The Kyokushinkai Grading Syllabus is one of the world's most comprehensive, and is administered and controlled in Britain by a highly qualified Board of Examiners.
The British Karate Kyokushinkai is a founder member of the IFK - International Federation of Karate.
The symbol of Kyokushinkai is the Kanku. It is derived from the Kanku Kata - sky-gazing form.
BELTS AND GRADING
When you begin training in karate the colour of your belt (obi) is white. The obi is not a device for keeping your trousers up. It is there to show your 'rank'. It is worn in a particular way which must be learned as part of the first grade - 10th kyu (red belt). The belt order runs as follows;
10th kyu - red belt, 9th kyu - red belt,
8th kyu - blue belt, 7th kyu - blue belt,
6th kyu - yellow belt, 5th kyu - yellow belt,
4th kyu - green belt, 3rd kyu - green belt,
2nd kyu - brown belt, 1st kyu - brown belt,
Shodan (1st dan black belt/1 gold stripe),
Nidan (2nd dan black belt/2 gold stripes),
Sandan (3rd dan black belt/3 gold stripes). Each dan grade is represented by a gold stripe on the black belt.
Becoming Shodan in Kyokushinkai is by no means easy. It is possible to reach this level in four years, but this is very rare. There are no short-cuts.
The KANKU is the symbol of Kyokushinkai. The points of the KANKU represent the fingers and imply the ultimates or peaks. The thick sections represent the wrists and imply power. The centre represents infinity, implying depth. The whole KANKU is based and enclosed by a circle, representing continuity and circular action.
KYOKUSHINKAI GENERAL INFORMATION
The IFK badge has as its central symbol a rising wave. This symbol is taken from Saiha Kata. This wave symbolises the fact that no matter how great a task or problem before you - with determination and perseverence you can rise and overcome all obstacles.