KYU & DAN BELT TESTS  ^back

Testing is an ongoing process, and can basically be thought of as being in two parts:

• Regular Class Attendance where the individual's display of respect, good effort, attention, and spirit can be observed "over-the-long-haul."
  • It is true that each time a student steps on to the dojo floor, he/she is testing.  That student's attitude and effort may warrant the "Formal Test" today...  or not.
  • Even so, each belt level has certain minimum class hours to be completed before being submitted for the "Formal Test."

• The Formal Test
  • 10^th - 1^st KYU (White - High Brown Belt)
    Typically, this test is a group test, but not always.  Occasionally the exemplary student may be tested outside the normal testing cycles.  Kyu tests are approximately 2 to 3 hours long and consist of:
    • written exam
    • standing basics (blocks, punches, and kicks)
    • line work - basic and advanced
    • endurance
    • chi (spirit, i.e., your strength, forged by determination and will)
    • kata (form fighting)
    • weapons kata (at the appropriate belt level)
    • sparring
    • and breaking (at the appropriate level - board or cinder plate)

  • DAN (Black Belt)

    Dan tests are often closed tests, therefore, not much will be elaborated here; you'll find out (just as everyone else did) when you've earned your way here.  Having said that, Dan tests are usually at least 4 - 6 hours depending on the conditions and/or belt level for which the test is being administered.

    If you have the honor of participating in Dan testing at Kancho Henri-Oh's Dojo, you will begin at midnight and continue until the sixth hour.  The experience is extremely demanding and yet moving. 

    As the sun comes up, a new beginning to a new day,
    so too, the student begins anew - as a Kyokushin Black Belt.

Only 1 in 100 Kyokushin martial artists achieve shodan - 1^st degree black belt.