NORTH AMERICAN MATSUSHIMA KYOKUSHIN KARATE ORGANIZATION
SYLLABUS/GRADING
Mastering the Martial Art of Kyokushin Karate takes time, commitment and discipline. The student, as a karateka, progresses through a journey of self-development to become a better version of himself/herself.
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Some key areas of self-development that students can learn from practicing Kyokushin Karate:
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Discipline
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Physical and Mental Resilience
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Confidence
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Self-Control
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Respect and Humility
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Focus and Concentration
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Physical Fitness and Health
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Camaraderie
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​The journey begins as a white belt, and progresses through a series of belt colours that symbolize different level of achievement and mastery of Karate. The belt is a symbol of the criteria achieved for every level but also a reward for the effort put in to achieve the results. One should not be in a rush to receive a belt. Work hard and be patient. Patience is one of the most important principles in your karate journey.
White - Purity and Potential
Training is focused on learning basic skills such as stances, blocks, strikes and kicks. The student is also introduced to the importance of dojo etiquette and the formality of respectful interaction with other karateka.
~30 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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Heiko Dachi
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Fudo Dachi
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Kiba Dachi
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Zenkutsu Dachi
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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Seiken Tsuki
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Uraken Uchi
Kata
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Taikyoku Sono Ichi
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Taikyoku Sono Ni
Uke (Blocks)
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Gedan Barai
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Chudan Uchi Uke
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Jodan Uke
Geri (Kicks)
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Hiza Geri
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Kin Geri
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Chusoku Mai Geri
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Yoko Geri
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Yoko Keage
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Mae Keage
Kumite
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3
Orange - Stability
Training is focused on stability by practising basic stances. Once stability is understood, control of balance will be achieved. Coordination will then be developed.
~ 35 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
Kokutsu Dachi
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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Uraken Mawashi Uchi Uke
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Tetsui
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Shuto Ganmen Uchi
Kata
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Taikyoku Sono San
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Pinan Sono Ichi
Uke (Blocks)
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Chudan Soto Uke
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Juji Uke
Geri (Kicks)
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Soto Mawashi Geri
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Uchi Mawashi Geri
Kumite
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4
Blue - Fluidity and Adaptation
The element of water dignifies that the karateka develops an ability to adapt and react with fluidity. This adaptability improves through sparring. Training also focus on hand techniques and flexibility.
~55 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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Tsuroashi Dachi
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Snchin Dachi
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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Shuto Sakutso Uchi
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Shuto Sakotsu Uchi Komi
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Shuto Uchi Uchi
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Shuto Hizo Uchi
Kata
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Pinan Sono Ni
Uke (Blocks)
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Morote Uchi Uke
Geri (Kicks)
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Ura Mawashi Geri
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Ushiro Mawashi Geri
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Ushiro Geri
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Kensetsu Geri
Kumite
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5
Yellow - Affirmation
Training is focus on improving what the student has learned so far by integrating each aspects of training together. Student has become a model for others.
~70 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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Kake Dachi
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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Nukite
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Morote Tsuki
Kata
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Pinan Sono San
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Pinan Sono Shi
Uke (Blocks)
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Chudan Uchi Uke
Geri (Kicks)
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Kakato Geri
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Tobi Mae Geri
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Tobi Ushiro Geri
Kumite
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7
Green - Emotions and Sensitivity
Breathing, style and techniques bring together the previous learning levels. Reflexes start to come in naturally.
~100 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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N/A
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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N/A
Kata
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Pinan Sono Go
Uke (Blocks)
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N/A
Geri (Kicks)
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Oroshi Kakato Geri
Kumite
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10
Brown - Creativity and Practice
The karateka will start to establish a style of his/her own. The brown belt will take on responsibilities in the dojo.
~150 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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N/A
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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N/A
Kata
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Pinan Sono Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go - Ura
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Sokugi Sono Ichi, Ni, San, Shi
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Sokugi Sono Ichi, Ni, San, Shi - Ura
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Sanchin
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Gekisai Dai
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Gekisai Sho
Uke (Blocks)
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N/A
Geri (Kicks)
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N/A
Kumite
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15
Black - Shodan
Techniques have been mastered and terminology is known. Participation to Green, Brown and Belt belt training is required (60% of the classes).
~150 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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N/A
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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N/A
Kata
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Tensho
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Yantsu
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Saiha
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Tsukino
Uke (Blocks)
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N/A
Geri (Kicks)
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N/A
Kumite
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21
Black - Nidan
Tournament and referee experience
~300 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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N/A
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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N/A
Kata
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Seienchin
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Garyu
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Seipai
Uke (Blocks)
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N/A
Geri (Kicks)
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N/A
Kumite
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31
Black - Sandan
Tournament experience, judging experience, clinic attendance, dojo ownership, referee experience.
~450 hours of training
Tachikata (Stances)
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N/A
Tsuki (Strikes/Punches)
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N/A
Kata
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Sushio
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Kanku
Uke (Blocks)
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N/A
Geri (Kicks)
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N/A
Kumite
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