IKKU Kyokushin Karate Syllabus
Comprehensive grading requirements and curriculum for Kyokushin practitioners
About Kyokushin
What is Kyokushin?
Kyokushin means "ultimate truth" or "ultimate reality" (Kyoku = ultimate; Shin = truth/reality).
Kyokushin is the name given to our ryu, which was originated by the master, Masutatsu Oyama.
The Kanku Symbol
The Kyokushin symbol is derived from the Kanku kata (sky-gazing), representing:
- Points (fingertips): Peaks and ultimates
- Thick sections (wrists): Power
- 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 brought to Great Britain in 1965 by Sensei Bob Boulton, who founded the first dojo, the London Karate Kai in Kennington. He was later joined by Sensei Steve Arneil, and soon after the British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK) was formed.
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:
- We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaken 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.
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/Senpai ni, arigato gozaimashita, rei
- Otagai ni, arigato gozaimashita, rei
Learning Progression
The path of learning in Kyokushin follows this progression:
- Position (stance)
- Balance (control of position)
- Co-ordination (control of balance & position in technique)
- Form (performing the above correctly)
- Speed (increase rate without loss of form)
- Power (strengthening the technique)
- Reflex (natural movement)
Dan Titles & Nomenclature
Titles by Rank
- Shodan/Nidan: Senpai
- 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)
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 (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
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
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
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
6th Kyu - Yellow Belt
Minimum interval: ≥ 3 months from previous grade
Blocks:
- Seiken Juji Uke (gedan/jodan)
- Osae 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
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
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
3rd Kyu - Green Belt
Minimum interval: ≥ 3 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
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.
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)
Shodan - 1st Dan
Minimum: 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
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
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
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
Required Certificates:
- Current First Aid Certificate
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, Sandan and Yondan gradings.
Kata (Forms)
| Level | Kata Name |
|---|---|
| 9th Kyu | Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Taikyoku Sono Ni |
| 8th Kyu | Taikyoku Sono San |
| 7th Kyu | Pinan Sono Ichi |
| 6th Kyu | Pinan Sono Ni |
| 5th Kyu | Pinan Sono San |
| 4th Kyu | Sanchin no Kata |
| 3rd Kyu | Pinan Sono Yon |
| 2nd Kyu | Pinan Sono Go, Gekisai Dai |
| 1st Kyu | Yantsu, Tsuki no Kata |
| Shodan | Tensho, Saiha, Gekisai Sho |
| Nidan | Kanku Dai, Seienchin |
| Sandan | Sushi-ho, Garyu, Seipai |
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 |