan to Rokudan will be authorized.
- All promotion requirements for Godan must be met.
- A minimum of six years must have passed since Godan acquisition.
- Candidate must be able to perform the following Kata: Three Koryu-Kata (Old traditional Kata) designated by Kyokushin-kan, three Bo-jutsu Kata, two Sai- jutsu Kata., and possibly other Buki- jutsu (weapons techniques) specified by Kyokushin-kan.
- Candidate must be able to instruct Kata-bunkai of up to all Godan Katas.
- Candidate must demonstrate 10 seated Urawaza techniques and 10 standing Urawaza techniques.
- Candidate must have received a Shihan (Renshi) License through established examination procedures.
- Candidate must have formal qualification and significant experience as a center ring tournament referee.
- Candidate must participate in a high rank Dan seminar sponsored by International Honbu and administered by Kancho directly.
- Candidate must receive a recommendation from the Area chairman (Europe, Middle East, Africa, etc.) and permission from Kancho before taking the examination.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Rokudan to Nanadan will be authorized.
- A minimum of seven years must have passed since Rokudan acquisition.
- Candidate must have excellent overall skills in Karate-Do, plus a deep understanding of the philosophy of Budo. The candidate’s everyday conduct and comportment should be a good model for others, inspiring respect and emulation.
- Upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee, Kancho and the chairman of the board of the Kyokushin Shogakukai Foundation will review the candidate’s qualifications carefully and award the promotion on its merits.
The following requirements must be met before Promotion from Nanadan to Hachidan will be authorized.
- A minimum of eight years must have passed since Nanadan acquisition.
- Candidate must have excellent overall skills of Karate-Do, plus a deep understanding of the philosophy of Budo. The candidate’s character and comportment should be a good model for others.
- Candidate must be fully aware and worthy of the responsibility of being a guardian and transmitter of the living art of Kyokushin Karate-do.
- Candidate should be an outstanding exemplar of Kyokushin’s technical mastery and spiritual development in order to pass Sosai Mas Oyama’s teaching correctly to the next generation.
- Upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee, Kancho and the chairman of the board of Kyokushin Shogakukai Foundation will review the candidate’s qualifications carefully and award the promotion on its merits.
- Examinee should follow this technical syllabus to be promoted.
- “Grandfather clause”: Current Dan holders who do not meet all the above qualifications will be regarded as exceptions and allowed to retain their Dan ranking, but they will be expected to train hard and bring themselves up to the standard for their rank.
Special Circumstance Regarding Age.
- There is a minimum age set for each Dan promotion which is not mentioned in this syllabus. The candidate may not be able to achieve Dan because of his age.
- When Godan is earned after the age of 60 years, the Candidate’s contribution to the organization will be considered, and an exception to the required span of years between promotions can be made.
Example of the Regulation of Kyu Grading Examination.
- Details can be made by each Branch. Youth, woman, elder applies to this.
| Kyu Grade | Tachikata (Stances) | Kihon (Basics) | Ido-Geiko (Moving Basics) | Kata | Kumite | Reinforcement | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Kyu & 9th Kyu | Shizen-Dachi Musubi-Dachi Heisoku-Dachi Heikou-Dachi Sanchin-Dachi | Seiken-Chudan-Tsuki Seiken-Ago-Uchi Uraken-Ganmen-Uchi Uraken-Sayu-Uchi Seiken-Jodan-Uke Seiken- Chudan–Soto-Uke Seiken- Chudan Uchi-Uke Gedan-Barai Mae-Keage Hiza-Geri Kinteki-Geri Mae-Ger | Correctly perform Zen-Kutsu-Dachi, Seiken-Tsuki and 4 basic blocks Mae-Keage and Mae-Geri in Zen-Kutsu-Dachi | Taikyoku 1 and 2 | Yakusoku-Kumite, Jodan- and Chudan Jiyuu-Kumite once Kicking mitt in right posture | 30 Push ups 30 Sit ups 30 Squats | Bow in standing and sitting Dojo-Kun Way of Folding up Karate-Gi Correctly do warming ups |
| 8th Kyu & 7th Kyu | Kiba-Dachi Koukutsu-Dachi Possible to do Hakobi-Ashi in Okuri-Ashi | Seiken-Jodan-Tsuki Seiken-Gedan-Tsuki Seiken-Shita-Tsuki Uraken-Sayu-Uchi Uchi-Uke-Gedan-Barai Shuto-Ganmen-Uchi Mawashi-Geri | Gyaku-Zuki in Zen-Kutsu-Dachi Uchi-Uke in Kou-Kutsu-Dachi Mawashi-Geri in Zen-Kutsu-Dachi | Taikyoku 3 Juji-KataGedan-Barai | Yakusoku-Kumite, Chudan and Ge-Dan Jiyuu-Kumite once Possible to do continuous techniques | 30 Push ups 40 Sit ups 50 Squats | Possible to commandbasic training Possible to touch the floor by elbow in spread legs position |
| 6th Kyu & 5th Kyu | Neko-Ashi-Dachi | Uraken-Mawashi-Uchi Hiji-Uchi Shuto -Uchi-Uchi Shuto-Hizou-Uchi Yoko-Geri Ushiro-Geri | Continuous Blocks and Gyaku-Zuki in Zen-Kutsu-Dachi Gyaku-Zuki in Sanchin-Dachi | Pin-an 1 Jyuji-Gata Gedan-Barai Gyaku-Zuki | Jiyuu-Kumite twice Possible to do Block and counter attack | Mainain handstand against wall for one minute Kick ball suspended from ceiling at 2 meter height with jumping kick | Possible to command Ido-Geiko (Moving basics) |
| 4th Kyu & 3th Kyu | Shiko-Dachi | Shuto -Sayu-Uchi Kansetsu-Geri Ushiro-Mawasi-Geri | Gedan-Barai in Kiba-Dachi 45 degree San-Bon(3 kinds)-Geri | Pin-an 2 Sanchin Sayu-Uke Sayu-Tsuki | Jiyuu-Kumite twice Possible to do Ashi-Sabaki | Walk on hands, inverted, for 5 meters | Possible to touch the floor by chin in spread legs position |
| 2nd Kyu & 1st Kyu | Kake-Ashi-Dachi Enoji-Dachi | Happou-Sabaki (8 different direction Sabaki) Go-hon(5 kinds)-Geri | ____ | Pin-an 3 and 4 Yantsu | Jiyu-Kumite 3 times | 50 Push ups 100 Sit ups 100 Squats | ____ |
Azadani Kyokushin Karate
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