Grading Requirements
Belt Requirements

The requirements for the belts are cumulative.



White belt to Orange Belt

Dachi: Heiko Dachi, Fudo Dachi, Kiba Dachi, Zenkutsu Dachi, Sanchin Dachi

Blocks: Gedan Barai, Chudan Uchi Uke, Jodan Uke, Juji Uke

Attacks: Seiken Tsuki, Uraken (Shomen, Sayu or Hizo) Uchi, Uraken Shita Tsuki, Hiji (Ate, Ushiro, Oroshi,
Ago) Uchi

Kicks: Hiza Geri, Kin Geri, Chosoku Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Yoko Keage, Mae Keage

Kata: Taikyoku 1 and 2, Sokugi 1

Fights: 2

Minimum required time to go to the next level is from 24 to 30 hours.



Orange Belt to Blue Belt

Dachi: Kokutsu Dachi, Nekoashi Dachi

Blocks: Chudan Soto Uke

Attacks: Uraken Mawashi Uchi Uke, Tettsui, Shuto Gammen Uchi

Kicks: Soto Mawashi Geri, Uchi Mawashi Geri

Kata: Taikyoku 3 and 4, Sokugi 2, Pinan 1

Fights: 3

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 35 hours.



Blue Belt to Yellow Belt

Dachi: Tsuruashi Dachi

Attacks: Shuto Sakotsu Uchi, Shuto Sakotsu Uchi Komi, Shuto Uchi, Shuto Hizo Uchi

Kicks: Ura Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Geri, Kansetsu Geri

Kata: Taikyoku 5, Taikyoku 1 to 5 in Ura, Pinan 2, Pinan 1 and 2 in Ura, Ichigai Kata, Sokugi 3

Fights: 5

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 55 hours.



Yellow Belt to Green Belt

Dachi: Kake Dachi

Block: Chudan Uchi Uke Gedan Barai

Attacks: Nukite, Shotei

Kicks: Kakato Geri, Tobi Mae Geri, Tobi Ushiro Geri

Kata: Pinan 3 and 4, Pinan 3 and 4 in Ura, Sanchin Kata

Fights: 7

Plus: Board breaking (adults)

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 70 hours.



Green Belt To Brown Belt

Kata: Hiji Kata, Pinan 5, Pinan 5 in Ura, Kata d'enchaînement (Suburi Kata)

Fights: 10

Breaking: 2 boards (kids and women), 3 boards (men) {Shuto, Hiji, Tsuki}, 1 board Mae Geri

Plus: Know the terminology and the Kihon, pass the pre-test that is asked

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 100 hours.



Brown Belt to Shodan (first degree)

Kicks: Uchi Matta

Kata: Gekisai Dai, Gekisai Sho

Fights: 15

Breaking: 2 boards (kids), 3 boards (women), 4 boards (men)

Plus: Know the terminology and the Kihon, and be able to explain it. Know the 16 movements of Mas Oyama
(happo-no kuzushi). Pass the written test from the honbu (70% minimum) and get at least a global note of
70%. Write a text to Shihan André Gilbert. Must be at least 11 years of age at the grading.

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 150 hours.



Shodan to Nidan (second degree)

Kata: Tsuki No Kata, Yantsu, Tensho, Saiha (Saifa)

Fights: 20

Breaking: 3 boards (women), 4 boards (men) {Shuto, Hiji, Tsuki}

Plus: Pass the written test from the honbu (75% minimum) and get a global note of at least 75%. Have
participated in clinics, followed a class on how to referee and acted as a judge at a semi-contact competition.

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 1500 hours.



Nidan to Sandan (third degree)

Kata: Seienchin

Fights: 30

Clinics: Must have participated at some national and international clinics, including one in Japan

Exploits: Must have accomplished at least one personal exploit (breaking or other)

Judge: Must have acted as judge at a national or international competition

Training: Must have participated in the training of black belts. Have contributed to the progress of Kyokushin
Karate. Have visited other schools, taught or given classes

Jujutsu: Must be able to demonstrate 15 moves of Kyokushin Jujutsu

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 1500 hours.



Sandan to Yondan (fourth degree)

Kata: Sempai, Garyu

Fights: 40

Clinics: Must have participated at some national and international clinics, including 2 in Japan

Jujutsu: Must be able to demonstrate 20 moves of Kyokushin Jujutsu

Minimum required time to go to the next level is 2000 hours.



Yondan to Godan (fifth degree)

Kata: Kenku, Sushiho, 2 Bo katas

Clinics: Must have participated at some national and international clinics, including 3 in Japan

Jujutsu: Must be able to demonstrate 25 moves of Kyokushin Jujutsu


The Meaning of the Belt Colours

White Belt: Symbolizes purity and potential

Orange Belt: Symbolizes stability

Blue Belt: Symbolizes fluidity and adaptability

Yellow Belt: Symbolizes affirmation

Green Belt: Symbolizes creativity and practice

Black Belt: This colour is composed of all the other colours. With time the belt wears out and becomes white
again, this completes the cycle
.
Old grading reqirements

10th Kyu - WHITE BELT (Beginner / Entrance Level)

Form good training habits, regular class attendance and participation.

9th Kyu - WHITE BELT / BLUE BAR (Stability Level)

(3 to 6 months of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Basic knowledge of dojo etiquette, Kyokushin karate and Mas Oyama.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups, Sit ups, Squats; 20 each, Run 0.5 mile.
STANCES (DACHI): Sanchin dachi, Zenkutsu dachi, Yoi / Fudo dachi, Heisoku dachi, Heiko dachi, Musubi
dachi.
BLOCKS (UKE): Soto uke, Jodan uke, Gedan Barai, Uchi uke.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Oi tsuki, Gyaku tsuki, Seiken Ago uchi, Morote tsuki - all levels.
KICKS (GERI): Mae geri (chudan), Hiza geri, Kin geri, Kansetsu geri.
KATA: Taikyoku sono Ichi and Ni, Sokugi Taikyoku sono Ichi.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 2 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).


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8th Kyu - BLUE BELT (Fluidity & Adaptability Level)

(6 to 9 months of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Increased knowledge of Kyokushin karate history and dojo etiquette.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups, Sit ups, Squats; 25 each, Run 1.0 mile.
STANCES (DACHI): Kumite dachi, Kokutsu dachi, Kiba dachi.
BLOCKS (UKE): Morote Uchi uke, Uchi uke - Gedan Barai (combination).
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Tettsui oroshi uchi, Tettsui yoko uchi, Tettsui hizo uchi, Tettsui kome kami.
KICKS (GERI): Mae geri (jodan), Mawashi geri (chudan).
KATA: Taikyoku sono San, Sokugi Taikyoku sono Ni.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 3 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).

7th Kyu - BLUE BELT / YELLOW BAR (Fluidity & Adaptability Level)

(9 to 12 months of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Begin to understand Japanese terminology, be able to perform techniques on command.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups, Sit ups, Squats; 30 each, Run 1.0 mile, gains in overall strength and flexibility.
STANCES (DACHI): Kiba dachi, Neko-Ashi dachi.
BLOCKS (UKE): Shuto Mawashi uke, Mawashi Gedan Barai.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Jun tsuki, Tate tsuki - all levels, Shita tsuki.
KICKS (GERI): Mae Keage, Yoko Keage, Soto Mawashi geri, Uchi Mawashi geri.
KATA: Pinan ichi, Sokugi Taikyoku sono San.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 4 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).


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6th Kyu -YELLOW BELT (Assertion Level)

(12 to 18 months of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Recite from memory the Dojokun.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups, Sit ups, Squats; 35 each, gains in strength and flexibility.
STANCES (DACHI): Tsuru Ashi dachi.
BLOCKS (UKE): Seiken and Shuto Juji uke, Osae uke, Sukui uke.
STRIKES (UCHI): Uraken Shomen uchi, Uraken Sayu uchi, Uraken Hizo uchi, Uraken Oroshi uchi, Uraken
Mawashi uchi, Nukite - all levels.
KICKS (GERI): Mawashi geri (jodan), Yoko geri (chudan).
KATA: Pinan Ni.
SPARRING (KUMITE): Circle (10 people) 30 seconds each.
BREAKING (TAMESHIWARI): Seiken tsuki (gedan); 1 Board.

5th Kyu -YELLOW BELT / GREEN BAR (Assertion Level)

(18 to 24 months of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Increased understanding of Japanese terminology, ability to explain and teach basic fundamentals
of techniques learned to date.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups (ken), Sit ups, Squats; 40 each, Run 1.5 mile.
STANCES (DACHI): Moro Ashi dachi.
BLOCKS (UKE): Four basic blocks using Shuto, Shotei uke - all levels.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Shuto Ganmen uchi, Shuto Sakotsu uchi, Shuto Hizo uchi, Shuto Sakotsu uchi
komi, Shuto Uchi uchi.
KICKS (GERI): Ushiro geri, Mae geri - Ushiro geri (combination).
KATA: Pinan San, Sanchin no kata (informal), Sokugi Taikyoku sono Yon.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 5 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).
BREAKING (TAMESHIWARI): Mae geri (chudan); 1 Board.


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4th Kyu -GREEN BELT (Compassion / Sensitivity Level)

(2 to 2 ½ years of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Begin to assist in teaching classes, great improvement in flexibility and strength.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups, Sit ups, Squats; 45 each, Run 1.5 mile.
STANCES (DACHI): Uchi Hachi dachi, Kake ashi dachi.
BLOCKS (UKE): Mae Shuto Mawashi uke.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Shotei uchi - all levels, Morote Haito uchi.
KICKS (GERI): Yoko geri (jodan), Ushiro geri (jodan), Ushiro Mawashi geri, Mawashi - Ushiro Mawashi geri
(combination).
KATA: Pinan Yon, Sanchin no kata (formal).
ESSAY: 50 words, explaining your role and responsibility as an advanced belt.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 6 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).
SELF-DEFENSE (GOSHIN JITSU): 1 person.
BREAKING (TAMESHIWARI): Shuto Sakotsu uchi; 2 Boards.

3RD Kyu - GREEN BELT / BROWN BAR (Compassion / Sensitivity Level)

(2 ½ to 3 years of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Great gains in speed / power in all techniques.
FITNESS (TAISO): Push ups (finger), Sit ups, Squats; 50 each, Run 1.5 mile.
STANCES (DACHI): All stances moving forward and backward with proficiency.
BLOCKS (UKE): Koken Uke - all levels, Sune Uke.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Hiji Oroshi ate, Hiji Ushiro ate, Hiji ate (chudan, jodan), Hiji age, Haishu uchi.
KICKS (GERI): Mae Kakato geri.
KATA: Pinan Go.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 7 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).
SELF-DEFENSE (GOSHIN JITSU): 2 person, holds, grabs, and strikes.
BREAKING (TAMESHIWARI): Mawashi geri (chusoku); 2 Boards.


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2nd Kyu - BROWN BELT (Practical / Creative Level)

(3 ½ to 4 years of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Sufficient ability, knowledge and command to run a class independently.
FITNESS (TAISO): 50 Pushups (knuckle), 20 Pushups (five finger), 60 Crunches, 60 Squats.
STANCES (DACHI): All stances to date.
BLOCKS (UKE): Kake uke - all levels.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Hiraken Mawashi uchi - all levels, Koken uchi - all levels, Age tsuki.
KICKS (GERI): Tobi Nidan geri, Tobi Mae geri, Kake geri (chudan).
KATA: Gekisai Dai.
ESSAY: 100 words, explaining your role as an senior belt.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 8 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).
SELF-DEFENSE (GOSHIN JITSU): 5 defenses against misc. attacks, adding takedowns / throws.
BREAKING (TAMESHIWARI): 3 boards with hand techniques, 3 boards with 1 foot technique, Roofing tile.
CAMPS: Must participate in either Full time summer training or Canadian Young Lions camp.

1st Kyu - BROWN BELT / BLACK BAR (Practical / Creative Level)

(4 to 4 ½ years of Consistent Training To Qualify for Grading)

GENERAL: Strong knowledge of all techniques and Japanese terminology.
FITNESS (TAISO): 60 Pushups (knuckle), 30 Pushups (five finger), 75 Crunches, 50 Squat Kicks.
STANCES (DACHI): The ability to move through all stances quickly, with ease and excellent form.
BLOCKS (UKE): Haito Uchi Uke (chudan), Tensho cover.
STRIKES (TSUKI & UCHI): Hitosashi Yubi Ippon ken, Naka Yubi Ippon ken, Oya Yubi Ippon ken, Ryutoken
tsuki, Keiko.
KICKS (GERI): Tobi Yoko geri, Uchi Heisoku geri (jodan), Oroshi Soto Kakato geri, Oroshi Uchi Kakato geri.
KATA: Yantsu, Tsuki no kata.
SPARRING (KUMITE): 9 x 2 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).
SELF-DEFENSE (GOSHIN JITSU): Defense against knife, multiple opponents.
CAMPS: Must participate in Full time summer training and the Canadian Young Lions camp.


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SHODAN (sempai) - BLACK BELT / ONE GOLD BAR

4 ½ to 5 years of Consistent Training (minimum of one year at the rank of 1st Kyu)

Shodan - Beginner’s Grade. Shoshin - Beginner’s Mind

Approved candidates shall submit an application and $75 (can) testing fee, two passport photos and $200
(us) for the Shodan Certificate and obi which will be ordered from Japan.

The Shodan grading is done over four days and consists of the following;

Day one: Oral and written testing.
Day two: Fitness and Kihon.
Day three: Kata, Goshin jitsu and Tameshiwari.
Day four: Kumite.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The applicant shall have a thorough knowledge of the history of Kyokushin
Karate and Mas Oyama. The applicant shall have at least one year of assistant teaching. The applicant will
have attended all current years’ special trainings. The applicant will have assisted in the organization and
running of any dojo events or tournaments. Applicant will be of good standing in the community and the dojo.
The applicant shall be an example of Budo both in training and every day activities. The applicant must be at
least 16 years of age.

RESUME AND REPORT: The applicant shall submit with the application, a 1000 word typed report detailing
their past history, present training, future plans, and the effect Karate has had in their life.

CERTIFICATIONS: CPR Certificate.

TAISO: 75 knuckle pushups, 50 five finger pushups, 20 koken pushups, 150 sit-ups, 50 leg throw downs, 60
squat kicks, strength, endurance and cardiovascular exercises.
TSUKI and UCHI: Morote Haito uchi (chudan & jodan), Ude uchi.
UKE: Morote Kake uke - all levels, Leg blocking in Kumite.
GERI: Tobi Mawashi geri, Jodan Kake geri, Tobi Ushiro geri.
KATA: Tensho, Saiha, Taikyoku sono Ichi, Ni, and San in ura, all Taikyoku and Pinan kata in Tate.
GOSHIN JITSU: Spontaneous defenses against all situations.
KUMITE: 10 x 1.5 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).


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NIDAN (sempai) 2nd DEGREE BLACK BELT / TWO GOLD BARS

8 years of Consistent Training (minimum of two years at the rank of Shodan)

Approved candidates shall submit an application to the IKO -  Branch Chief in your area, along with a $75
(can) testing fee, two passport photos and $250 (us) for the Nidan certificate and obi, which will be ordered
from Japan.

The Nidan test is done over four days and consists of the following;

Day one: Oral and written testing, done at Young Lions Camp.
Day two: Fitness, Kihon.
Day three: Kata, Goshin jistu and Tameshiwari.
Day four: Kumite.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The applicant shall have a thorough knowledge of the IKO and Canadian
Kyokushin Karate Organization  policies and regulations. The applicant will have attended all current yearsâ
€™ special trainings. The applicant will have assisted in the organization and running of any dojo events or
tournaments. The applicant will have participated in conferences, tournaments, camps, demonstrations, and
seminars. Applicant must be of good standing in the community and the dojo. The applicant will be an example
of Budo, both in training and in every day activities. The applicant must be 18 yrs of age minimum.

RESUME and REPORT: The applicant shall submit with the application, a 1000 word typed report detailing
their past history, present training, future plans, and the effect Karate has had in their life, and reasons for
Nidan application.

CERTIFICATIONS: Current CPR Certificate, National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) level one
Theory certificate.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Exhibits high level of commitment to regular training, teaches willingly and effectively
in dojo. Has a minimum, two years of consistent training at the rank of Shodan. If running one’s own dojo,
ALL students must be registered with IKO -  honbu.

KIHON and GOSHIN JITSU: Demonstrated technical mastery in all previous rank requirements. Deep
understanding of Kata Bunkai for Jukyu through Shodan kata. Deeper understanding of Tensho kata.

GERI: Tobi Ushiro geri, Jodan Ushiro Mawashi geri, Tobi Kaiten Uchi Mawashi geri.

KATA: Kanku, Geksai Sho, Seienchin, Pinan sono Ichi, Ni in ura.

KUMITE: 20 x 1.5 minute matches. (Kumite is optional for ages over 35).