Today was an epic day at the dojo! Our belt grading session lasted a solid 3.5 hours, and it was nothing short of inspiring. We saw hard work, determination, and a whole lot of sweat. Let’s dive into the highlights and celebrate our fellow martial artists who leveled up in their Kyokushin karate journey.
Graded to the 10th KYU
Starting off strong, we have three warriors who earned their 10th KYU belts:
- April Rathborn
- Tauras Jucevicius
- Mija Oneil
Their grading session lasted 1 hour and included:
- Punches, kicks, and blocks
- Moving in basic stances
These three have shown incredible dedication and grit, setting a solid foundation for their karate journey.
Graded to the 9th KYU
Next up, let’s give a big shoutout to our new 9th KYU graders:
- Essa Lijo
- Aasiya Marzia Shahjahan
- Zainab Maryam Shahjahan
- Leonor Malheiro Da Silva
- Lola Gorochova
Their grading session lasted 2 hours and included everything the 10th KYU did, plus:
- 1st Kata: Teikyoku Sono Ichi
- 3 sparring rounds
These five have pushed themselves beyond their limits. Their spirit and determination were palpable, making every kihon and kumite a testament to their hard work.
Graded to the 8th KYU
And finally, we celebrate those who earned their 8th KYU belts:
- Daniels Mitkevics
- Kevinas Kaupas
- Ilze Pulina
- Bartosz Dubiel
- Devesh Mishra
Their grading session included everything the 9th KYU did, plus:
- 2nd Kata: Teikyoku Sono Ni
- 5 sparring rounds
These warriors have truly stepped up their game. Their performance today showed not only physical strength but also a deep understanding of the principles of Kyokushin karate. They demonstrated excellent technique, stamina, and mental toughness.
The Grading Experience
At HAITO, we truly make our students earn their next belts. For some students, especially older ones, it can take a few months to learn the new belt techniques. For younger ones, it can take months, sometimes even a year. Before the grading, we ensure every student is prepared to pass (although it doesn’t happen every time) and that the new belt grading truly represents a great achievement, as it does in all Kyokushin Karate clubs.
We have only 3 gradings per year, making sure students understand the significance of this event each time. Those who are not ready for the grading receive feedback on what needs to be improved. At HAITO, we never give belts on merit or simply for attendance. You can be certain that the 13 students who earned their belts today definitely earned them.
Age is Just a Number
The youngest student who graded today was just 6 years old, and the oldest was 42. This shows that even young ones, which is not an exception at HAITO, can perform well in gradings. It also proves that it’s never too late to start your journey in Kyokushin karate.
The Spirit of Kyokushin
What stood out today was the spirit of Kyokushin—osu no seishin. It’s about pushing through pain, showing respect, and never giving up. Everyone, from the beginners to those more experienced, showed this spirit in abundance. It’s what makes our dojo a special place.
Closing Thoughts
Today wasn’t just about earning new belts; it was about growth, community, and celebrating the journey. Each step, each punch, each kihon performed was a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by everyone.
Let’s continue to support and motivate each other as we advance in our karate journeys. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, remember that every step forward is a victory in itself.
Congratulations to all who were graded today. Your hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring. Keep training hard, stay humble, and remember the spirit of Kyokushin. Osu!