Shinsa (審査), or testings, are the means by which a karateka moves up in rank over time as they demonstrate further proficiency in karate. Kyokushin shinsa in particular are particularly grueling affairs.

Kumite (組手), or sparring, is the foundation of Kyokushin Karate. There can be no test of karate, without a contest of skill, since by its very nature it is an adversarial contest of skill. Here at the Aranami Dojo in Honolulu, Hawai’i, we continue the tradition of focusing on sparring as a means of testing, evaluating, and improving one’s skill in karate through practical application.

We had a belt tying demonstration requested by some parents of some of the Kyokushin karate students at the Aranami Dojo here in Makiki District Park in Honolulu, so we put together this quick video to walk you through.