Yesterday, Friday 5th of June 2026, we held the Junior Karate Grading at Brighton Karate. For the candidates stepping up for their first belt, this was more than a test. It was the first official step on their Kyokushin journey.
The Grading
The grading is structured across fitness, basic techniques, kihon, kata, and fighting. Candidates need to show proficiency in the techniques required for their new belt, enough fitness to endure a challenge that only gets harder with every grading, and the ability to push through physically and mentally when things get tough.
It is two hours of relentless, physically intense training designed to push every candidate to their limit.
The Kyokushin Lesson
And that is exactly the point. Kyokushin has a core lesson that grading brings to the surface. When you are exhausted, when everything around you is trying to break you, when you have no strength left in your muscles and no air in your lungs, that is the moment you must show who you are. You get up. You keep going.
Every karateka who walks the Kyokushin path learns this lesson. Nothing will take you down, no setback will stop you. Over time this stops being something you practice in the dojo and becomes something you carry into every part of your life: school, work, relationships, and every challenge that has nothing to do with karate.
The Results
Sempai Pamelia and I were critical through every part of the process. We take detailed notes on strengths and weaknesses for each candidate, and over the weekend we will deliberate the results. The final outcome will be communicated to each candidate.
As instructors, seeing every candidate give their absolute best throughout the entire grading was incredibly rewarding. Congratulations to everyone for the effort, and good luck with the results.
Osu.
