Official Syllabus

Kyokushin Grading Syllabus 2026

Complete Belt Rank Guide & Requirements

Published February 13, 2026 · By Kyokushin Karate Foundation of India

The Kyokushin belt system is not just about learning techniques — it's about forging character through progressively harder challenges. Each belt grade demands more physical conditioning, technical skill, and mental toughness. Below is the complete 2026 KKFI grading syllabus from white belt (Mukyu) to black belt (Shodan).

⚡ IMPORTANT NOTE

Kyokushin promotions are earned — never purchased. Every grading includes demonstrated kata, kumite (sparring), and conditioning. There are no "fast-track" belts. The requirements below are minimum standards; your instructor may require additional preparation before approving you for grading.

White Belt

Mukyu

Starting point
Kata Required

Taikyoku Sono Ichi

Kumite

Not required

Requirements

  • ●Basic stances: Zenkutsu-dachi, Kokutsu-dachi, Kiba-dachi
  • ●Basic punches: Seiken (fore-fist), Oi-tsuki, Gyaku-tsuki
  • ●Basic kicks: Mae-geri (front kick), Mawashi-geri (roundhouse)
  • ●Basic blocks: Jodan-uke, Chudan Soto-uke, Gedan-barai
  • ●Dojo etiquette and terminology

Orange Belt

10th–9th Kyu

3–4 months
Kata Required

Taikyoku Sono Ni & Sono San

Kumite

3 rounds light sparring

Requirements

  • ●All white belt techniques with improved form
  • ●Yoko-geri (side kick), Ushiro-geri (back kick) basics
  • ●Combination attacks: punch-kick, kick-punch
  • ●Moving basics (ido geiko) forwards and backwards
  • ●Understanding of "Osu" spirit and training discipline

Blue Belt

8th–7th Kyu

6–8 months
Kata Required

Pinan Sono Ichi & Ni

Kumite

5 rounds contact sparring

Requirements

  • ●Hiza-geri (knee kick), Kansetsu-geri (joint kick)
  • ●Advanced blocking combinations
  • ●Sparring fundamentals: distance control, timing
  • ●Increased conditioning requirements (50 push-ups, 50 sit-ups)
  • ●Introduction to body conditioning (Kotai)

Yellow Belt

6th–5th Kyu

12–18 months
Kata Required

Pinan Sono San, Yon, Go

Kumite

7 rounds full-contact sparring

Requirements

  • ●All basic techniques at high speed and power
  • ●Ura Mawashi-geri (hook kick), Ushiro Mawashi-geri (spinning hook kick)
  • ●Advanced combinations in sparring
  • ●Conditioning: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats
  • ●Demonstrable fighting ability in kumite

Green Belt

4th–3rd Kyu

2–3 years
Kata Required

Sanchin, Gekisai Dai

Kumite

10 rounds full-contact sparring

Requirements

  • ●Sanchin breathing technique mastery
  • ●Advanced kata with practical bunkai (application)
  • ●Tournament-level sparring ability
  • ●Ability to demonstrate and explain techniques
  • ●Beginning of teaching responsibilities in dojo

Brown Belt

2nd–1st Kyu

3–5 years
Kata Required

Tsuki no Kata, Yantsu, Gekisai Sho

Kumite

15–20 rounds full-contact sparring

Requirements

  • ●Complete mastery of all kyu-level techniques
  • ●Advanced kumite strategy and ring generalship
  • ●Teaching junior students effectively
  • ●Deep understanding of Kyokushin philosophy
  • ●Preparation for Shodan (1st Dan) examination

Black Belt

Shodan (1st Dan)

4–6 years minimum
Kata Required

Kanku Dai, all previous kata

Kumite

30+ rounds (including 20-man kumite)

Requirements

  • ●Perfect execution of all kata with proper breathing and spirit
  • ●Survive the 20-man kumite: fighting 20 opponents consecutively
  • ●Written examination on Kyokushin history and philosophy
  • ●Demonstrated teaching ability and leadership
  • ●Recommendation from certified senior instructor
  • ●This is the beginning — not the end — of the journey

Beyond Shodan: The Dan Ranks

Earning a black belt in Kyokushin is not the end — it is the beginning. The dan ranks (Shodan through Judan) represent decades of continued training, teaching, and contribution to the art. Promotions beyond Shodan typically require:

  • Nidan (2nd Dan): Minimum 2 years after Shodan + 30-man kumite
  • Sandan (3rd Dan): Minimum 3 years + advanced kata + tournament achievements
  • Yondan (4th Dan): "Sensei" title earned + 10+ years of accumulated training
  • Godan+ (5th Dan+): Recognized for lifetime contributions to Kyokushin. The legendary 100-man kumite is associated with this level.
"A black belt is a white belt who never quit."
— Common Kyokushin saying

Ready for Your Next Grading?

KKFI conducts official belt gradings quarterly. Register as a member to be eligible for promotions and track your belt progression digitally.

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