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IKKU

IKKU Kyokushin Karate Syllabus

Comprehensive grading requirements and curriculum for Kyokushin practitioners

Overview

About This Syllabus

This syllabus outlines the technical requirements and grading criteria for students of the Independent Kyokushin Karate Union (IKKU). The curriculum is based on traditional Kyokushin principles established by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.

Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in all required techniques, kata, and kumite appropriate to their rank level during grading examinations.

Grading Philosophy

Kyokushin Karate emphasizes full-contact training, discipline, and perseverance. Grading is not merely about technical proficiency but also demonstrates:

  • Physical conditioning and stamina
  • Mental fortitude and fighting spirit (Osu no Seishin)
  • Respect for tradition and etiquette (Reigi)
  • Understanding of Kyokushin philosophy
  • Ability to apply techniques in kumite

About Kyokushin

What is Kyokushin?

Kyokushin means "ultimate truth" or "ultimate reality" (Kyoku = ultimate; Shin = truth/reality).

Kyokushin is a karate ryu founded by Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama, emphasizing truth through hard training and realism.

The Kanku Symbol

The Kyokushin symbol is derived from the Kanku kata (sky-gazing), representing:

  • Points (fingertips): Peaks and ultimates
  • Thick sections (wrists): Power and strength
  • Centre: Infinity and depth
  • Circle: Continuity and circular action

Founder: Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

10th Dan, Founder of Kyokushin

  • Born 1923 near Seoul; studied Kempo at 9; moved to Japan at 12
  • Studied Judo; student of Gichin Funakoshi; Nidan at 17; Yondan at 24
  • 1947 All-Japan Karate Champion; years of ascetic training in mountains/temples
  • Founded Honbu in Tokyo (1965); spread Kyokushin worldwide

"In the martial arts it is important always to aim to win, the motive for fighting must not come from personal grudge." - Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Kyokushin in Great Britain

Kyokushin was pioneered in Great Britain by Sensei Bob Boulton and Sensei Steve Arneil, with the first dojo established at London Karate Kai, Kennington. The British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK) helped spread the art throughout the UK.

Following the passing of Sosai Oyama, multiple Kyokushin organisations emerged. The Independent Kyokushin Karate Union (IKKU) maintains the traditional Kyokushin values and teachings.

Dojo Etiquette & Procedures

The Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun is recited at the end of each training session:

  1. We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaken spirit.
  2. We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert.
  3. With true vigour we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
  4. We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors and refrain from violence.
  5. We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility.
  6. We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
  7. All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.

Bow-In Ceremony

  • Musubi dachi, seiza, shinzen-ni rei
  • Mokuso (meditation)
  • Mokuso yame
  • Sosai-ni rei (OSU!)
  • Tatte kudasai

Bow-Out Ceremony

  • Musubi dachi, seiza, shinzen-ni rei
  • Dojo kun recitation
  • Mokuso
  • Mokuso yame, Sosai-ni rei (OSU!)
  • Shihan/Sensei/Sempai ni, arigato gozaimashita, rei
  • Otagai ni, arigato gozaimashita, rei

Learning Progression

The path of learning in Kyokushin follows this progression:

  1. Position (stance)
  2. Balance (control of position)
  3. Co-ordination (control of balance & position in technique)
  4. Form (performing the above correctly)
  5. Speed (increase rate without loss of form)
  6. Power (strengthening the technique)
  7. Reflex (natural movement)

Dan Titles & Nomenclature

Titles by Rank

  • Shodan/Nidan: Sempai
  • Sandan/Yondan: Sensei
  • Godan and above: Shihan
  • President: Sosai

Black Belt Stripes

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

Coloured Belt Ranks (Kyu Grades)

10級

10th Kyu - Red Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Knowledge:

  • Fold/wear gi & tie obi
  • Meaning of Kyokushin
  • Dojo etiquette & procedures
  • General stretching & conditioning

Stances:

  • Fudo Dachi
  • Yoi Dachi
  • Sanchin Dachi
  • Zenkutsu Dachi

Blocks:

  • Seiken Mae Gedan Barai
  • Seiken Jodan Uke

Punches & Strikes:

  • Seiken Morote Tsuki
  • Seiken Oi Tsuki (jodan/chudan/gedan)

Kicks:

  • Hiza Gammen Geri
  • Kin Geri (chusoku, haisoku)

Ido Geiko:

  • In Zenkutsu Dachi: uke, tsuki, geri waza

Kumite:

  • Kihon kumite: Static in Sanchin Dachi
  • Kihon kumite: Moving in Zenkutsu Dachi

Conditioning:

  • Push-ups
  • Half-squats
  • Abdominal curls
  • Warm-up & flexibility understanding
9級

9th Kyu - Red Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Stances:

  • Heiko Dachi
  • Kokutsu Dachi
  • Heisoku Dachi
  • Musubi Dachi
  • Uchi Hachiji Dachi

Blocks:

  • Chudan Uchi Uke
  • Chudan Soto Uke

Punches & Strikes:

  • Seiken Gyaku Tsuki (jodan/chudan/gedan)
  • Seiken Ago Uchi

Kicks:

  • Mae Geri (chudan, jodan)

Ido Geiko:

  • Kokutsu Dachi
  • Sanchin Dachi

Breathing:

  • Nogare breathing

Kata:

  • Taikyoku sono ichi
  • Taikyoku sono ni

Kumite:

  • Sanbon kumite
  • Renraku or Ippon kumite

Conditioning:

  • Push-ups
  • Half-squats
  • Abdominal curls
8級

8th Kyu - Blue Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Stances:

  • Kiba Dachi
  • Shiko Dachi

Blocks:

  • Morote Chudan Uchi Uke
  • Chudan Uchi Uke Gedan Barai

Punches & 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

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
7級

7th Kyu - Blue Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Stances:

  • Neko Ashi Dachi
  • Tsuru Ashi Dachi

Blocks:

  • Mawashi Gedan Barai
  • Tegatana Mawashi Uke

Punches & 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

Breathing:

  • Ibuki breathing

Kata:

  • Pinan sono ichi

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
  • Jiyu kumite: 1 round × 2 minutes

Conditioning:

  • 25 Push-ups
  • 25 Squat thrusts
  • 25 Abdominal curls
6級

6th Kyu - Yellow Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Blocks:

  • Seiken Juji Uke (gedan/jodan)
  • Osai Uke

Punches & 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)

Kicks:

  • Chudan Mawashi Geri (chusoku & haisoku)

Kata:

  • Pinan sono ni

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite

Conditioning:

  • 2 × 25 Push-ups
  • 2 × 25 Squat-thrusts
  • 2 × 25 Abdominal curls
5級

5th Kyu - Yellow Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Stances:

  • Moro Ashi Dachi

Blocks:

  • Shotei Uke (jodan/chudan/gedan)

Punches & Strikes:

  • Shotei Uchi (jodan/chudan/gedan)
  • Jodan Hiji Ate

Kicks:

  • Ushiro Geri (chudan/gedan)

Ido Geiko:

  • Moro Ashi Dachi
  • Alternative methods of Ushiro Geri

Movement:

  • Kaiten, Sagare, Ura

Kata:

  • Pinan sono san

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
  • Jiyu kumite: 3 rounds × 2 minutes

Conditioning:

  • 50 Push-ups
  • 50 Squat thrusts
  • 50 Abdominal curls
4級

4th Kyu - Green Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade

Blocks:

  • Shuto Jodan Uchi Uke
  • Shuto Jodan Uke
  • Shuto Chudan Uchi Uke
  • Shuto Chudan Soto Uke
  • Shuto Mae Gedan Barai
  • Shuto Mawashi Uke

Punches & Strikes:

  • Shuto Sakotsu Uchi
  • Shuto Yoko Gammen Uchi
  • Shuto Hizo Uchi
  • Shuto Uchi Komi
  • Shuto Jodan Uchi Uchi

Kicks:

  • Jodan Mawashi Geri (chusoku/haisoku)
  • Jodan Yoko Geri (sokuto)
  • Jodan Ushiro Geri

Kata:

  • Sanchin no kata

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
  • Jiyu kumite: 3 rounds × 2 minutes

Conditioning:

  • 2 × 30 Push-ups
  • 2 × 30 Squat thrusts
  • 2 × 30 Abdominal curls
3級

3rd Kyu - Green Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 6 months from previous grade

Stances:

  • Kake Dachi

Blocks:

  • Shuto Juji Uke (gedan/jodan)

Punches & Strikes:

  • Chudan Hiji Ate
  • Chudan Mae Hiji Ate
  • Age Hiji Ate (jodan/chudan)
  • Ushiro Hiji Ate
  • Oroshi Hiji Ate
  • Yoko Hiji Ate

Kicks:

  • Ago Mae Geri
  • Mae Kakato Geri (jodan/chudan/gedan)

Kata:

  • Pinan sono yon

Sayu Geiko:

  • Jodan Mawashi Geri
  • Jodan Ushiro Mawashi Geri

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
  • Jiyu kumite: 3 rounds × 2 minutes

Conditioning:

  • 20 Finger push-ups (forward & reverse dips)
  • 20 Tuck jumps
  • 20 Back raises
2級

2nd Kyu - Brown Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 6 months from previous grade

Blocks:

  • Koken Uke (jodan/chudan/gedan)

Punches & Strikes:

  • Hiraken Tsuki (jodan/chudan)
  • Hiraken Oroshi Uchi
  • Hiraken Mawashi Uchi
  • Haishu
  • Age Tsuki

Kicks:

  • Tobi Mae Geri
  • Tobi Ni Dan Geri

Ido Geiko:

  • Alternative methods of Tobi Mae Geri

Kata:

  • Pinan sono go
  • Gekisai dai

Kumite:

  • Sanbon kumite
  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
  • Self-defence techniques
  • Jiyu kumite: 5 rounds × 2 minutes

Tameshiwari:

  • Optional breaking techniques

Note: Prepare for severe tests of strength, stamina, and fitness.

1級

1st Kyu - Brown Belt

Minimum interval: ≥ 6 months from previous grade; must hold 1st Kyu ≥ 1 year before Shodan

Blocks:

  • Kake Uke
  • Chudan Haito Uchi Uke

Punches & Strikes:

  • Ryuto Ken Tsuki
  • Naka Yubi Ippon Ken
  • Oya Yubi Ken

Kicks:

  • Jodan Uchi Haisoku Geri
  • Uchi Oroshi Kakato Geri
  • Soto Oroshi Kakato Geri
  • Tobi Yoko Geri

Kata:

  • Yantsu
  • Tsuki no kata

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite
  • Jiyu kumite: 5 rounds × 2 minutes

Conditioning:

  • 70 Push-ups
  • 70 Abdominal curls

Tameshiwari:

  • Optional breaking techniques

Notes:

  • Assist instructors for teaching experience
  • Prepare for severe tests of strength, stamina, and fitness
  • Must be recommended by instructor for Shodan grading

Black Belt Ranks (Dan Grades)

初段

Shodan - 1st Dan

Minimum: ≥ 2 years after 1st Kyu (must hold 1st Kyu ≥ 1 year and be recommended)

Blocks:

  • Morote Kake Uke
  • Leg defence methods

Punches & Strikes:

  • Morote Haito Uchi
  • Haito Uchi (jodan/chudan/gedan)

Kicks:

  • Kake Geri (kakato/chusoku)
  • Ushiro Mawashi Geri

Kata:

  • Tensho
  • Saiha
  • Gekisai sho

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite: Prepare 10 sets
  • Jiyu kumite: Minimum 10 rounds × 2 minutes (or as required by grading panel)

Tameshiwari (Breaking):

  • Mandatory: Seiken (forefist) breaking
  • Optional: Candidate's choice

Conditioning:

  • Prepare for severe tests of strength, stamina, and fitness

Required Certificates:

  • Current First Aid Certificate
二段

Nidan - 2nd Dan

Minimum: ≥ 2 years after Shodan

Blocks:

  • Hiji Uke
  • Gedan Shotei Morote Uke
  • Gedan Shuto Morote Uke

Punches & Strikes:

  • Toho Uchi (sword-peak hand)
  • Keiko Uchi (chicken beak hand)

Kicks:

  • Tobi Ushiro Geri
  • Tobi Ushiro Mawashi Geri
  • Tobi Mawashi Geri
  • Age Kakato Ushiro Geri

Kata:

  • Kanku dai
  • Seienchin

Kumite:

  • Renraku or Ippon kumite: Prepare 10 sets
  • Jiyu kumite: As required by grading panel

Required Certificates:

  • Current First Aid Certificate
三段

Sandan - 3rd Dan

Minimum: ≥ 3 years after Nidan

Kata:

  • Sushiho
  • Garyu
  • Seipai
  • Devise own kata to Sensei standard

Kumite:

  • Renraku or pre-arranged kumite: Prepare 10 sets
  • Modes: WUKO/Clicker/Knockdown
  • Self-defence: 10 pre-arranged techniques
  • Jiyu kumite: To be advised by Instructor
四段

Yondan - 4th Dan

By recommendation ONLY

Advancement:

  • By recommendation ONLY

Required Certificates:

  • Current First Aid Certificate

Documentation:

  • Current CV of karate history
  • Competitions participated in
  • Courses attended
  • Qualifications obtained

Statutory Time Limits for Dan Grades

From To Minimum Interval
1st Kyu Shodan Hold 1st Kyu ≥ 1 year and be recommended
Shodan Nidan ≥ 2 years
Nidan Sandan ≥ 3 years
Sandan Yondan By recommendation only

First Aid Requirements: Current First Aid Certificate required at Shodan, Nidan, and Yondan gradings.

Kata (Forms)

Importance of Kata

Kata are prearranged sequences of techniques that embody the principles and combat applications of Kyokushin. They develop balance, coordination, timing, focus, and proper technique execution.

Taikyoku Kata (Foundation Forms)

Kata Name Translation Level Key Focus
Taikyoku Sono Ichi First Foundation 10th Kyu Basic stances, blocks, punches
Taikyoku Sono Ni Second Foundation 9th Kyu Reinforcement of basics
Taikyoku Sono San Third Foundation 8th Kyu Speed and power development

Pinan Kata (Peaceful Mind Forms)

Kata Name Level Movements Key Techniques
Pinan Sono Ichi 7th-8th Kyu 26 Fundamental blocks and strikes
Pinan Sono Ni 6th Kyu 26 Side kicks, multiple directions
Pinan Sono San 5th Kyu 26 Advanced hand techniques
Pinan Sono Yon 4th Kyu 27 Complex footwork, combinations
Pinan Sono Go 3rd Kyu 28 Jumping techniques, advanced blocks

Advanced Kata

Kata Name Level Notes
Tsuki No Kata 1st Kyu Punching form
Sanchin no Kata 4th Kyu Breathing and rooted power
Gekisai Dai 2nd Kyu Attack and destroy (greater)
Gekisai Sho Shodan Attack and destroy (lesser)
Yantsu 1st Kyu Safe three
Saiha Shodan Smash and tear
Tensho Shodan Rotating palms (soft techniques)
Kanku Dai Nidan Sky gazing (large)
Seienchin Nidan Calm in the storm
Sushi-ho Sandan 54 steps
Garyu Sandan Reclining dragon
Seipai Sandan Eighteen

Grading Procedures and Requirements

General Grading Information

Preparation for Grading

Students must meet the following criteria before being eligible for grading:

  • Minimum training time since last grade met
  • Regular attendance at training sessions
  • Recommendation from instructor
  • Proficiency in all required techniques for current grade
  • Appropriate attitude and spirit (Osu no Seishin)

Grading Components

Kihon (Basics)

  • Stances
  • Hand techniques
  • Leg techniques
  • Combinations
  • Proper form and power

Kata (Forms)

  • All required kata for grade
  • Previous kata review
  • Correct sequence
  • Proper technique
  • Focus and spirit

Kumite (Sparring)

  • Controlled sparring
  • Multiple rounds
  • Application of techniques
  • Fighting spirit
  • Respect and control

Physical Conditioning

  • Push-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • Squats
  • Endurance exercises
  • Age-appropriate standards

Statutory Time Limits Between Gradings

From To Minimum Interval
10th Kyu 3rd Kyu ≥ 3 months between gradings
3rd Kyu 1st Kyu ≥ 6 months between gradings
1st Kyu Shodan Hold 1st Kyu ≥ 1 year and be recommended
Shodan Nidan ≥ 2 years
Nidan Sandan ≥ 3 years
Sandan Yondan By recommendation only

Grading Timeline Reference

Belt/Rank Minimum Training Time Kumite Rounds Kata Required
10th Kyu (Red) 3 months Kihon kumite None
9th Kyu (Red) 3 months Sanbon, Renraku/Ippon 2
8th Kyu (Blue) 3 months Renraku/Ippon 3
7th Kyu (Blue) 3 months Renraku/Ippon + 1×2min Jiyu 4
6th Kyu (Yellow) 3 months Renraku/Ippon 5
5th Kyu (Yellow) 3 months Renraku/Ippon + 3×2min Jiyu 6
4th Kyu (Green) 3 months Renraku/Ippon + 3×2min Jiyu 7
3rd Kyu (Green) 6 months Renraku/Ippon + 3×2min Jiyu 8
2nd Kyu (Brown) 6 months Sanbon, Renraku/Ippon, Self-defence + 5×2min Jiyu 10
1st Kyu (Brown) 6 months Renraku/Ippon + 5×2min Jiyu 11
Shodan (1st Dan) 1 year from 1st Kyu + recommendation 10+ rounds × 2 minutes (minimum) All previous + Tensho, Saiha, Gekisai sho

Important Notes

Age Considerations: Requirements may be adjusted for junior students (under 16) and senior students (over 40) while maintaining technical standards.

Injuries and Medical Conditions: Students with injuries or medical conditions should inform their instructor. Alternative demonstrations may be arranged where appropriate.

Grading Fees: Contact your dojo or IKKU administration for current grading fee information.

Retesting: If a student does not pass a grading, they will receive feedback and may retest after additional training (typically 1-3 months depending on areas needing improvement).

Dojo Etiquette and Philosophy

The Spirit of Kyokushin

Technical proficiency alone is not sufficient for advancement. Students must also demonstrate:

  • Osu no Seishin: Persevering spirit, never giving up
  • Respect: For instructors, seniors, and fellow students
  • Discipline: In training and daily life
  • Humility: Recognizing there is always more to learn
  • Courage: Facing challenges with determination

"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." - Sosai Masutatsu Oyama