Kyu Exami­na­tion at Shinzen Dojo Berlin

Berlin-Schöneberg. Today, Sunday, 30.03.2025, the first Kyu examination of the year took place at the Shinzen Dojo Berlin. From 9:30 until just before 12:30, six students rose to the challenge – a smaller group than planned, as some had to drop out at short notice due to illness or work.

A special atmo­sphere despite the small group

Despite the reduced number of participants, the atmosphere in the dojo was marked by concentration, mutual respect, and inner fire.

Ner­vous­ness is part of it – at all levels

Ob Kinder oder Erwachsene – die Nervosität war spürbar. Und das ist vollkommen in Ordnung. Im Kyokushin bedeutet eine Prüfung nicht, perfekt zu sein. Vielmehr geht es darum, with Haltung zu zeigen, was man gelernt hat, and sich dabei auch den eigenen Grenzen zu stellen.

“Karate is not about techniques and their execution, but about the spirit behind it.” — Sosai Mas Oyama

Kihon, Kata and Kumite – the basis is lived

The participants first performed their Kihon techniques – the fundamental strikes, kicks, and stances. Subsequently, they presented their Katas, the stylized forms that internalize fighting principles and are an expression of discipline, control, and understanding.

Particularly impressive was the conclusion with Kumite (freestyle fighting), where the examinees proved their stamina and inner strength. Everyone gave their best with full commitment.

Exami­na­tion as a stage – not an end point

In Kyokushin Karate, the result is not the focus, but the path to get there.

"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." — Gichin Funakoshi

Even if not every technique is 100% perfect – that is normal. An examination is a moment of assessment, not a finale. It shows where you stand and motivates you to continue on your path.

Senpai Son über die Bedeu­tung der Phi­lo­so­phy

At the end, Senpai Son addressed some personal words to the participants and guests. He spoke about the importance of Kyokushin philosophy and the founder, Sosai Mas Oyama, who understood Kyokushin Karate as a holistic path – not just as a physical discipline, but as a mental school.

„Karate without spiritual development is not true Karate.“ — Sosai Mas Oyama

Con­gra­tu­la­ti­ons and thanks

We congratulate all six examinees on passing their grading:

• Anna (10th to 9th Kyu)
• Elias (10th to 9th Kyu)
• Han (10th to 9th Kyu)
• Mattias (0th to 10st kyu)
• Leonardo (0. to 10. kyu)
• Alexandre (0. to 10. kyu)

A big thank you goes to all Senpais, supporters, family members and spectators who made this day possible.

Growing tog­e­ther – for the next gene­ra­tion

A dojo lives from more than just technique. It lives from its community, mutual support, role models, team spirit, and the common goal of constant development.

Osu.