Grading program 5th Dan
Previous grade: Yon Dan
Fifth Dan brings the title of Shihan. It is the last grade earned by examination.
50consecutive fights
The entire colored-belt program can still be required at every Dan exam. Each grade adds to the last; it never replaces it.
Dan grades are awarded by the organization, not by the dojo. From third Dan onward, the exam is taken before Kancho or before the officials he appoints.
From sixth Dan onward, the title is Shihan and the grade is not earned by examination. Candidates are proposed by a member of the I.K.O. International Committee, and the appointment is approved and granted solely by Kancho. Two conditions are considered: being a person of exceptional quality, recognized by their peers as an exemplary human being and a karateka of the highest level, and having made a sustained contribution to I.K.O. Kyokushinkaikan in the philosophy and goals of the organization.
The decision to award or decline a Dan grade remains the sole responsibility of the I.K.O. Kyokushinkaikan Honbu.