Hastings & Bexhill BKK

One World. One Kyokushin

Grading System

Our grading system is based upon the British Karate Kyokushinkai syllabus as created by Hanshi Steve Arneil (9th Dan) our President and Chief instructor. A student wishing to achieve Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) status must first grade from 10th kyu to 1st Kyu before he or she can apply for a Shodan grading. This can appear a daunting task at first, but in time with the aid of the grading structure and coloured belts a student can gain an indepth knowledge and understanding of karate. It should however be noted, that even for the most talented of students there is no easy way to achieve a black belt in kyokushinkai Karate. Each person who has passed any grade will tell you it was earned by hard effort and sweat. Each grading  has a statutory time limit before it maybe attempted. 10th Kyu through to 3rd Kyu at three monthly intervals, 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu at six monthly intervals. 1st Kyu to Shodan students must hold the grade of 1st Kyu for one full year before applying fr Shodan (Black Belt). Being a traditional Japanese Karate Style, discipine plays a major part within the dojo. Respect is expected to flow in both directions of the hierarchy. Each person has earned the belt that they wear and therefore warrants the respect that goes with that grade.

Statutory Time Limit between Examinations

10th Kyu to 3rd Kyu
Grading may be taken at three monthly intervals.

 

 

 

 

10 & 9

 8 & 7

 6 & 5

 4 & 3

3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu
Grading may be taken at six monthly intervals.

2 & 1

1st Kyu to Shodan
Students should have trained constantly for a minimum of one year from the date of obtaining the grade of 1st Kyu. It is expected that the student must have trained for at least three years continuously and be over 14 years of age.

Shodan to Nidan
Students should have trained constantly for a minimum of two years from the date of obtaining the grade of Shodan and be over 18 years of age.

Nidan to Sandan
Students should have trained constantly for a minimum of three years from the date of obtaining the grade of Nidan.

Sandan to Yondan
Minimum of four years should have elapsed since the date of obtaining the grade of Sandan. This grade is on the recommendation of Hanshi Arneil or those elected by him.

Nomenclature

 

Shodan to Nidan

- Senpai

Sandan to Yondan

- Sensei

Godan to Nanadan

- Shihan

Hachidan

- Hanshi


Each golden stripe on the black belt indicates Dan grade

Grading Instructors

Hastings and Bexhill: 6th Dan, Shihan David Pickthall, 
                          

Eastbourne: 4th Dan, Sensei Andreas Stavrou

Westhill: 6th Dan, Shihan David Pickthall

Hanshi Steve Arneil takes gradings for Shodan and above on the recommendation of the club instructors only. Gradings for Shodan may only be taken at National Gradings, held at Crawley and the annual summer camp. Gradings for Nidan and Sandan are week long examinations taken at summer camp.