A Karateka's grade is distinguished by his/her coloured belt. Belts are achieved at gradings, which can be taken at a minimum of 3 month intervals up until brown belt, from where the period between gradings can be anything from 6 months to two or more years. The belts change colour after every two gradings until black belt standard is achieved, after which a series of gold stripes on the black belt determines the person's grade.


Coloured belts are known as Kyu (steps) and Black belts are called Dan (grades). In summary, one must progress through several elementary steps before obtaining a grade, and after that there are several grades to achieve.


Black belts up to the grade of 3rd Dan are attained through a grading examination. The higher dan grades, however, require years of experience and contribution to Kyokushin Karate. This may be through instruction, dedication, or research and publication. These higher grades (4th dan & above) can only be awarded by Hanshi Steve Arneil.


Click on the link below to see the required techniques for the first grading:
The requirements for the other grades can be found in the BKK Grading Syllabus.

Beginner: White Belt
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


Senpai
1st Dan Black Belt - Shodan
2nd Dan Black Belt - Nidan


Sensei
3rd Dan Black Belt - San Dan
4th Dan Black Belt - Yon Dan


Shihan
5th Dan Black Belt - Go Dan
6th Dan Black Belt - Rockyu Dan