Beyond the Belt: The Unforgettable Challenge of Shihan Ray's Kyokushin Kenbukai Gradings

It's no secret that Kyokushin karate is known as one of the toughest and most respected martial arts styles out there. Earning a new belt in Kyokushin is a big deal, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. And for 30 years now, Shihan Ray has been known for holding very tough gradings, something truly special that helps you grow stronger, both inside and out. Specifically, his Kyokushin Kenbukai gradings are an experience unlike any other.

Shihan Ray's gradings usually take place over two days. The first evening focuses on kata and kihons. If you've never done these, get ready to sweat! Shihan is super focused on helping everyone improve, guiding you to make your movements just right and giving helpful tips to get even better. This initial session sets the stage for a weekend of learning and growth.

The second day is like a marathon, a full day of awesome challenges, starting bright and early at 10 AM and often going until 5 PM! It begins with an invigorating cardio and endurance workout that lasts about 90 minutes. This part is all about testing your fitness and getting your body ready for what's next. After that, you move on to ido geiko (moving basics, kihons) and self-defense moves, where you focus on precision and how to use what you've learned. If you're going for green belt or higher, you'll also get to show off your power with tameshiwari (board breaking)!

After all that, when you might feel a little tired, comes the kumite (sparring). Shihan Ray plans it this way on purpose! By this point, you've already put in so much effort, and the sparring challenges you to push past your limits, both physically and mentally. It's a chance to see how much strength and determination you truly have, a real test to see if you'll keep going, no matter what!

But here's the amazing part: you're never alone! The dojo fills with the incredible support of your family, friends, fellow karate students, your Senseis, and your Senpais. Their cheers and encouragement are like a powerful current, helping you to keep going even when you feel like you have nothing left. They truly believe in you and won't let you give up. This team spirit shows just how strong the bonds are in the Kyokushin family.

When it's finally all done, there's a huge feeling of pride that washes over you. That new belt isn't just something you wear; it's a symbol of all the hard work, courage, and perseverance you poured into earning it. Shihan Ray looks on with such pride, knowing how much you've accomplished.

Beyond the dojo, Shihan Ray's gradings teach you a powerful life lesson: when things get tough, you keep going! When you face a challenge, you learn to choose to fight through it, not run from it. You learn that it's okay to fall down, as long as you always get back up and keep moving forward.

Reflecting and Moving Forward

After a big event like a tournament or a grading, Shihan has a wonderful tradition. In the very next class, everyone gathers for an hour, almost like a talk circle, to share their experiences. It's a safe space where students can openly share how the grading was for them, how they felt during the challenge, and how they feel now. This time of sharing helps everyone process what they've been through, close that chapter, and get ready for new adventures.

There's also another cool tradition that Shihan Ray started about 30 years ago: seeing who shows up for the next class after a big event! As you can imagine, everything might be a little sore, and you might still be tired. But those who show up, the ''hard cores'', are celebrated! As a special reward for their amazing commitment, they even get double hours for that class.

Shihan Ray's gradings are more than just a test of skills; they're an unforgettable journey of discovering just how strong and capable you truly are. They help you unlock your inner power and show you that you can overcome any challenge, both in karate and in life!

The group after a successful grading