Kyu is a student rank in Japanese martial arts. In Kyokushinkai the kyu system is used to indicate a student’s level of preparation before earning a black belt.

The system typically starts at 10th kyu and ends at 1st kyu. After that, the karateka can test for 1st dan.

Each kyu corresponds to a belt of a specific color:
— orange;
— blue;
— yellow;
— green;
— brown.

+ each belt has a stripe of the next belt’s color (except brown, which has a gold stripe), and the stripes also carry their own kyu designations.

To earn a new kyu a student must:
— know the techniques;
— perform kata;
— demonstrate physical fitness;
— pass kumite successfully.

The kyu system helps to:
— track progress;
— motivate students;
— maintain discipline.

In Kyokushinkai kyu examinations are considered an important part of a karateka’s development.