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4 0 2 , V a a s t u P l a c i d , C h u n c h a g h a t t a R d , J P N a g a r - 6 t h P h a s e , B a n g a l o r e - 7 8

Student Workbook

Das Karate Academy® - Dasdojo

Contents 1. Dojo Kun

• The Dojo Oath…………………………………………………………………………..Page 4

2. Welcome Letter • Welcome Letter………………………………………………………………………….Page 5

3. The Origins of Karate

• The origins of Karate……………………………………………………………………Page 6

4. Kyokushin Karate

• About Kyokushin Karate..………………………………………………………………Page 6

5. Kyokushin Characteristics • Kyokushin Characteristics……………………………………………………………...Page 8

6. Kyokushin Training • 100 Man Kumite………………………………………………………….…………….Page 8

7. Osu • Meaning of Osu………………………………………………………….…….……...Page 8

8. Sosai Mas Oyama • Sosai Mas Oyama’s History…………….……………………………………….……Page 9

9. Discovering Martial Arts • Sosai discovering martial arts..……………………………………………….………Page 9

10. Studying Karate • Studying Karate in Japan.……………………………………………….………...….Page 10

11. Mountain Retreat • Mountain Retreat..……………………………………………………………….…….Page10

12. Mountain Training Again • Mountain training again…………..………………………………….……………….Page11

13. Demonstrating • Sosai Demonstrating his karate..…………………………….……………………….Page12

14. Sosai’s First Dojo • Sosai opened his first dojo..………………………………………….……………….Page13

15. First Uchi Deshi • Sosai’s first Uchi Deshi.………………………………………………………………..Page14

16. The Beginning of Kyokushin • The beginning of Kyokushin.………………………………………………………….Page 14

17. Sosai Passes On • Sosai passed away in April of 1994………………………………………………….Page 15

18. Sosai’s Eleven Mottos • The eleven mottos of the Kyokushin way…………………………………………….Page 16

19. Kyokushin Terminology • Kyokushin Terminology………………………………………………………….…….Page 17

20. Japanese Numbers • Japanese Numbers..…………………………………………………………….…….Page 24

21. White Belt Techniques • White belt Technical syllabus..………………………………………………….…….Page 26

22. Orange Belt Techniques • Orange belt Technical syllabus..……………………………………………….…….Page 28

23. Blue Belt Techniques • Blue belt Technical syllabus..……………..…………………………………….…….Page 29

24. Yellow Belt Techniques • Yellow belt Technical syllabus..………………………………………………...…….Page 31

25. Green Belt Techniques • Green belt Technical syllabus..……………………………………………………….Page 32

26. Brown Belt Technique • Brown belt Technical syllabus..……………………………………………………….Page 34

27. Tenure for Colour Belts Promotion • Tenure for Colour Belts………………………………………………………………..Page 36

28. Kyokushin Karate Belt System • About Kyokushin Grading System..…………………………………………………..Page 37

29. Tenure for Higher Grade Promotion • Tenure for Higher Grade Belts………………………………………………………..Page 39

30. Dojo Etiquettes • Das Karate Academy Dojo

Etiquettes..……………………………………………………………..Page 40

31. Payment Procedure • Payment Procedure……………….……………………………………………………Page 42

32. Make Payment • Make Payment now…..………………………………………………………………..Page 43

33. Opening Bowing Ceremony • Opening bowing ceremony….……………………………………………………….Page 45

34. Closing Bowing Ceremony • Closing bowing ceremony….….…………………………………………………….Page 46

35. Kyokushin Training Manual • Instructor’s sample class outline.…………………………………………………….Page 47

36. Contact Us • Contact details………………….……………………………………………………..Page 48

The Kyokushin Dojo Kun (Oath) was written by Mas Oyama with the help of Eiji Yoshikawa, the author of the novel Musashi, which was based on the life and exploits of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's most famous Samurai warrior. The Dojo Kun is usually recited at the end of each training session, when the students and instructors are lined up by rank in seiza (formal kneeling). Each line of the Dojo Kun is recited by the most senior student and repeated by the entire class together.

The Dojo Kun (Dojo Oath)

We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm and unshaking spirit.

We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert.

With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.

We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors,

and refrain from violence. We will follow our religious principles,

and never forget the true virtue of humility. We will look upwards to wisdom and strength,

not seeking other desires. All our lives, through the discipline of karate,

we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way. Osu…

Dear Student, Congratulations on commencing the journey through the levels ("Kyu") of Kyokushin Karate. This journey is a long one, but one which starts, as all journeys do, with a single step - a step you have already taken. Our founder, Sosai Mas Oyama, said "Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand". The coloured belts mark steps along the pathway to the goal - the coveted Black Belt. They provide a means for the student to measure his or her progress against the starting point. This folder contains your first set of requirements for the Beginners' Grades. As you progress upwards on the climb, you will be able to obtain the guidelines and requirements for the next leg of your journey. This will occur after you have passed a grading test and are ready to progress to the next Kyu. Remember always that these guidelines are given to you simply to enable you to clearly understand what is required of you. The descriptions of techniques such as strikes, kicks and blocks are brief and intended only to remind you and prompt you to ask questions of your teachers. The intricacies of technique and the philosophy behind our Martial Art can never be summarised in a few pages. The more you look, ask questions and emulate your seniors, the more satisfying and fulfilling will be your grasp Kyokushin Karate. And always remember - there are no tricks, no shortcuts - the secret is sweat! OSU… Shihan S S Das (CEO & Founder) Das Karate Academy® Official Member & Country Representative World So Kyokushin Karate Organisation - Japan

The Origins of Karate

In 1916 Gichin Funakoshi introduced Karate into Japan from Okinawa. Karate means Empty

Hand. Karate is thought to have been started in India by a Buddhist priest called Bhodidarma,

who wished to take Zen (a sect of Buddhism) to the Chinese. The Buddhist priests learnt how to

fight to defend themselves from bandits and wild animals as they wandered.

It was not until 1901 that Karate, as we now know it, was brought out of secret study and taught

openly in Okinawa. In 1916, Master Gichin Funakoshi came from Okinawa to Tokyo and

pioneered the modern system of Karate in Japan. There are many schools of Karate today, born

from many origins, each with its own merits and perhaps its own faults.

“You may train for a long, long time. But if you merely move your hands and feet

and jump up and down like a puppet, learning karate is not very different from

learning to dance. You will never have reached the heart of the matter; you will

have failed to grasp the quintessence of karate-do.” - GICHIN FUNAKOSHI

Kyokushin Karate

The founder of our system, Masutatsu Oyama, was born in 1923 near Seoul in South Korea. He

studied Chinese Kempo at nine years of age and at the age of twelve went to Japan to live and

enrol at University. After mastering judo he became a pupil of the legendary Gichen Funakoshi,

making such rapid progress that at seventeen he gained Nidan and at twenty-four became

Yondan. During the war he was drafted into the military. After the war in 1947 he won the All

Japan Karate Championship against all comers!

Deciding that he wanted to devote the rest of his life to spreading the knowledge of karate, he

spent the next years in seclusion, living in the temples and the mountains, subjecting himself to

the rigours of martial arts training day and night, meditating on Zen precepts and seeking

enlightenment.

During the period of self-exile he struggled with wild animals, smashed trees and rocks with his

bare hands and meditated under icy waterfalls in an extremely severe course of rigid discipline.

In 1951 he returned to civilisation and started his own training Dojo. His fame spread rapidly

as his ability was sensational! Among many feats he had defeated a bull with his bare hands!

After many successful tours, demonstrating his skills, training Dojo's were set up all over the

World. In 1964, Oyama formed the "International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan"

(IKOK), to organize the many schools of Kyokushin. He also sent instructors to many other

countries in order to spread the word of his style of fighting. Upon his death, as is usually the

case, several splinter groups formed under the Kyokushin heading.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Grand Master – 1923 to 1994

Kyokushin Characteristics

Kyokushin is arguably the first full contact karate style. In other words, students practice hard sparring with no gloves in order to emulate situations they might encounter on the street as much as possible. Kicks, hand strikes, and sometimes knees are utilized in practice.

In competition, a variety of full force strikes are allowed to the body. Hand strikes are not allowed to the face, though kicks are.

Kyokushin is a hard-martial arts style that emphasizes more circular, than linear movements. However, given Oyama's background in both Shotokan (more linear) and Goju-ryu (more circular), elements of both can be found within the art.

Kyokushin Training

Training is comprised of kata (forms), kihon (exercise technique), and kumite (the hard sparring referred to earlier).

100 Man Kumite

The 100-man kumite is a challenge that was both invented and first completed by Mas Oyama. It is a test of Kyokushin skill, as well as physical and mental endurance that consists of 100 rounds of sparring against ideally 100 opponents (one and a half to two minutes per round). Oyama himself reportedly completed the kumite on three separate occasions, and only 17 people are known to have finished the 100 Man Kumite to date.

OSU

• "Osu" means "greetings", "yes, I understand your command", as

well as "persistence under pressure - not giving up". On entering

or leaving the training hall / class - bow and loudly say "Osu" to

the image of Sosai and again "Osu" to other karateka in the hall.

• Bowing to all fellow students and teachers - bow lower to those

more senior than you are and always say "Osu" strongly and

proudly when bowing.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Masutatsu Oyama was born on July 27th, 1923, in the village of Qa-Ryong-Ri Yong-chi-Myo'n Chul Na Do, near the town of Kinje, not far from Gunsan in the southwest of Korea. The village is close to the Yellow Sea which for centuries was occupied by Chinese and Japanese pirates infamous for their pillaging along the coastline. His birth name was Hyung Yee Choi, but when he emigrated to Japan, he was pressured into taking a Japanese name. He chose Oyama, meaning "great mountain", in honor of the family that befriended and took him in while in Japan. Young Hyung Yee was one of the lucky few in the province of Cholapuk Do because he belonged to the Yangban clan. Thus, his family was part of the aristocracy. Like his father, Sun Hyang, and his three brothers, Hyung

Yee was unusually powerfully built. The family, who was quite wealthy, had a large country estate and his father was also the mayor of Kinje. The road to Yongee Primary School was dirty and narrow, and like the other children, Hyung Yee had to walk the ten kilometres to school. His class contained 60 pupils in a school of 400.

Discovering Martial Arts

At a relatively young age, he was sent to Manchuria in Southern China to live on his sister's farm. At the age of nine, he started studying the Southern Chinese form of Kempo called Eighteen Techniques (Shaku-Riki system). His teacher was Mr. Yi who at the time was working on his sister's farm. Mas Oyama studied with Mr. Yi for about two years. He attained a level equivalent to Shodan.

At the age of 13, he returned to Korea to live with his aunt in Seoul and attend junior high school. Hyung Yee was not really interested in his schoolwork. He preferred being outdoors, fishing and swimming with his friends. The one thing that interested him the most was athletics. He participated in football as well as cross-country running. Even though he failed to show any interest when his brothers tried to teach him boxing, he eventually gravitated towards a martial art named Taiken or Chabee. He was very devoted and rarely missed a training opportunity. Taiken or Chabee is a Korean martial art which is a mixture of Kempo (which itself is similar to Kung Fu) and Ju Jitsu. Chabee came from the Koryo period (912-1392). Before the Koryo period, the Korean peninsula was unionized by the royalty Silla. The fighting techniques used at the end of the Silla era were a mixture of Chinese and Korean martial arts, favoring Chinese hand techniques. It was very different from the old Korean martial arts which contained a lot of head, elbow and foot techniques. During the Koryo era, the Korean peninsula blossomed materially as well as culturally. It was also during this time that the so called Eighteen Techniques developed. Later, a system named the Thirty-Six Techniques was developed and finally both these systems combined to form Chabee.

Studying Karate in Japan

This training continued until Mas Oyama was approximately 15 years old. At this point, he moved to Tokyo, Japan to train as an aviator so he could be like Bismarck, his hero of the time. He was enrolled at the Yamanashi Youth Aviation Institute. Survival on his own at that age proved to be more difficult than he thought, especially as a Korean in Japan, so the aviator training fell by the wayside. During this time he started training in boxing and Judo. One day he noticed a student training in Okinawan Karate. He took an interest and went to train at the dojo of Gichin Funakoshi at Takushoku University, where he learned what is known today as Shotokan Karate. The rapid progress of his training was very impressive. By the age of 17, he was already a 2nd Dan. By the age of 20, he was a 4th Dan. At this point he also took a serious interest in Judo

and his progress there was no less amazing. By the time he had quit training in Judo, less than four years after he had started, he had achieved the rank of 4th Dan in Judo as well.

Mountain Retreat

At this time, Mas Oyama entered the Butokukai which was the training academy for the Imperial Japanese military. The Butokukai specialized in guerrilla warfare, espionage and hand to hand combat. Sosai spent two years in this organization which ended with the close of World War II. The defeat of Japan and the subsequent indignity of occupation was very hard to accept for Mas Oyama. He decided to continue his training under the direction of Master So Nei Chu who was also a Korean (from Oyama's own province) living in Japan. He was a Goju expert and student of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju Karate. So Nei Chu, renowned for his physical and spiritual strength, was purported to be the leading expert in Goju Karate in Japan at that time, second only to Miyagi Sensei. It was Master So who

encouraged Sosai Oyama to undertake his mountain retreat to strengthen his technical skills and temper his spirit. Mas Oyama was accompanied by one of his own students, but after six months of isolation, the student secretly fled during the night. This left Mas Oyama to continue his vigorous training alone, making it even harder for him because he now longed to return to civilization that much more. So Nei Chu wrote to him and suggested he shave off an eyebrow in order to get rid of the urge to return. Surely he would not want anyone to see him that way! This and other more moving words convinced Oyama to continue, and he resolved to become the most powerful Karate man in Japan. Soon however, his sponsor informed him that he was no longer able to support him, and so after 14 months, he had to end his solitude. A few months later in 1947, after returning to civilization, he tested his abilities in the Karate division of the first Japanese National Martial Arts Championships and won. However he felt empty for not having completed the three years of solitude. He then decided to dedicate his life completely to Karate-do, so he started again - this time on Mount Kiyozumi which was also in Chiba Prefecture. He chose this site for its spiritually uplifting environment.

Mountain Training...Again

This time his training was fanatical - 12 hours a day every day with no rest days. He stood under

cold buffeting waterfalls, broke river stones with his hands, used trees as Makiwara and jumped

over rapidly growing flax plants hundreds of times each day. Each day also included a period

of study of the ancient classics on the martial arts, Zen and philosophy. After eighteen months,

he came down, fully confident of himself and able to take control of his life. Never again would

he be so heavily influenced by the society around him (though it is probably safe to say that his

circumstances were never again as traumatic).

Demonstrating His Karate

In 1950, Sosai (the founder) Mas Oyama started testing (and demonstrating) his power by fighting bulls. In all, he fought 52 bulls, three of which were killed instantly. The other 49 had their horns taken off with knife-hand blows. That it is not to say that it was all that easy for him. Oyama was fond of remembering that his first attempt simply resulted in an angry bull. In 1957, at the age of 34, he was nearly killed in Mexico when a bull got some of his own back and gored him. Oyama somehow managed to pull the bull off him and broke off his horn. He was bedridden for six months while he recovered from the usually fatal wound. Today of course, animal rights groups would have

something to say about these demonstrations, despite the fact that all the animals were already destined for slaughter.

In 1952, he travelled the United States for a year, demonstrating his Karate live and on national television. During subsequent years, he took on all challengers, resulting in fights with 270 different people. The vast majority of them were defeated with one punch! A fight never lasted more than three minutes and very rarely lasted more than a few seconds. His fighting principle was simple — if he got through to you, that was it. If he hit you, you broke. If you blocked a rib punch, your arm was broken or dislocated. If you didn't block, your rib was broken. He became known as the Godhand, a living manifestation of the Japanese warrior's maxim "Ichi geki, Hissatsu" or "One strike, certain death". To him, this was the true aim of technique in Karate. The fancy footwork and intricate techniques were secondary (though he was also known for the power of his head kicks). It was during one of his visits to the United States that Sosai Masutatsu Oyama met Jacques Sandulescu, a big Romanian (190 cm tall and 190 kg of muscle) who later on became very well known in Kyokushin. They quickly became friends and remained so for the rest of Sosai Oyama's life. Shihan Jacques still trains and acts as advisor to the I.K.O.(1) to this day.

Sosai's First Dojo

In 1953, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama opened his first "dojo", a grass lot in Mejiro, Tokyo. In 1956, the first real dojo was opened in a former ballet studio behind Rikkyo University, 500 meters from the location of the current Japanese Honbu Dojo (headquarters). By 1957 there were 700 members, despite the high dropout rate due to the extreme nature of the training. Practitioners of other styles came to train here too, in particular for jis-sen kumite (full contact fighting). One of the original instructors, Kenji Kato, has said that they would observe those from other styles and adopt any techniques that "would

be good in a real fight". This was how Sosai Masutatsu Oyama's karate evolved. He took techniques from all martial arts and did not restrict himself to karate alone. The students of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama took their kumite seriously because this was a full contact style. They expected to hit and to be hit. With few restrictions, attacking the head was common, usually with the palm heel or towel-wrapped knuckles. Grabs, throws and groin attacks were also common. Kumite rounds would continue until one person loudly conceded defeat. Injuries occurred on a daily basis and the dropout rate was high (over 90%). They had no official dogi and wore whatever they had.

Bobby Lowe - Sosai's First Uchi Deshi

In 1952, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama gave a demonstration in Hawaii. A young Bobby Lowe (seen at left taking a head kick from Mas Oyama) saw him and was stunned by the power Sosai Masutatsu Oyama demonstrated. It was not as though Bobby Lowe was inexperienced in martial arts himself. Though still quite young, his own achievements to date were not much less than those of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. His father had been a Kung Fu instructor and he had participated in any fighting art he could find. By the age of 23, he was Yondan in Judo, Nidan

in Kempo, Shodan in Aikido and a highly regarded welterweight boxer. It was not long before Bobby Lowe became the first Kyokushin uchi deshi or "live-in student" of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. He trained daily with Sosai Masutatsu Oyama for one and a half years. Eventually, an uchi deshi's time became "1000 days for the beginning". These uchi deshi became known as Wakajishi or the "Young Lions" of Mas Oyama, and only a few of the hundreds of applicants were chosen each year for the privilege of training full-time under the Master. In 1957, Shihan Bobby Lowe returned to Hawaii to open the first School of Oyama outside Japan.

The Beginning Of Kyokushin

The current World Headquarters were officially opened in June of 1964 and that was where the

name Kyokushin, meaning "Ultimate Truth", was adopted. From that point onwards, Kyokushin

has continued to spread to more than 120 countries with registered membership exceeding 10

million, making it one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world. Among the better

known Kyokushin Yudansha (black belts) are Sean Connery (honorary Shodan) and Dolph

Lundgren (Sandan and former Australian heavyweight champion). Also some adepts claim that

Nelson Mandela, the President of South Africa, has an honorary 8th Dan which was given to

him by the Kyokushin Organization on June 1, 1995. However they fail to mention that Nelson

Mandela never accepted this belt. Many believe that the reason for this was because Kyokushin

in South Africa supported the Apartheid Regime.

Sosai Passes On

Sadly, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama died of lung cancer (as a non-smoker) at the age of 70 in April

of 1994, leaving a confused organization which split into three major groups: the IKO1 under

the leadership of Shihan Akiyoshi Matsui, the IKO2 under the leadership of Shihan Yukio

Nishida, and the IKO3 under the leadership of Shihan Yoshikazu Matsushima. These three

groups have the difficult task of keeping the spirit and the teaching of Kyokushin alive. This has

had many political and economic ramifications throughout the Kyokushin world which are still

being resolved. In the end, the result may well be a splintering of Kyokushin much like what

appears to have happened to Shotokan, with each group claiming to be the one-and-only true

heir of Mas Oyama's Kyokushin, spiritually and even financially. However it is reasonably

certain that all Kyokushin groups, regardless of their ultimate allegiance, will still maintain the

standards set by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. Maybe a Kyokushin dispersal will be a good thing,

since in all good families, some of the children eventually leave home to start their own

families. Some of the splinter groups may remain faithful to the Kyokushin principles, like

Hanshi Steve Arneil in Great Britain did in 1991. Many others, such as Shigeru Oyama in the

United States, have taken it further by developing their own style based on Kyokushin.

The Eleven Mottos of the Kyokushin Way

Mas Oyama summed up his entire martial arts philosophy in eleven mottos, known as the Zayu

no Mei Juichi Kajo, which are central to the teachings of Kyokushin Karate:

1. The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely

courteous at all times.

2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff – continue upwards without rest. It demands

absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.

3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from

selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.

4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful

never to become attached to it.

5. The Martial Way is cantered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.

6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of

training.

7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions

as an opportunity to improve.

8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted

in the tempering fires of hard training.

9. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.

10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this,

learn never to fear its demands.

11. Always remember, in the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly

abundant.

Kyokushin Terminology

Kihon Waza Basic Techniques

Tsuki Punch (thrust)

Uchi Strike

Uke Block

Geri Kick

Buki Weapons

Ashi Foot or Leg

Chusoku Ball (middle) of the Foot

Haisho Backhand

Haisoku Instep of the Foot

Haito Inner Knife Hand

Hiji Elbow

Hiraken Flat Fist

Hiza Knee

Kakato Heel

Keiko Chicken Beak

Koken Wrist Top

Kote Forearm

Nakayubi Ippon Ken Middle Finger Knuckle Fist

Nukite Spear Hand

Oyayubi Ippon Ken Thumb Knuckle Fist

Ryutoken Dragon's Head Fist

Seiken Forefist (correct fist)

Shotei Palm Heel

Shuto Knife Hand

Sokuto Outside (knife) Edge of the Foot

Sune Shin

Te Hand

Teisoku Arch of the Foot

Tetsui Hammer Fist

Toho Sword Peak Hand

Uraken Backfist

Neraidokoro Kogekihok

Targets & Directions

Age Rising

Ago Chin or Jaw

Atama Head

Chudan Middle Level

Ganmen Face

Gedan Lower Level

Hana Nose

Hara Abdomen

Hidari Left

Hizo Spleen

Jodan Upper Level

Johanshin Upper Body

Kahanshin Lower Body

Kake Hooked

Kansetsu Joint (of limb)

Kata Shoulder

Kintama (Kin) Groin, Testicles (gold jewels)

Komekami Temple

Kubi Neck

Kuchi Mouth

Mae Front, Forward

Mawashi Round, Circular

Me Eye(s)

Migi Right

Mimi Ear(s)

Mizo-ochi Solar Plexus

Momo Thigh

Mune Chest

Naname Diagonal

Nodo Throat

Oroshi Descending

Rokkotsu Rib(s)

Sakotsu Collarbone

Sayu Left and Right

Soto Outside

Tobi Jumping

Uchi Inside

Ude Arm

Ura Reverse, Backwards

Ushiro Back (direction)

Yoko Side (direction)

Dachi Stances

Yoi Dachi Ready Stance

Fudo Dachi Immobile Stance

Zenkutsu Dachi Forward Leaning Stance

Uchi Hachiji Dachi Inside Character "8" Stance

Sanchin Dachi Three Point Stance

Kokutsu Dachi Back Leaning Stance

Musubi Dachi Open Foot (connected) Stance

Kiba Dachi Horseback Stance

Neko Ashi Dachi Cat Stance

Tsuru Ashi Dachi Crane Stance

Moro Ashi Dachi One Foot Forward (two-foot) Stance

Heisoku Dachi Closed Foot Stance

Heiko Dachi Parallel Stance

Yonjugodo Kiba Dachi

Forty-Five Degree Horseback Stance

Kake Dachi Hooked Stance

Soto Hachiji Dachi Outside Character "8" Stance

Shiko Dachi Sumo Stance

Kumite Dachi Fighting Stance

Han Mi Half Body Stance

Migi Ashi Mae Right Foot Forward

Hidari Ashi Mae Left Foot Forward

Tsuki Waza Punching Techniques

Seiken – Forefist –

Oi Tsuki Lunge Punch

Morote Tsuki Two-Handed Punch

Gyaku Tsuki Reverse Punch

Tate Tsuki Vertical Punch

Jun Tsuki Side (corresponding) Punch

Shita Tsuki Lower Punch

Uchi Waza Striking Techniques

Seiken Forefist

Ago Uchi Chin / Jaw Strike

Furi Ichi Hook Strike

Tetsui – Hammer Fist –

Oroshi GanmenUchi Descending Face Strike

Komekami Uchi – Temple Strike

Hizo Uchi – Spleen Strike

Mae Yoko Uchi – Forward Side Strike

Yoko Uchi – Side Strike

Uraken – Backfist –

Ganmen Uchi Face Strike

Sayu Uchi Left and Right Strike

Hizo Uchi Spleen Strike

Oroshi Ganmen Uchi

Descending Face Strike

Mawashi Uchi Roundhouse Strike

Nihon Nukite Two-Fingered Spear Hand

Yonhon Nukite Four-Fingered Spear Hand

Shotei Uchi Palm Heel Strike

Shuto – Knife Hand –

Sakotsu Uchi Collarbone Strike

Yoko Ganmen Uchi Side Face Strike

Sakotsu Uchikomi Collarbone Driving Strike

Hizo Uchi Spleen Strike

Uchi Uchi Inside Strike

Hiji Ate Elbow Strike

Mae Hiji Ate Forward Elbow Strike

Age Hiji Ate Rising Elbow Strike

Ushiro Hiji Ate Backwards Elbow Strike

Oroshi Hiji Ate Descending Elbow Strike

Uke Waza Blocking Techniques

Jodan Uke Upper Block

Gedan Barai Lower Parry

Chudan Uchi Uke Middle Area Inside Block

Chudan Soto Uke Middle Area Outside Block

Morote Chudan Uchi Uke Two-Handed Middle Inside Block

Chudan Uchi Uke Gedan Barai Middle Area Inside Block with Lower Parry

Shuto Uke Knife Hand Block

Juji Uke Crossed Block

Kake Uke Hooked Block

Shotei Uke Palm Heel Block

Mawashi Uke Circular Block

Geri Waza Kicking Techniques

Hiza Ganmen Geri Knee Face Kick

Kin Geri Groin Kick

Mae Geri Front Kick

Mae Keage Front Rising Kick

Soto Mawashi Geri Outside Crescent Kick

Uchi Mawashi Geri Inside Crescent Kick

Yoko Keage Side Rising Kick

Mawashi Geri Roundhouse Kick

Kansetsu Geri Joint Kick

Yoko Geri Side Kick

Ushiro Geri Back Kick

Mae Kakato Geri Front Heel Kick

Ago Geri Chin / Jaw Kick

Tobi Mae Geri Jumping Front Kick

Ashi Barai Leg Sweep

Kihon Jutsugo Basic Terminology

Anza Relaxed Sitting

Arigato Gozaimasu

Thank You (polite)

Budo Martial Way

Bunkai Application (analysis)

Dan Grade (Black Belt)

Dojo Training Hall (Way place)

Dojo Kun Training Hall Oath

Dogi (Gi) Karate Uniform (Way clothes)

Fumiashi Step (with a change of feet)

Goshin Jutsu Self-Defense Techniques

Gasshukoku United States

Hajime Begin

Hanshi Honorable Master

Hikite Pulling Hand

Ibuki Forced Tension Breathing

Idogeiko Moving Drills

Jisen Kumite Full-Contact Fighting

Jiyu Kumite Free Fighting

Kamaete Take Ready Position

Kami no Kamae Upper Body Posture

Karate Empty Hand

Kata Form

Ki Inner Energy

Kiai Explosive Scream

Kiai Irete With Explosive Energy

Kihon Basics

Kihon Waza Basic Techniques

Kime Focus

Kohai Junior Student

Kokusai International

Kosa Switch (i.e. switch stance L to R or R to L)

Kotai Switch (i.e. partners switch places in a drill)

Kumite Fight

Kyokushin Ultimate Truth

Kyu Rank (below Black Belt)

Maai Interval (between opponents)

Makiwara Striking Post (straw wrapped)

Mawatte Turn

Mokuso Meditation (silent thought)

Mugorei No Counting (no commands)

Mushin Without Thought (no mind)

Naore Return to Starting Position

Nogare Calm, Controlled Breathing

Obi Belt (sash)

Okuriashi Shuffle Step (sending foot)

Onegaishimasu Please (polite)

Osu Determination (push and endure)

Otagai Each Other

Rei (...ni Rei) Bow (Bow to...)

Renmei Federation

Renma Polishing, Training

Renraku Combinations

Seishin Spirit

Seiza Formal Kneeling (correct sitting)

Sempai Senior (1st & 2nd Dan)

Sensei Teacher (born before) (3rd & 4th Dan)

Shomen Front (correct face) of the Dojo

Shihan Expert (5th Dan & higher)

Sosai President

Tameshiwari Breaking Test

Tanden Center of Body (below navel)

Waza Technique(s)

Yame Stop

Yasume Rest, at Ease

Yoi Ready

Yudansha Black Belt Holder

Zanshin Remain Alert (remaining mind)

Taikai Jutsugo Tournament Terminology

Aka Red

Awasete Ippon Adds Up to One Point

Chui Warning

Encho Overtime Round (extension)

Fukushin Corner Judge (assistant referee)

Fukushin Shugo Referees' Conference

Genten Penalty

Hantei Decision

Hikiwake Draw, Tie

Ippon One Point

Kachi (...no Kachi) Win (...the Winner)

Kiken Forfeit

Senshuken Taikai Championship Tournament

Shikaku Disqualification

Shiro White

Shushin Referee

Waza Ari Half Point (has a technique)

Zokko Resume Fighting

Japanese Numbers

0 zero/rei 零

1 ichi 一

2 ni 二

3 san 三

4 shi/yon 四

5 go 五

6 roku 六

7 shichi/nana 七

8 hachi 八

9 kyuu/ku 九

10 juu 十

11 juuichi 十一

12 juuni 十二

13 juusan 十三

14 juushi 十四

15 juugo 十五

16 juuroku 十六

17 juushichi 十七

18 juuhachi 十八

19 juuku 十九

20 nijuu 二十

21 nijuuichi 二十一

22 nijuuni 二十一

Etc…….

30 sanjuu 三十

31 sanjuuichi 三十一

32 sanjuuni 三十二

Etc………

40 yonjuu 四十

50 gojuu 五十

60 rokujuu 六十

70 nanajuu 七十

80 hachijuu 八十

90 kyuujuu 九十

100 hyaku 百

150 hyakugojuu 百五十

200 nihyaku 二百

300 sanbyaku 三百

1000 sen 千

1500 sengohyaku 千五百

2000 nisen 二千

10,000 ichiman 一万

100,000 juuman 十万

1,000,000 hyakuman 百万

10,000,000 senman 千万

100,000,000 ichioku 一億

Order of Bow-in

Instructor:

"Musubi Dachi, Seiza, Shinzen Ni Rei"

All bow to the front to pay respects to the martial arts Masters of the past whose efforts have given us the art.

"Mokuso" Close eyes and calm the breath: focus the concentration on the flow of the breath in and out of the lungs. Feel as if you are drawing the air deep into the abdomen. Shut out all wandering thoughts and prepare yourself for the training to follow. Continue to consciously follow the breath as it flows in and out of the lungs for as long as the meditation period continues.

"Mokuso Yame" Eyes Open.

"Sosai Ni. Rei"

Bow to the front with a loud OSU! As a symbol of respect to the founder of Kyokushin, Sosai Mas Oyama.

"Tatte kudasai" (Please stand up)

Order of Bow-out

Instructor:

"Musubi Dachi". Seiza. Shinzin-ni, Rei" (bow)

"Dojo kun" (Training oath is recited)

"Mokuso" (Period of meditation)

"Mokuso Yame. Sosai-ni, Rei" (Bow with a loud OSU!)

Senior Student:

"Shihan (or Sensei/Sempai) ni, Arigato gozaimashita, Rei"

Everyone bows to the instructor(s) and repeats loudly "Arigato gozaimashita"

"Otagi-ni, Arigato gozaimashita, Rei"

Again, everyone bows and repeats loudly "Arigato Gozaimashita" this time as a gesture of thanks to the other students in the class.

Arigato Gozaimashita is Japanese for "Thank you very much"

Nomenclature:

Shodan and Nidan - Sempai

Sandan and Yondan - Sensei

Godan and above - Shihan

President - Sosai

Each golden stripe on the black belt indicates a Dan grade.

Statutory Time Limit between Examination

• 10th Kyu to 3rd Kyu

➢ Gradings may be taken at three-monthly intervals.

• 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu

➢ Gradings may be taken at six-monthly intervals.

• 1st Kyu to Shodan

➢ A student must hold the grade 1st Kyu for a minimum of one full year before being recommended for Shodan grading.

• Shodan to Nidan

➢ Minimum of two years

• Nidan to Sandan

➢ Minimum of three years

• Sandan to Yondan

➢ On recommendation only.

Techniques Syllabus 10th Kyu

White to Orange Belt

• How to fold a karate gi

Correct way to wear a gi (including tying the obi)

Meaning of Kyokushin

• Dojo etiquette and procedures

• General stretching and conditioning exercises

• Stances: Fudo-dachi

Yoi-dachi

Sanchin-dachi

Zenkutsu-dachi

• Punches and Strikes:

Seiken-morote-tsuki

Seiken-oi-tsuki (jodan, chudan, gedan)

• Blocks: Seiken-mae-gedan-barai

Seiken-jodan-uke

• Kicks:

Hiza-gammen-geri

Kin-geri (chusoko, haisoku)

• Kata: Taikyoku-Sono-Ichi

Ido-Geiko: in Zenkutsu-dachi, uke, tsuki and geri waza

Kihon Kumite: (focus) Static in Sanchin-dachi and moving in Zenkutsu-dachi

Conditioning: Push-ups, half-squats and abdominal curls.

Warm-up and flexibility exercises. The student should have a good understanding of

conditioning for strength and flexibility to enhance the full range of the technique and to practice

correctly.

Techniques Syllabus 9th Kyu

Orange to Orange Sr. Belt

• Stances: Heiko-dachi

Musubi-dachi

Heisoku-dachi

Uchi-hachiji-dachi

Kokutsu-dachi

• Punches and Strikes: Seiken-gyaku-tsuki (jodan, chudan, gedan) Seiken-ago-uchi

• Blocks: Chudan-uchi-uke, Chudan-soto-uke

• Kicks: Mae-geri (chudan, jodan)

• Ido Geiko: Kokutsu-dachi, Sanchin-dachi

• Nogare: Breathing exercise

• Kata: Taikyoku-Sono- Ni, Taikyoku-Sono-San

• Sanbon Kumite, Renraku / Ippon Kumite:

• Conditioning: Push-ups, half-squats and abdominal curls.

Terminology:

• Gyaku - reverse or opposite

• Heisoku-dachi - feet together stance

• Uchi- inside

• Heiko-dachi - open parallel stance

• Soto - outside Kokutsu-dachi - back-

leaning stance

• Ago - jaw, chin

• Musubi-dachi - meditation stance

• Chusoku - ball of foot Uchi-

hachiji-dachi - toes turned in stance

• Mawat-te – turn

• Taikyoku - basic education/excercise

Yonjugo - 45

Kyojugo - 90

Niju - 20

Sanju - 30

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Techniques Syllabus 8th Kyu

Orange Sr. to Blue Belt

Stances: Kiba-dachi

Shiko-dachi

Blocks: Morote-chudan-uchi-uke

Chudan-uchi-uke-gedan-barai

Punches and Strikes:

Shita-tsuki

Tate-tsuki (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Jun-tsuki (jodan, chudan)

Kage-tsuki

Kicks: Mae-Keage

Haisoku-mawashi-uchi-keage

Teisoku-mawashi-soto-keage

Yoko-keage

Ashi-barai (teisoku)

Ido-Geiko: Kiba-dachi-yonjugo

Kiba-dachi-mae

Kata: Taikyoku-Sono-San,

Pinan-Sono-Ichi,

Taikyoku-Sono-Ichi-Ura

Renraku / Ippon Kumite:

Terminology:

Shita - inverted fist

Tate - verticle

Kiba-dachi - horse or straddle stance

Shiko-dachi - sumo stance

Kage-tsuki - bent arm, hook punch

Jun-tsuki - lunge, side punch

Teisoku - arch of foot

Haisoku - instep

Yoko - side

Ashi-barai - foot sweep

Mawashi - round

26 | P a g e

Techniques Syllabus

7th Kyu

Blue to Blue Sr. Belt

Stances: Neko-ashi-dachi

Tsuru-ashi-dachi

Blocks: Mawashi-gedan-barai

Tegatana-mawashi-uke

Punches and Strikes:

Tettsui-oroshi-gammen-uchi

Tettsui-komi-kami

Tettsui-hizo-uchi

Tettsui-yoko-uchi (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Kicks: Kansetsu-geri

Gedan-mawashi-geri

Chudan-yoko-geri

Kata: Pinan-Sono-Ni, Taikyoku-Sono-Ni-Ura,

Sokugi-Taikyoku-Sono-Ichi

Ibuki breathing

Renraku / Ippon Kumite:

Jiyu Kumite: One two-minute rounds

Conditioning: 25 Push-ups

25 Squat thrusts

25 Abdominal curls

Terminology:

Neko-ashi-dachi - cat stance

Tsuru-ashi-dachi - crane

stance

Tettsui - hammer fist

Sokuto - foot edge

Ibuki - forced breathing

Kansetsu - joint

Tegatana - handsword

Techniques Syllabus

6th Kyu

Blue Sr. to Yellow Belt

Punches and Strikes:

Uraken-shomen-gammen-uchi

Uraken-sayu-gammen-uchi

Uraken-hizo-uchi

Uraken-mawashi-uchi

Uraken-oroshi-uchi

Nihon-nukite (me-tsuki)

Yonhon-nukite (jodan, chudan)

Blocks: Seiken-juji-uke (gedan, jodan)

Osai-uke, Mai Mawashi Uke

Kicks: Chudan-mawashi-geri (chusoku and haisoku)

Kata: Pinan-Sono-San, Pinan-Sono-Yon

Taikyoku-Sono-San-Ura,

Sokugi-Taikyoku-Sono-Ni and San

Renraku / Ippon Kumite:

Conditioning: Two x 25 Push-ups

Two x 25 Squat-thrusts

Two x 25 Abdominal curls

Terminology: - two finger strike

Nihon - nukite

Juji - cross

Yonhon-nukite - four finger strike

Osai - suppressing or pushing down

Uraken-shomen-gammen-uchi - backfist strike to face

Uraken-sayu-gammen-uchi - backfist side strike to face

Uraken-hizo-uchi - backfist strike to abdomen

Uraken-mawashi-uchi - backfist round strike

Uraken-oroshi-uchi - backfist overhead strike

Techniques Syllabus

5th Kyu

Yellow to Yellow Sr. Belt

Stances: Moro-ashi-dachi

Punches and Strikes:

Shotei-uchi (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Jodan-hiji-ate, Yama tsuki

Blocks: Shotei-uke (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Kicks: Ushiro-geri (chudan, gedan)

Ido Geiko:

Moro-ashi-dachi

Alternative methods of Ushiro-geri

Kaiten, Sagare and Ura movements

Kata: Yantsu, Tsukino,

Pinan-Sono-Ichi-Ura,

Sanchin-No-Kata

Renraku / Ippon Kumite:

Jiyu Kumite: Three two-minute rounds

Conditioning:

50 Push-ups

50 Squat thrusts

50 Abdominal curls

Terminology:

Shotei - palm heel

Hiji - elbow

Ushiro - back

Moro-ashi-dachi - one foot forward parallel stance

Kaiten - turning, moving forwards, revolving

Sagare - turning, moving back, retreating

Ura - spinning in stance

Techniques Syllabus

4th Kyu

Yellow Sr. to Green Belt

Punches and Strikes:

Shuto-sakotsu-uchi

Shuto-yoko-gammen-uchi

Shuto-hizo-uchi

Shuto-uchi-komi

Shuto-jodan-uchi-uchi

Blocks: Shuto-jodan-uchi-uke

Shuto-jodan-uke

Shuto-chudan-uchi-uke

Shuto-chudan-soto-uke

Shuto-mae-gedan-barai

Shuto-mawashi-uke

Kicks: Jodan-mawashi-geri (chusoku, haisoku)

Jodan-yoko-geri (sokuto)

Jodan-ushiro-geri

Kata: Pinan-Sono-Ni-Ura, Pinan-Sono-Go

Renraku / Ippon Kumite

Jiyu Kumite: Three two-minute rounds

Conditioning: Two x 30 Push-ups

Two x 30 Squat thrusts

Two x 30 Abdominal curls

Terminology: Shuto - knife hand

Sakotsu - clavicle (collar bone)

Uchi-komi - strike forward (solar plexis)

Techniques Syllabus

3rd Kyu

Green to Green Sr. Belt

Stances: Kake-dachi

Punches and Strikes:

Chudan-hiji-ate

Chudan-mae-hiji-ate

Age-hiji-ate (jodan, chudan)

Ushiro-hiji-ate

Oroshi-hiji-ate

Yoko-hiji-ate

Blocks: Shuto-juji-uke (gedan, jodan)

Kicks: Ago-mae-geri

Mae-kakato-geri (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Kata: Pinan-Sono-San-Ura,

Pinan-Sono-Yon-Ura,

Gekisai-Dai

Sayu Geiko:

Jodan-mawashi-geri

Jodan-ushiro-mawashi-geri

Renraku / Ippon Kumite

Conditioning:

20 finger push-ups forward and reverse dips

20 tuck jumps

20 back raises

Jiyu Kumite: Three two-minute rounds

Terminology: Oroshi- descending

Age - rising

Sayu-Geiko - practice of moving side to side

Kakato - heel

Kake-dachi - hook stance

Techniques Syllabus

2nd Kyu

Green Sr. to Brown Belt

Punches and Strikes:

Hiraken-tsuki (jodan, chudan)

Hiraken-oroshi-uchi

Hiraken-mawashi-uchi

Haishu

Age-tsuki

Blocks: Koken-uke (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Kicks: Tobi-mae-geri

Tobi-ni-dan-geri

Ido Geiko: Alternative methods of Tobi-mae-geri

Jiyu Kumite: Five two-minute rounds

Tameshiwari:

Optional break

Kata: Pinan-Sono-Go-Ura

Naifanchi-Shodan / Tekki-Sono-Ichi

Sanbon Kumite:

Renraku / Ippon Kumite

Self-Defence

Students must prepare for severe tests of physical strength, stamina and fitness

Terminology:

Tobi - jump

Tameshiwari - breaking

Hiraken - flat fist

Haishu - backhand

Koken - wrist top

Ni-dan - two levels

Techniques Syllabus

1st Kyu

Brown to Brown Sr. Belt

Punches and Strikes:

Ryuto-ken-tsuki

Naka-yubi-ippon-ken

Oya-yubi-ken

Blocks: Kake-uke

Chudan-haito-uchi-uke

Kicks: Jodan-uchi-haisoku-geri

Uchi-oroshi-kakato-geri

Soto-oroshi-kakato-geri

Tobi-yoko-geri

Kata: Tensho, Gekisai-Sho

Renraku / Ippon Kumite

Students must prepare for severe tests of physical strength, stamina and fitness

Students of this level should gain experience by assisting instructors

Conditioning:

70 Push-ups,

70 Abdominal Curls

Jiyu Kumite: Five two-minute rounds

Tamishiwari: Optional break

Terminology:

Ryuto-ken - dragon's head fist

Oyayubi-ken - thumb knuckle fist

Nakayubi-ippon-ken - middle finger knuckle fist

Kake - hooking

Haito - inner knife hand (inside edge of hand)

Techniques Syllabus

Shodan

Brown Sr. to 1st Dan Black Belt

Punches and Strikes:

Morote-haito-uchi

Haito-uchi (jodan, chudan, gedan)

Blocks: Morote-kake-uke

Methods of defending with the legs

Kicks: Kake-geri(Hammer Kick) (kakato, chusoku)

Ushiro-mawashi-geri

Kata: Seinchin

Saiha / Saifa

Naifanchi-Nidan / Tekki-Sono-Ni

Renraku / Ippon Kumite:

Candidate should prepare ten sets

Jiyu Kumite: Minimum of ten two-minute rounds

Tameshiwari:

(i) Mandatory break with seiken

(ii) Optional break (candidates’ choice)

Conditioning:

Candidate must prepare for severe tests of physical strength, stamina and fitness.

Kyokushin Karate Belt System

Coloured belts have their origin in Judo, as does the training 'gi', or more correctly in Japanese,

'dōgi' or 'Keikogi'. In Kyokushin the order of the belts varies in some breakaway groups, but

according to the Honbu of Oyama, the kyu ranks and belt colours are as follows:

Each coloured belt has two levels, the second being represented by a stripe at the ends of the

belt. The white belt however, does not represent any level and is only meant to hold the 'gi' in

place. As such, the white belt is used by practitioners who are not yet graded. The belt system

under Mas Oyama followed this order since the 1960s with the exception of the yellow (red) belt,

which was incorporated only in the last year of his life, replacing the earlier used white belt with

one and two red stripes for the same kyu grades.

Whilst some groups also use red belts for high dan grades, it is not the norm and Oyama himself

did not follow this practice in his dojo or organization, always wearing a wholly black belt

himself.

There are many ideas of how the belt colours in the martial arts came to be, some more romantic

than others. One quaint tale says that students of a karate school would be given a white belt.

The students' belts would gradually become stained darker from use and eventually a person

who was of a high standard and who had trained for a long time would then have a

black/brown/dirt coloured belt. This is an inspiring way to encourage students to train harder,

and might have its basis in truth since martial arts practitioners as a general rule don't wash their

belts after training. However, no evidence exists of this, so there is no hard and fast rule

according to the Japanese and romantic notions of the belt containing the training spirit and

hard toil of years of training are generally invented in the West. The tradition of only sparingly

washing the belt is more likely based on the more practical reason that belts tend to lose their

colour if washed too often.

Perhaps the most widely read and respected interpretation of the fundamental psychological

requirements of each level is found in the book, The Budo Karate of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama,

written by former interpreter to Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, Cameron Quinn. Kyokushin karate has

a belt grading system similar to other martial arts. The requirements of each level vary from

country to country, some far stricter and more demanding than others. For example, in some

countries in Europe, the grading for each level requires the student to complete the entire

requirements for each level up to the rank being tested. So the student attempting first degree

black belt will do all the Orange belt requirements, THEN all the blue belt requirements

(including repeating the orange belt requirements) and so on. The free fighting (kumite)

requirements for first degree black belt also ranges from ten rounds to forty rounds, depending

on the region, usually at a very high level of contact and with no protective gear other than a

groin guard and mouth guard. It is not so much the number of fights but the intensity of the

effort that defines the grading. Some areas don't even have formal grading per se, instead

presenting the student with their new rank in training after the instructor feels that he/she has

reached that level and is capable of all the requirements.

The belt assigned to each student upon commencing training is a white belt. With each successful

grading attempt the student is awarded a kyu ranking, and either a stripe on his current belt or

a new belt colour altogether. Grading, or promotion tests, include calisthenic and aerobic

training, kihon (basics), ido geiko (moving basics), goshinjitsu (self defence), sanbon and ippon

kumite (three and one step sparring), (prescribed series of movements/forms, sometimes

described as a form of moving meditation), tameshiwari (board, tile or brick breaking) and

kumite (contact free fighting). Achieving a 1st dan black belt, or Shodan, can take anywhere

from four but often six to ten years of training. A belt may be awarded only by a teacher after a

grading, some lower grades, e.g., yellow stripe or yellow, can be assessed in a local dojo by an

instructor, after 2 or 3 grades, you will have to wait until a "grading" usually only performed

approximately 4 times a year or at martial arts camps where there are Shodan and above

grading, and 50 man kumite also are performed on rare occasions. At the highest ranks (6th

Dan and above) tests are performed by international committee, or, as is more common in the

post-Mas Oyama era, presented honorarily. Nobody can achieve a 10th degree black belt for

this was a special honour created only for the Sosai (Oyama).

Each belt has a different number of fights required for the rank sparring for grading starts at

white belt. Of all aspects, it is the strong and spirited contact kumite that most defines the

Kyokushin style, and it is this aspect that has always brought the style the most respect. The one

thing that usually defined the Kyokushin black belt was the spirit, strength and courage of the

kumite.

The number of rounds required may increase or decrease after Shodan, again depending on

the region. 40 rounds of hard contact sparring is required as part of a grading or as part of a

special training requirement, is no easy feat and involves non-stop fighting of one and a half

hours or more. It is a test of fortitude as well as skill.

Shihan Siba Sankar Das CEO and Founder, Head Instructor, Examiner,

Member of World So-Kyokushin Karate Organisation, Japan

Das Karate Academy® - Bangalore Affiliated to International Kyokushin Karate Organisation and

World So-Kyokushin Karate Organisation, Japan

Email: admin@daskarateacademy.com

Website: https://www.daskarateacademy.com

Phone: +91 99161 36062 / +91 80735 45367