Kyokushin-kan-International Honbu

Kyu and Dan Grading Regulations

January 1, 2008

• 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).

• Qualification of Examiners

• Three Judges should be present at 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, 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.

• Belt Sequence and Color

• 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 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 a International Honbu-sanctioned promotion in which 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 requierements for promotion.

• 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 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 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 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 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.

• An Addition

* This content may be amended by a technical committee.

Koryu-Kata (Old traditional Kata) appointed by Kyokushin-kan

Passai, Kuusankuu, Suushiiho, Seesan, Superrinpei

Established Bo-Jutsu Kata

Oshiro-no-Kon, Shushi-no-Kon, Ryubi-no-Kon, Sakugawa-no-Kon, Sezoko-no-Kon

Established Sai-Jutsu Kata

Tawada-no-Sai Sho, Tawada-no-Sai Dai, Sancho-no-Sai, Hamahiga-no-Sai

Tonfa-Jutsu

Terukawa-no-Tonfa, Hamahiga-no-Tonfa, Yaraguwa-no-Tonfa

Ura-waza

OmoteIdori Go-hon (5times or 5kinds), Tachidori Go-honChu-danIdori Go-hon, Tachidori Go-honOuden

Toho

Iai-Jutsu, Suwari-waza San-bon (3times or 3kinds), Tachi-waza Yon-hon (4times or 4kinds)Ken-Jutsu (Otachi, Kodachi)