Grading Rules and Requirements

I. Grading Regulations

1. The purpose of the grading system

The purpose of the Global Kyokushin Budokai grading system is to ensure a uniform professional standard across GKB, to assess students' progress consistently, and to preserve, develop and pass on the technical, physical, mental and spiritual values of Kyokushin Budo.

A grading is not solely a test of knowledge of individual techniques. The candidate must also demonstrate the technical knowledge, physical preparedness, fighting ability and theoretical knowledge appropriate to the grade, as well as a proper Budo outlook and conduct.

At higher grades, ever greater importance is given to the application of the knowledge acquired, teaching activity, personal example and work for the development of Kyokushin.

2. Examining authority

Within GKB, a Kyu or Dan grading may be conducted only by a person authorised to do so.

A GKB national leader or Branch Chief (Shibucho) who holds examining authority may conduct gradings up to 1st kyu in their own country or within their own organisation.

On specific professional grounds, GKB's leadership may also grant examining authority to another person, limited in scope or for a single occasion.

A Dan grading may be conducted only by the Kaicho of GKB, or by a high-ranking GKB master or grading panel designated by him for this purpose.

A condition of examining authority is knowledge and consistent application of GKB's Grading Requirements as in force at the time.

3. Conduct of the grading

A grading may be held individually or in a group, as a stand-alone grading or as part of a seminar, training camp or other official GKB programme.

The specific conduct of the grading is determined by the person leading it, on the basis of GKB's Grading Requirements.

In addition to the current grading syllabus, the examiner may also test the candidate's knowledge of the requirements of earlier grades.

In assessing a grading, account must be taken not only of knowledge of the techniques but also of their precision, power, speed, control, coordination and applicability, as well as the candidate's general preparedness.

4. Dan grades

A candidate may apply for a Dan grading on the recommendation of the competent GKB leader or with the approval of GKB's leadership.

In assessing Dan grades, besides technical and physical performance, account must be taken of the candidate's Budo outlook, personality, teaching activity, personal example, professional experience and work for the development of Kyokushin.

The higher Dan grades express less and less purely technical performance, and more and more the candidate's entire professional career, teaching and community-building work, and Budo outlook.

5. Grades obtained in other organisations

Whether GKB recognises a Kyu or Dan grade issued by another credible martial arts organisation is decided by GKB's leadership on the basis of an individual professional assessment.

Recognition may be made subject to a technical assessment, a grading or a specified period of GKB membership.

The assessment must take into account the candidate's certified grade, professional career, technical knowledge and teaching experience.

6. Grading results and records

A successful grading and the grade achieved must be recorded in GKB's system.

The procedure for issuing, recording and authenticating Kyu and Dan certificates issued in GKB's name is determined by GKB.

II. Grading Requirements

1. The basic principle of the grade system

The GKB grading system consists of levels of knowledge that build on one another.

Each new belt colour builds on the knowledge acquired before it. The candidate must therefore still know every technique and all the material learned earlier, and at a higher technical and applied level than at the previous grading.

The two Kyu grades belonging to the same belt colour form one continuous stage of development. The requirements are therefore not rigidly separated between the two Kyu grades within one belt colour.

At the lower Kyu grade, partial fulfilment of the requirements of that belt colour may be sufficient, while at the higher grade a more comprehensive and higher-level knowledge of the whole material of that belt colour is expected.

The significant professional step comes primarily when the belt colour changes.

2. Belt grades and minimum waiting periods

The waiting periods are minimum requirements. Completing the prescribed period does not in itself give automatic entitlement to the next grade.

On exceptional professional grounds, the Kaicho of GKB may permit an individual exception.

III. Kyu Grading Requirements

Beginner level – white belt

The white belt is the student's beginner level, not a grade obtained by grading.

Kihon is the foundation of all further karate practice. The student practises the basic Kihon techniques regularly from the very first training sessions. By the time they reach their first grading, for orange belt, they must know about 30 basic Kihon techniques at demonstration level.

At this level, perfect execution of the techniques is not yet required. The student must know the basic form, the direction of movement, the target area and the principle of execution, and must be able to demonstrate the technique independently when asked.

Tachikata: Heisoku Dachi, Musubi Dachi, Heiko Dachi, Fudo Dachi (Soto Hachiji Dachi), Uchi Hachiji Dachi, Sanchin Dachi, Zenkutsu Dachi, Kiba Dachi, Tsuru Ashi Dachi.

Tsuki / Uchi Waza: Seiken Chudan Tsuki, Seiken Jodan Tsuki, Seiken Ago Uchi, Seiken Shita Tsuki, Seiken Kagi Tsuki, Hiji Uchi, Uraken Ganmen Uchi, Uraken Sayu Ganmen Uchi, Uraken Hizo Uchi, Uraken Mawashi Uchi, Shuto Ganmen Uchi, Shuto Sakotsu Uchi, Shuto Sakotsu Uchikomi, Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi, Shuto Hizo Uchi.

Uke Waza: Jodan Uke, Chudan Soto Uke, Chudan Uchi Uke, Gedan Barai, Uchi Uke – Gedan Barai.

Keri Waza: Mae Keage, Uchi Mawashi Keage, Soto Mawashi Keage, Hiza Geri, Kin Geri, Mae Geri, Mawashi Geri, Yoko Keage, Kansetsu Geri, Yoko Geri, Ushiro Geri.

Ido Kihon: Stepping forwards and backwards and turning in Zenkutsu Dachi, each with a basic technique.

Conditioning: 20 push-ups; 20 sit-ups; 20 squat jumps; handstand with assistance; 3 pull-ups.

Theory: What is Kyokushin? What is the symbol of Kyokushin? Who founded Kyokushin? How is the dogi worn correctly?

Orange belt – 10th–9th kyu

The whole material of the previous level at a higher level of execution, and also:

Kihon / Tachikata: Kokutsu Dachi, Neko Ashi Dachi. Movement in different stances with proper contact with the ground and body control. Various attacks finishing in Zenkutsu Dachi.

Ukemi: Breakfall techniques alone and with a partner.

Ido Kihon: Stepping forwards and backwards and turning in Kokutsu and Neko Ashi Dachi.

Kata: Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San. Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni, San.

Kumite: Yakusoku Kumite: blocking and counter-attacking in various combinations. Jiyu Kumite: 1 × 1 minute. Assessment: Reigi, Kamae, Kiai.

Conditioning: 30 push-ups; 30 sit-ups; 30 squat jumps; 10-second handstand; 5 pull-ups; Tobi Geri; 3 minutes of Mae Geri.

Theory: The Global Kyokushin Budokai and its purpose. Dojo Kun. Dojo etiquette.

Blue belt – 8th–7th kyu

The whole material of the previous levels at a higher level, and also:

Kihon: Kake Ashi Dachi. Tettsui, Nukite, Shotei. Morote Uke, Mae Mawashi Uke, Shuto Mawashi Uke.

Kumikata and Kuzushi: Various body, arm and dogi grips with a partner. Breaking the opponent's balance in various directions, as preparation for throws.

Kokyu Ho: Shinkokyu, Nogare, Nogare Ura, Ibuki.

Ido Kihon: Movements in Kokutsu, Sanchin and Kiba Dachi; Mae Kosa and Ushiro Kosa; turns; block and counter-attack; combinations of punches, blocks and kicks.

Kata: Pinan Sono Ichi, Ni, San.

Kumite: Yakusoku Kumite: Uke Kaeshi. Jiyu Kumite: 3 × 1 minute. Assessment: Reigi, Kamae, Kiai, speed, power, stamina, Kokyu Ho, Uke Kaeshi.

Conditioning: 40 push-ups; 40 sit-ups; 40 squat jumps; 20-second handstand; 8 pull-ups; Tobi Geri to one's own height; 5 minutes of Mae Geri and Mawashi Geri.

Theory: A short history of karate and the founders of the main karate styles.

Yellow belt – 6th–5th kyu

The whole material of the previous levels at a higher level, and also:

Kihon: Koken Uchi, Haito Uchi, Morote Tsuki. Koken Uke, Haito Uke, Juji Uke.

Ido Kihon: Kaiten Ido, Dako Ido; movement and changes of direction at 90 and 45 degrees.

Nage Waza: O Soto Gari, Ko Soto Gari, O Uchi Gari, Ko Uchi Gari.

Newaza / Osae Waza: Kesa Gatame.

Kansetsu Waza: Arm joint locks in a standing position.

Shime Waza: Chokes in a standing position, from the front and from behind.

Kata: Pinan Sono San, Yon, Go; Sanchin no Kata.

Kumite: Yakusoku Kumite: blocking and counter-attacking, including throws and ground-fighting techniques. Jiyu Kumite: 5 × 1 minute.

Goshin Jitsu: Escapes from various wrist grabs.

Conditioning: 50 push-ups; 50 sit-ups; 50 squat jumps; 30-second handstand; 10 pull-ups; Tobi Geri to one's own height + 10 cm; 7 minutes of Mae Geri, Mawashi Geri and Yoko Geri.

Theory: The visible and invisible background of karate. The meaning of Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

Green belt – 4th–3rd kyu

The whole material of the previous levels at a higher level, and also:

Nage Waza: O Goshi, Harai Goshi, Uchi Mata, Ippon Seoi Nage.

Osae Waza: Kesa Gatame, Yoko Shiho Gatame, Kuzure Kami Shiho Gatame.

Kansetsu Waza: Garami, Ude Hishigi Juji Gatame.

Shime Waza: Gyaku Juji Jime, Okuri Eri Jime, Hadaka Jime.

Ido Kihon: The basic steps of Jiyu Kamae: Okuri Ashi, Fumi Ashi, Kosa, Oi Ashi, Sagari.

Kata: Tsuki no Kata, Yantsu, Gekisai Dai, Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni and San Ura.

Kumite: Yakusoku Kumite: various blocks and counter-attacks in Jiyu Kamae, with free movement; throws and ground fighting. Jiyu Kumite: 10 × 1 minute. Assessment: Reigi, Kamae, Kiai, speed, power, stamina, Kokyu, Uke Kaeshi, rhythm and the ability to combine techniques.

Goshin Jitsu: Methods of defence against real attacks.

Kyusho – Level I: Completion of the first level of GKB Kyusho training. The candidate must know the principles of the first level and the theoretical and practical material belonging to it. This includes the Yin–Yang principle, relaxation, energy flow, the points of the arm and the prescribed basic knowledge of the meridians.

Conditioning: 60 push-ups; 60 sit-ups; 60 squat jumps; 40-second handstand; 12 pull-ups; 10 jumps forwards and backwards over a stick or belt; 10 minutes of Mae Geri, Mawashi Geri, Yoko Geri and Tobi Mae Geri.

Theory: The meaning and main principles of Kata Bunkai.

Brown belt – 2nd–1st kyu

The whole material of the previous levels at a higher level, and also:

Ido Kihon: Movement in Jiyu Kamae at various angles and in various directions.

Kata: Gekisai Sho, Tensho, Saifa, Pinan Sono Yon and Go Ura.

Kumite: Yakusoku Kumite: practical application of block and counter-attack, close-range fighting, throws and ground fighting. Jiyu Kumite: 15 × 1 minute.

Goshin Jitsu: Escapes from neck holds from the front, from the side and from behind; from dogi grabs; from bear hugs from the front and from behind.

Kyusho – Level II: Completion of the second level of GKB Kyusho training. The candidate must know the Level I material at a higher level, and also the theoretical and practical requirements of Level II.

Tameshiwari: Breaking at least 3 boards with Shuto, Seiken, Hiji and Sokuto techniques, with proper support or held by a partner.

Conditioning: 70 push-ups; 70 sit-ups; 70 squat jumps; 60-second handstand; walking on hands; 15 pull-ups; Tobi Geri to one's own height + 15 cm; Tobi Ushiro Geri or Tobi Ushiro Mawashi Geri on both sides; 15 jumps forwards and backwards over a stick or belt; 12 minutes of Jodan Keri Waza.

Theory: Leading a warm-up independently. The meaning of the standard and of change in practice.

IV. Dan Grading Requirements

Shodan – 1st dan – Senpai

Kihon: High-level execution of all previous Kihon techniques.

Kata: Seienchin; Garyu.

Jiyu Kumite: 30 × 1 minute. According to the original system, MMA rules may also be chosen.

Goshin Jitsu: Defence and escape against various attacks.

Kyusho – Level III: Completion of the third level of GKB Kyusho training. The candidate must know the syllabus of Levels I–III as a connected whole and demonstrate a corresponding practical understanding of it. The compulsory Kyusho grading syllabus ends at this level. We do not prescribe further Kyusho levels for higher Dan grades.

Conditioning: A high level of physical preparedness, beyond the brown belt requirements.

Personal requirement: The candidate should be a high-level Budo practitioner and an exemplary figure for their students.

Minimum age: 18 years.

Nidan – 2nd dan – Senpai

Kata: Seipai; Kanku; Pinan Kata Kyusho Bunkai.

Jiyu Kumite: 40 × 1 minute. According to the original material, 10 of these fights may also be completed under MMA rules.

Goshin Jitsu: 10 different free Goshin combinations.

Conditioning: Physical preparedness beyond the Shodan level.

Personal requirements: The original system requires a competition referee licence and an official sports instructor qualification.

Minimum age: 20 years.

Sandan – 3rd dan – Sensei

Kata: High-level execution of all Kata, including Sushiho Kata, and knowledge of higher Kata Bunkai.

Jiyu Kumite: 50 × 1 minute. According to the original system, no more than 15 of these fights may be completed under MMA rules.

Goshin Jitsu: Defence against several attackers.

Personal and teaching requirements: The candidate should have a high level of teaching ability, set an example for their students and take an active part in the professional life of GKB. The original system also requires attendance at at least five different international training camps or seminars, and a national or international referee licence.

Minimum age: 23 years.

Yondan – 4th dan – Sensei

Requirement: From this grade onwards, alongside technical knowledge, the candidate's entire professional career carries ever greater weight. The candidate must actively support their own national organisation and must have appropriate teaching and leadership experience and an exemplary personality. The original system also requires an international referee licence and the recommendation of the national organisation.

Minimum age: 27 years.

Godan – 5th dan – Shihan

Requirement: Godan is a high master grade. The candidate must represent outstanding professional and personal values and must do significant work for the development of Kyokushin and of GKB. According to the original system, the grade requires the recommendation of GKB and of the national organisation, and an international referee licence. The awarding of the 5th Dan and higher grades is within the authority of the President of GKB.

Minimum age: 33 years.

Rokudan – 6th dan – Shihan

Requirement: The candidate must serve the development of Kyokushin over a long period at a demonstrably high standard, and must take on a significant role in GKB's international professional life. The Godan requirements still apply, but they must be met at a higher level and over a longer period.

Minimum age: 40 years.

Nanadan – 7th dan and higher master grades – Shihan / Hanshi

Requirement: These grades no longer represent simply technical achievement. The candidate must do outstanding work for Kyokushin Karate over a long period, at both national and international level.

Assessment criteria: The entire professional career; technical and teaching knowledge; work for the development of Kyokushin; international recognition; community-building activity; personal example; authentic representation of the spirit of Budo.

Minimum age: 48 years.

V. The Progression of the GKB Grading System

• Beginner white belt – getting to know the basic “arsenal” of Kihon.
• Orange belt – putting the basics into motion, the first Kata and the first fight.
• Blue belt – combination, breathing, breaking balance and more conscious movement.
• Yellow belt – the arrival of throws, ground fighting, joint techniques and Goshin.
• Green belt – a more complex system of throws and ground fighting, freer application, Kyusho Level I.
• Brown belt – linking and applying the knowledge acquired so far, Kyusho Level II.
• Shodan – high-level knowledge of the basic Kyokushin Budo system, Kyusho Level III.
• Nidan–Sandan – the development of application, teaching and independent professional thinking.
• Yondan and above – alongside technical achievement, an ever greater role is played by teaching, community building, personal example, the understanding of Budo and a lifetime's work for Kyokushin.

Every grade builds on the knowledge of the one before. Nothing is left behind: the material learned earlier must be known at each subsequent level more precisely, more consciously, more powerfully and at a higher level of application.