"An examination (Shinsa) or test (Shiken) in the Koei-Kan system is meant to teach the trainee what is not known, as opposed to that which is known.  In this way the student can strive to reach higher goals. 

Karate-Do is a search for self improvement (Kaizen) through the constant forging of one’s mind, body, and spirit.  Karate-Do, as with the human soul, is like a bottomless well.  We can never plumb its depth. 

The importance lies in the journey, not in the destination. The heart of the examination is in the examination of oneself, not in the judgement of others.  The person makes the worth of the grade, not the grade the worth of the person.  The attaining of the grade is but a higher step upon the ladder of life.  It is important to climb to that rung that fulfills one’s self. 

Karate-Do will allow each individual to go to that level that he or she wishes to attain. 

It is hoped that the practitioner will continue to seek improvement throughout life in order to achieve a happier, healthier, and more peaceful and prosperous existence. 

An examination consists of written, oral, and physical parts based on the general curriculum (Kyoka) of the system.  After the examination, a formal announcement (Happyo) and explanation (Kaisetsu) of the test results are given.”