Your complete guide to the Kyokushin Karate belt progression — from White to Black belt.
Beginner · 2 kata
Foundation of Kyokushin — learn basic stances, strikes, and etiquette.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Taikyoku Sono Ichi | 太極その一 | First basic kata — straight punches in Zenkutsu Dachi |
| Taikyoku Sono Ni | 太極その二 | Second basic kata — upper blocks and punches |
3-6 months · 2 kata
Build on basics with combination techniques and first sparring experience.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Taikyoku Sono San | 太極その三 | Third basic kata — inside blocks |
| Pinan Sono Ichi | ピナンその一 | First Pinan kata — introduces turning and combinations |
6-9 months · 3 kata
Develop kicking power and begin advanced kata patterns.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pinan Sono Ni | ピナンその二 | Second Pinan — more complex stance transitions |
| Pinan Sono San | ピナンその三 | Third Pinan — introduces elbow strikes |
| Sanchin | 三戦 | Breathing kata — develops internal power and rooting |
9-12 months · 2 kata
Intermediate level — refine technique and develop fighting strategy.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pinan Sono Yon | ピナンその四 | Fourth Pinan — open-hand techniques |
| Pinan Sono Go | ピナンその五 | Fifth Pinan — jumping techniques |
1.5-2 years · 2 kata
Advanced intermediate — demonstrate power, precision, and fighting spirit.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Gekisai Dai | 撃砕大 | Attack and destroy — powerful techniques |
| Yantsu | ヤンツー | Balance and stability focus |
2-3 years · 3 kata
Pre-black belt — master all fundamentals and develop leadership.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Tsuki No Kata | 突きの型 | Punching kata — rapid technique execution |
| Tensho | 転掌 | Rotating palms — soft/hard contrast |
| Saifa | 砕破 | Destroy and defeat — close-range combat |
3-5+ years total · 3 kata
Shodan — the true beginning. Mastery of all fundamentals and fighting spirit.
| Kata | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Kanku Dai | 観空大 | Looking at the sky — the most important Kyokushin kata |
| Garyu | 臥竜 | Reclining dragon — ground techniques |
| Seienchin | 征遠鎮 | Control and calm in the storm |
