The last Kyu grading of the year: What is important for all par­ti­ci­pants

In einer Woche findet die letzte Kyu-Prüfung des Jahres im Shinzen Dojo Berlin statt. Für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene ist dies ein bedeutender Moment auf ihrem Weg im Kyokushin Karate. Doch eine Kyu-Prüfung ist mehr als das Abfragen von Techniken – sie ist ein Test für Körper, Geist und Charakter.

Dieser Artikel zeigt, worauf es ankommt, damit du optimal vorbereitet bist – unabhängig von deinem Alter oder deiner Kyu-Stufe. Lies weiter, um wertvolle Tipps zu Einstellung, körperlicher Vorbereitung und der Philosophy des Kyokushin Karate zu erhalten.

The right atti­tude for the Kyu grading

In Kyokushin Karate, it is not just about the right technique, but above all about the inner mindset. A grading requires that you are mentally strong and have internalized the Kyokushin mentality “Osu no Seishin” have internalized.

What does “Osu no Seishin” mean?

“Osu no Seishin” (押忍の精神) roughly translates to the “spirit of perseverance.” The Japanese characters can be explained as follows:

• 押 (Osu): To push, to withstand, not to give up.
• 忍 (Shinobu): To show patience and overcome obstacles.
• 精神 (Seishin): Spirit, mental attitude.

Together, “Osu no Seishin” stands for the willingness to keep going even under pressure and in difficult situations. This attitude is crucial to being successful in the grading – and in life.

5 nega­tive atti­tu­des you should avoid:

1. Self-doubt: 

“I’m not good enough.”

2. Lack of preparation: 

“Training in the dojo is enough.”

3. Fear of failure: 

“What if I make mistakes?”

4. Comparing yourself to others: 

“The others are much better at this.”

5. Lack of respect: 

“The grading isn't that important.”

With the right attitude, you can show in the grading that you live the values of Kyokushin Karate. A loud Kiai and a strong Osu are the expression of this mindset.

Phy­si­cal pre­pa­ra­tion: The key to success

A Kyu grading is physically demanding. Whether you are a child or an adult – simply participating in dojo training is not enough to reach the necessary fitness. To be successful, you must train additionally at home or privately.

The most important phy­si­cal requi­re­ments:

1. Condition: During the grading, endurance and perseverance are put to the test – especially in Kihon and Kumite.
2. Conditioning: Kumite requires resilience and the ability to take hits. This can only be improved through regular training.
3. Physical strength: Exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squats help to create the necessary fundamental requirements.

Those who take the time for their own exercises in addition to dojo training have better chances of a successful grading. The will to go beyond your own limits is part of it.

Kyo­kus­hin phi­lo­so­phy: Living and under­stan­ding Karate

With every new Kyu level, not only does your technical ability grow, but also the responsibility to understand and live the philosophy of Kyokushin Karate.

Central values:

• Respect and humility: A lowered gaze shows respect toward classmates, teachers, and opponents. Respect is a basic requirement for success in karate.
• Gratitude: Show gratitude toward your teacher, your training partners, and your family who support you.
• Perseverance: In Kyokushin, it is about mastering challenges and never giving up.

Kyokushin Karate means not just mastering techniques, but also integrating these values into everyday life. Children and adults should understand and live this philosophy equally.

A grading is a path, not an end point

The Kyu grading is an important milestone, but not a finish line. It is part of a path that brings new challenges and insights with every level.

On the day of the grading, it is not only what you show technically that counts, but also how you show it. Mistakes are human and happen — but a Kyokushin grading is not about perfect technique. What matters is how you respond to a mistake: do you show that you can keep going, that you will not be discouraged, and that you live the spirit of 'Osu'?

The examiners want to see your will, your determination, and your attitude – that is more important than any perfectly executed technique. Show your inner strength and your will to grow beyond yourself.

We wish all participants – whether child, teenager, or adult – much success in the grading. Show what you have learned, and remember: Kyokushin Karate is more than a martial art, it is a way of life.

Osu!