From white belt to the dan grades. Scroll to dye the belt through every rank, and see what each one asks of you.
Ten kyu grades, worn as five coloured belts after white, lead to black belt and then the dan degrees. Times are typical for steady training three to four times a week.
| Rank | Grade | Typical time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Mukyu (ungraded) | Beginner | Basic stances, punches, kicks, dojo etiquette |
| Orange | 10th–9th Kyu | 3–6 months | Combination techniques, first sparring experience |
| Blue | 8th–7th Kyu | 6–12 months | Advanced kicks, improved speed and power |
| Yellow | 6th–5th Kyu | 1–1.5 years | Complex combinations, controlled sparring |
| Green | 4th–3rd Kyu | 1.5–2.5 years | Intermediate kata, real fighting strategy |
| Brown | 2nd–1st Kyu | 2.5–4 years | Advanced kata, Sanchin breathing, mental fortitude |
| Black (Shodan) | 1st Dan | 4–6+ years | 20-man kumite, complete technical mastery, teaching ability |
| Nidan | 2nd Dan | ~6–8 years total | Minimum 2 years after Shodan. Deeper technical refinement. |
| Sandan | 3rd Dan | ~9–12 years total | Teaching proficiency expected. Title: Senpai (senior student). |
| Yondan | 4th Dan | ~12–16 years total | Title: Sensei (teacher). Authorized to open own dojo. |
| Godan | 5th Dan | ~17+ years total | Title: Shihan (master). Exceptional contribution to Kyokushin. |
| Rokudan+ | 6th–10th Dan | ~20+ years total | Lifetime achievement. 10th Dan reserved for the founder. |
Typically 4–6 years of consistent training (3–4 sessions per week). Kyokushin is one of the hardest martial arts to earn a black belt in, requiring a 20-man kumite (fighting 20 opponents consecutively).
No. In Kyokushin, every student progresses through each belt in order. There are no shortcuts — each level builds essential skills for the next.
KKFI conducts gradings approximately every 3–6 months, depending on the dojo. Your instructor will recommend you for grading when ready.
The 20-man kumite (二十人組手) is the ultimate test for Shodan — you must fight 20 fresh opponents, one after another, in full-contact bouts. It tests endurance, spirit, and technical ability under extreme fatigue.
Yes! Children's classes adapt training intensity to their age. Full-contact sparring is introduced gradually from ages 8–10 with protective gear and supervision.