4 kyu
Introduction
4 kyu marks a more developed, mature Kyokushin level. Shutō becomes central in strikes and blocks, mawashi uke introduces more responsive, directing defence, and kicks reach jōdan in several directions. Sanchin no kata adds deeper body coordination.
For Masutatsu Oyama, technique, breathing, posture and concentration should support one another. The student must combine knife-hand strikes, circular control, precise high kicks and the compact internal organisation of sanchin. This is a transition from an expanded foundation towards technical maturity.
What the student learns
- Stand formally and compactly in uchi hachiji dachi and musubi-dachi.
- Use shutō as a main technique family.
- Distinguish cutting, driving and directed shutō paths.
- Block actively and guide movement with shutō.
- Begin whole-body, responsive mawashi uke.
- Kick to the upper level with balance, control and retraction.
- Distinguish high kicks by direction and contact surface.
- Develop ura work alongside sanchin's concentrated structure.
- Progress in formal partner work.
- Maintain endurance, calm and discipline in free fighting.
Grading content
Stances
Uchi hachiji dachi
An inward-angled natural stance with the body gathered and organised. It teaches formal, stable standing without rigidity and provides a clear basis for technical readiness.
Musubi-dachi
A closed, formal stance with the heels together and feet angled outwards. It develops order, form and control in openings, endings and transitions.
For Oyama, stances express bodily organisation. Formal positions also need balance, concentration and intention.
Strikes and punches
Shutō
The knife-hand edge, a central open-hand contact surface in Oyama's karate. It needs clear hand formation, a stable wrist and a directed path. As a main principle here, it must be supported by the body.
Shutō sakotsu uchi
A knife-hand strike towards the collarbone area, training a directed path towards a structurally vulnerable target with correct height and wrist alignment.
Shutō sakotsu uchikomi (shutō uchikomi)
A driving knife-hand technique towards the collarbone area, carrying the technique through the target with stronger body connection and a clear finish.
Shutō ganmen uchi
A knife-hand strike towards the face, training upper direction, accurate height and control along a quicker, clearer path.
Shutō hizō uchi
A knife-hand strike towards the body's side or spleen area, directed to the side of the middle section with body control.
Shutō jōdan uchi uchi
An inward knife-hand strike to the upper level, developing the inward path, shoulder and elbow guidance and a controlled finish.
In Oyama's material shutō has a practical striking function. The hand shape and path must remain correct across directions without losing precision.
Blocks
Shutō jōdan uchi uke
A high inner knife-hand block, protecting the upper level with an inward-directed, compact technique.
Shutō jōdan uke
A high knife-hand block, developing clear height, correct hand formation and responsive protection.
Shutō chūdan soto uke
An outer middle knife-hand block, protecting the middle section with a path from outside and an organised finish.
Shutō chūdan uchi uke
An inner middle knife-hand block, developing direction from inside and coordination of arm, body and level.
Shutō gedan barai
A low sweeping knife-hand block, diverting a low attack with an open hand and a clear, body-supported path.
Mawashi uke
A circular block that combines blocking, guiding and controlling in one movement, with the whole body participating in the circle.
Oyama's and later Kyokushin understanding emphasise control as well as protection. The student should show responsive, directing, body-supported blocking beyond a mechanical stop.
Kicks
Jōdan chūsoku mawashi geri
A high roundhouse kick with the ball of the foot, requiring a clear knee lift, correct foot formation and controlled retraction.
Jōdan haisoku mawashi geri
A high roundhouse kick with the instep, developing height, arc and precision along a quicker path.
Jōdan yoko geri
A high side kick, maintaining lateral alignment, balance and clear recovery as the leg rises.
Jōdan ushiro geri
A high back kick, developing rotation, rearward direction, visual orientation and dependable recovery in a demanding kicking principle.
For Oyama, height has value when direction, contact surface and body control remain coordinated. Clean, dependable execution matters more than appearance.
Kata
Taikyoku sono ni ura
This carries the ura principle into a familiar foundation form. Structure and direction must remain intact when the relationship to the original form changes, demonstrating understanding beyond memorisation.
Sanchin no kata
A clear step in depth: tension, posture, direction, breathing and concentration must form a compact internal whole. For Oyama, sanchin expresses bodily unity, connecting technique, trunk, breath and mind.
Together, these kata require a deeper understanding of basic form and a more concentrated, mature technical structure.
Kumite no waza
Sequences
- Kumite no kata sono yon
Explanation of the steps
This named partner form is prescribed instead of separate step terms. It develops better timing, control and organisation. The student should sustain the structure with greater assurance, response and technical presence, beyond simply following it.
Physical requirements
2 x 20 push-ups
Two sets of twenty, developing arm, shoulder and trunk strength and repeated effort with control.
2 x 20 sit-ups
Two sets of twenty, developing abdominal strength, trunk endurance and quality across work blocks.
2 x 20 squats
Two sets of twenty, developing leg strength, stability and lower-body endurance.
These repeated sets require capacity and endurance beyond a single performance.
Kumite
Jiyu kumite: 8
Eight rounds require technique, calm and physical capacity to hold under longer pressure. Respect, self-control, control and correct basics remain central. Maintaining form as fatigue and pressure increase becomes more apparent.
Terminology
The student should know the relevant terms in Japanese, English and their own language: uchi hachiji dachi, musubi-dachi, shutō strikes and blocks, mawashi uke, the high kicks, Taikyoku sono ni ura, Sanchin no kata and kumite no kata sono yon. These support instruction and progression.
What the instructor looks for
- Formal stances with organisation and concentration.
- Correct shutō with a stable wrist.
- Clear distinctions between shutō paths and targets.
- A distinction between sakotsu uchi and uchikomi.
- Correct block levels and clear structure.
- Circular, body-supported mawashi uke.
- Height in jōdan kicks without loss of balance.
- Distinct chūsoku and haisoku in mawashi geri.
- Controlled jōdan yoko geri and jōdan ushiro geri.
- Taikyoku sono ni ura held together with understanding.
- Sanchin no kata with concentration, posture and integrated power.
- Respect, calm and endurance in jiyu kumite.
The student should begin to demonstrate technical maturity, control and integrated body support beyond repertoire size.
Common errors at 4 kyu
- Formal stances reduced to empty positions.
- Loose shutō hand formation or a bent wrist.
- Confusing shutō paths or targets.
- Treating uchikomi as identical to uchi.
- Blocks too large or loose.
- Mawashi uke performed only with the arms, without the body's circle.
- High kicks without clear control or retraction.
- Unclear chūsoku or haisoku in high roundhouse kicks.
- Loss of lateral alignment in jōdan yoko geri.
- Jōdan ushiro geri rotated without proper orientation.
- An outwardly hard Sanchin no kata without internal organisation.
- Excessive kumite tension disrupting technique, rhythm and breathing.
Oyama's progression seeks clearer, cleaner and more integrated technique, beyond height, force or dramatic display.
Summary
4 kyu brings greater maturity and cohesion through shutō, responsive blocking, high kicks in several directions, Sanchin no kata and more demanding partner and free practice. It tests whether technique functions as a whole. Precision, control, internal organisation and technical maturity are central.