"Continuous self-improvement."

Kokusai Koryu Gojukai Karatedo Ranking System and Testing

The Kokusai Koryu Gojukai Karatedo employs a ten Kuy system, followed by a Dan system for ranking Black Belts up to tenth Dan. The Kuy ranks start at ten working its way to one. The Dan system is the opposite, starting at one up to ten. It should be noted that the Dan ranks also have a teaching credential belt system for Black Belts wishing to pursue a teaching career.

The following are the requirements of the first ten Kyus. In the Kyu levels one will be taught the basic knowledge necessary to test for a Shodan-ho. At this level one will demonstrate basic knowledge of all techniques, history, and have solid fighting skills. Earning a Shodan-ho is the first step in entering the Black Belt community where one will learn advance techniques, hidden meanings of Kata, and strengthen their mental and spiritual being.

In most organizational Dojos Testing is done once every four months. The rank testing consists of demonstrating basic techniques, movements combined with basic techniques, required Katas, self-defense movements, and Kumite skills. The board of examiners shall consist of martial artist’s San-dan and above.

The requirements must be met in full, according to organizational standards, which reflect the degree of perfection, which is demanded of the student. The usual progression of a student prepares them for advancement to the next level. The ranking system serves as a motivational facto. A student’s advancement from one level to the next is reliant as much upon his character development as upon his skills. The fundamental requirement for progression is devoted execution of the physical skill and techniques of each level, but far more is involved. The central theme of Karate do, the philosophy that is repeated to the student night after night, is "continuous self-improvement." Not only is he to work for greater physical health and for greater strength of body, but he must also work to become a better person. The Apprentice in Karate are often surprised to hear that they are expected to read widely, to work toward the development of their minds as well as their bodies. The student is expected to set up goals for themselves and to give their all in working toward realization of those goals. The physical fighting of Karate is equivalent to the struggle in life; Karate is in fact reality. It is representational of life.