As a natural progression to the student’s skill development through their karate journey, learning new
techniques and advancing their skills, students are required to attend a Grading.
What is a Grading?
It’s a class where Shihan or senior instructor assesses the student’s newly obtained skills. Through this process the assessor gains a direct indication of the student’s true understanding of where they are at knowledge wise. Through the use of gradings, natural performance progression can be obtained with each and every individual student, so they may obtain a higher grade of belt (Kyu).
All KKI gradings include the accumulation of calisthenics, anaerobic and aerobic workout, kihon (basics), Ido geiko (moving basics), Goshin jitsu (self defense), Sanbon and ippon kumite (three and one step sparring), Kata (predescribed series of movements/forms), tameshiwari (board, tile or brick breaking) and kumite (Full contact free fighting). The degree of each varies depending upon the student being graded, and the rank they are seeking to achieve.
A Grade will only be awarded once a student has properly fulfilled the stringent KKI criterion required. Once a pass has been given a student will be awarded a new grade via an authentic certificate notifying of the Kyu obtained, as well as a new belt where appropriate.
Grading eligibility notifications are announced via the head instructor, and measured by regular variables such as training attendance, correct attitude towards training, dedication to training, and knowing ones grade requirements. It must be kept in mind with gradings that it is a privilege to participate in a grading, not an automatically given right. Each individual is assessed and all final decisions on student grades or grading permission comes from Shihan or the Head Instructor.
KKI Field dojo belts order as follows, from lowest to highest:
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White |
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Red or Orange |
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Light blue |
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Yellow |
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Green |
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Brown |
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Black |
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Kyokushin is Japanese for "the society of the ultimate truth." Broken down it becomes a combination of two characters:
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”Kyoku” – Meaning extreme. |
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“Shin” – Meaning truth. Thus defining kyokushin as “extreme” or “Ultimate Truth”. |
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Once the word kyokushin adds a third suffix “kai” meaning “to meet” it signifies the gathering of people with a universal purpose. Thus the word “Kyokushinkai” correct definition translates to the “ Society of Ultimate Truth”. |
Kyokushin is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement and with the common aim to attain the ideal of truth and perfection through discipline and hard physical training. Due to its full contact approach the style has had international appeal over the last 40+ years with numbers reaching more than 12 million active practitioners. Today, the definition of karate comes from a combination of two characters: Kara, - empty, and Te, - hand; thus bringing the meaning of "empty hand."
Kyokushin Karate has influenced many of the "full-contact" schools of karate, emphasizing realistic combat, physical toughness, and practicality in its training curriculum. Many other martial arts organizations have "spun-off" from Kyokushin over the years, with some adding additional techniques, such as grappling, head punches etc but continuing with the same philosophy of realistic and practical training methods.
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The Kanku has become the international symbol of Kyokushin Karate, which orginated from the famous Kanku Dai kata, translated as the gazing heavenward, viewing the sky, or contemplating the sky form.This is an open hand Kata that is studied by many practitioners of karate world wide. Through out this kata you continuely find that your hands becomed joined, fingers touch together creating a diamond like shape opening facing the skywards.
On close examination you find the top and bottom points in the kanku are represented by our index fingers touching and the base of our thumbs connected wich are to symbolise the ulimate points or training peaks throughout your journey. The cross sections or thick bands are to indicate of ones wrists translating to power or strength. The centre peice being the opening between our hands is a direct respresentation of the inner circle signifing immeasurable depth. Finally the kanku’s enclosed outer ring be a sign of kyokushins continous circlur motions. Due to its difficulty, this Kata is often reserved for advanced students.
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Dojo (道場 dōjō) is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the Way". As such it can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of a martial art style to conduct training, examinations and other related encounters. All KKI dojos a have a very strong Sempai/Kohai (teacher/student) relationship which is extremely formal filled with many years of tradition.
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The Dogi, Keiko Gi or Gi as it is often referred to, is the karate practitioners traditional white uniform used during training and competition with the Kyokushinkai kanji which is a derivative of the modern Japanese logographic writing system is formally worn on the left hand side lapel. Additionally in many cases you may also find individual dojo or club logo designs marked clearly also on the individual’s dogi.
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"The heart of our karate is real fighting.
There can be no proof without real fighting.
Without proof there is no trust.
Without trust there is no respect.
This is a definition in the world of Martial Arts."
- Mas Oyama
Keep your head low (modesty),
Eyes high (ambitious),
Reserved in speech (mind one’s language)
Kind in heart (raise one’s capacity).
Serve other people with filial piety (serving one’s family and friends)
- Mas Oyama
We will train our hearts and bodies
for a firm 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 discipline of karate,
we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the
Kyokushin Way.
- Mas Oyama
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When entering or leaving the dojo, always face the front, bow and say OSU, then face the general direction of the other students in the class, bow and say OSU again.
- When entering or leaving the dojo, always face the front, bow and say OSU, then face the general direction of the other students in the class, bow and say OSU again. When late to class, kneel facing the back of the class in SEIZA. Wait with your eyes closed in MOKUSO. When acknowledged, remain in SEIZA and bow, saying "SHITSUREI SHIMASU" (excuse me for being late). Stand turn to the front of the dojo and bow once again with a strong OSU, and quickly join the back of the class. Students who are late for class should try harder to be on time.
- Do not remove any part of your DOGI during training without being told to do so.
- Do not eat, chew gum, smoke or drink in the dojo.
- When asked to proceed to a position, or when lining up at the beginning of training or for some reason during training, always move as quickly as possible - do not stroll.
- Never practice Kumite unless an instructor is present. When practicing Kumite with a black belt, do your very best, but show respect for the rank. If you think you can go harder than do so, but remember that they have your lower rank in mind while they are sparring, and so will not be fighting their hardest.
- Do not ask a higher grade for Kumite. You should not refuse however, if you are asked by a senior grade.
- Do not break rank for any reason without permission from the instructor. Never walk between rows, or between the instructor and those training. If you must leave your position, walk behind the row you are in to either side of the class and proceed from there.
- Address your instructor as SEMPAI, SENSEI or SHIHAN, as the case may be. Do not address an instructor by their first name in class.
- Do not swear, laugh, giggle, talk, lounge or act inattentively during training. Treat your training seriously; it is not a laughing matter. A karate-ka is always alert and well behaved. Possession of a senior grade (especially black belt) is not your ticket to relaxation and familiarity in the dojo. Do not waste your time and everyone else's if you are not prepared to treat your training and your fellow karate-ka with respect and the seriousness deserved. This includes leaving before the end of training. Unless directed by the instructor, a student should remain in the class until completion of the final bow out. Abuse of this rule will not be tolerated.
- Kneel on your right knee to adjust or re-tie your belt. Turn to the right, away from the front of the class, or from your partner if you are working with someone, to adjust your Dogi. Learn to respect your belt as a symbol of your efforts in training.
- Your Dogi must be washed clean and neat at all times. Your belt should be aired dry but never washed, as it symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training.
- Listen carefully to the instructor's directions. Remember that the instructor will not ask you to do what he or she may think you cannot do. Acknowledge all instructions with a strong OSU.
- The instructor, whoever it may be, should be treated with the respect that you yourself would expect as common courtesy. If you cannot find it in you to show respect to a person who is taking their time to teach you, then you do not belong in a karate dojo. Never question his/her direction; never speak in class unless asked by the instructor. Such obedience develops a bond of trust between the instructor and student, which improves mutual receptivity, simplifying and speeding the learning process.
- For the sake of safety and neatness, do not wear jewellery during training, or when you are wearing your Dogi.
- Keep your toenails and fingernails clean and cut short at all times. Always be sure your feet, nails and hands are washed clean for training. In training you often work closely with others. Nobody likes to train with someone who is dirty.
- Be sure to go to the toilet prior to training. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extremely dangerous. Try also to remember that it is not good for the body to train on a full stomach, so avoid eating for at least one hour before class starts.
- Mas Oyama
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Sosai Masutatsu Oyama 11 mottoes are also known as the Zayu no Mei Juichi Kajo, which are the foundations to his teachings. Even today, these principles hold true for any karateka:
- The Martial Arts way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
- Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.
- Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
- Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
- The Martial Way is centred on posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
- The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
- In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.
- The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
- The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principal.
- The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realised through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demand.
- Always remember: in the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant
- Mas Oyama
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The founder of Kyokushin Karate was Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, 10th Dan.
Mas Oyama was born in 1923, in a village in Southern Korea. As an infant he was sent to live on his sister’s farm in Manchuria, in Southern China, and here at the age of nine years had his first contact with martial arts when he studied a form of Chinese kempo.
When he returned to Korea aged twelve he continued his training in Korean Kempo. In 1938 he travelled to Japan and furthered his interest by training in Judo and Boxing.
He discovered and trained with the renowned Master, Gichin Funakoshi. His progress was amazing, at seventeen he was Second Dan and at twenty, when he entered the Japanese Imperial Army, he was a Fourth Dan.
Now his interest in Judo was reborn and he progressed rapidly to Fourth Dan in this art also.
After the Second World War and the defeat of the Japan he met So Nei Chu a Korean Master of Goju Ryu Karate, a man of extreme power and deep spiritual inclination, who was to be Mas Oyama’s mentor and teacher for several years.
Oyama retreated to the mountains to train by himself for fourteen months, and after returning to society in 1947 he won the karate section of the first Japanese National Martial Arts Championships after World War Two. He then resolved to dedicate his life entirely to the Martial Arts and retreated once again to the mountains for a further eighteen months of solitary and arduous training to unify body and spirit. As a result of this and his previous training he now resolved to carve out his own future through the promotion of his Martial Arts.
In April 1952, Mas Oyama first travelled to the USA to promote Kyokushin Karate and undertook demonstrations for one year as well as appearing on National television.
Over the following years, he participated in matches with professional wrestlers and boxers, in fact, all comers. 270 in total were all defeated - such was the awesome power and strength that this man had developed.
Mas Oyama was renowned for his incredible power; he became known as “THE GODHAND” a living manifestation of the Japanese warrior’s maxim “ICHI GEKI HISSATSU” One Strike, Certain Death. This for Mas Oyama was the true aim of technique in Karate.
In 1953 he opened his first Dojo in Tokyo and the true beginning of Kyokushin Karate was made. As his Tokyo Dojo grew he continued to travel the world researching martial arts and demonstrating his power karate.
From this point on Kyokushin Karate began its march across the globe, the original world headquarters in Tokyo was completed in June 1964 and the name Kyokushin “The Ultimate Truth” was officially adopted by Mas Oyama.
From the early 1960’s Kyokushin spread until it was represented in 123 countries worldwide from countries as small as Curacao and the Canary Islands to those as large as Russia and America.
Kyokushin came to AUSTRALIA in the 1960’s and has developed strongly ever since.
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www.kyokushin-rengokai.com
All Japan Kyokushin Union
www.kyokushin.net.au
International Kyokushin Karate Organization – Shihan Eddie Emin
www.melbmartialarts.com.au
Melbourne Kyokushin Karate Australia – Shihan George Kolovos
www.budokyokushin.com
Budo Karate Kyokushin Australia – Shihan Bill Poly
www.powerkarate.net
Power Karate – Shihan Jim Phillips
www.kimaa.com.au
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia - Shihan Howard Lipman
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