Year-end examination 2025 at Shinzen Dojo Berlin
Kyokushin Karate bedeutet nicht Perfektion. Es bedeutet Aufrichtigkeit, Mut und Durchhaltevermögen.
On Sunday, 21.12.2025, the traditional year-end examination of the Shinzen Dojo Berlin took place in the Gerhard-Schlegel-Sporthalle of the Landessportbund Berlin. From 9:30 until almost 15:00, nearly 30 children, adolescents, and adults took part in the final Kyu examination of this year.
Every year, this grading marks not just a formal conclusion, but an important inner step on one's personal Kyokushin journey.
A strong start
The children's grading from age five
The start was made by three children from our youngest group who took their orange belt grading. Despite nervousness, a large hall and evaluating glances, they showed exactly what matters in Kyokushin Karate.
"It's not about being able to do everything perfectly. It's about having the courage to show it."
Sydney, Oscar and Leonardo demonstrated fighting spirit, concentration and the will not to give up. All three passed their grading successfully.
Congratulations!
A shared moment
The big dojo group photo
After the children's grading, all generations of Shinzen Dojo Berlin came together. Children, teenagers, adults – united for a group photo.
This moment is symbolic of what our dojo is all about: a community that supports, challenges and respects one another.
Teenagers and adults
Gradings from white belt to brown belt
Afterwards, the second part of the day began
the youth and adult grading with around 25 participants.
The entire spectrum of Kyokushin Karate was tested, from white belt up to two confirmed brown belts.
Particularly noteworthy is the kumite part, which is based on the Japanese system
with at least ten consecutive fights against higher-graded opponents.
Abdul and Mewes rose to this challenge and confirmed their brown belt with determination, control and strong will.
Senpai Mazen passed his 1st Kyu and is thus only one step away from the Shodan (1st Dan) black belt. Congratulations to all three on this achievement.
Congratulations to all three on this achievement.
The three pillars of Kyokushin Karate
Aus Sicht von Sensei Son ruht Kyokushin Karate auf drei gleichwertigen Säulen:
- Kihon-Geiko – the basics
- Kata-Geiko – structure, technique and spirit
- Kumite-Geiko – the individual test of character
But a grading does not end with technique alone.
"I don't just evaluate Kihon, Kata and Kumite. I also see the person behind the Karate."
Not every technique has to be perfect.
Not every Kata flawless.
What is decisive is whether someone is prepared to go to the end.
Kyokushin is character
A student put it aptly on this day:
"Sensei doesn't just look at the technique. He looks at the person behind it."
As long as a student performs their Kata earnestly
does not give up in Kumite and possesses the will to continue, no unnecessary obstacles will be placed in their way in Kyokushin Karate.
Or, as Sosai Masutatsu Oyama said:
"The true victory is the victory over oneself."
A shared conclusion
Traditional year-end dinner
In the evening, this long and intensive day came to a quiet close. Together with families and students, we met for the traditional Christmas dinner at the All Seasons All-You-Can-Eat buffet.
A moment of gratitude, exchange and community, entirely in the spirit of Shinzen – friendship.
Sensei Son expressed his heartfelt thanks once again for the surprise gift from the dojo.
Outlook
The 2025 year-end grading has shown once again: Kyokushin Karate is not a fast path
but an honest one.
We look back with respect on the achievements of this day and with anticipation to the coming training year.
OSU.
