Training
This page will give you a general idea of what to expect of a typical Kyokushin training session at Nintai. Nintai is quite informal and very friendly but it is good to know, respect and practice the traditions.
Etiquette & Entering Dojo
Karate begins with respect and etiquette. That includes entering the dojo. It is traditional to put down your bags and then bow, crossing your arms in front of you and moving them down parallel to the ground and saying ‘Osu!’ looking forward (see image). Once in the dojo it is customary to greet everyone using the same arm gesture and saying Osu! Always start with the most senior grade in the room. Once everyone is greeted change if you are not already and warm yourself up, stretch and practice. Watch others if you are not sure.
When ready, Senpai will invite everyone to line up in grade order for training to begin.
Warm up
The class begins with everyone standing in a line in fudo dachi stance. Senpai will greet everyone and often start the session with a warm up. This might include running, squats, press-ups and stretches.
The Core
Kihon
Kihon is the basic moves and stances in Kyokushin. This is performed in unison to counting. Kiai (spirit shout - Osu) is often exclaimed after each move.
Every grade has its own set of basic moves that must be learnt and performed at grading. It is not uncommon, however, for white belts to practice higher grade, even black belt, kihon during dojo practice. Though you will only be graded on your ability for your grade.
Kata
Katas are an ordered set of moves performed in a sequence. There are over 20 Katas in Kyokushin and you advance through the katas as you progress through your career.
Much like with Kihon, you will be required to perform at least one new kata at every grading on top of demonstrating all the moves and subsequent kata from 10th Kyu (1st white belt) to your current grade.
National and International Kata tournaments are annual in Kyokushin.
Kumite
Kumite is the one-on-one fighting performed in Kyokushin. Kyokushin is a full contact style of Karate. We train to build the body up to be able to withstand being hit. We are very respectful of our opponents ability so will only fight to the level at which you are ready. You will see karateka at Nintai fight will almost full strength but that doesn’t mean as a beginner you will receive the same. It is important you are comfortable fighting as it is a requirement of grading and you will build up as your experience, confidence and strength grows. Kumite fights are often a minute in dojo practice but can be 2 minutes or more. National and International Kumite tournaments are annual in Kyokushin.
Development
Bag Work
We often train on punchbags. This helps us learn to build-up using our full strength both hitting and being hit. It helps toughen up our hands and legs as well.
Stretching
Flexibility helps in Kyokushin. We only expect you to do what your body will allow but practicing and developing your flexibility is a big part of Kyokushin training.
Grading
Dojo Grading is once every three to six months. More senior grades often have longer gaps between grading. Senpai will put your forward for a grading if both he feels you are ready. We are extremely fortunate to have Shihan Liam Keaveney (7th Dan) and Chairman of the British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK) oversee our gradings at Nintai so an extremely high level is expected of our karateka (karate students).
Find out more
Learn the History of Kyokushin
Learn the emblem meanings
Meet some of our students