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| The ranking system in karate varies among styles, organizations
and schools. In the traditional ranking systems, there are only three color
of belts: white, brown, and black: 8th kyu to 4th kyu in white, 3rd kyu to
1st kyu in brown, and shodan up are in black. The beginner students progress
from 8th Kyu (or 7th depending on the style) to 1st kyu, while the black
belt students advance from 1st dan to 10th dan. Although theoratically there
is no limit as to the number of degree of dan for the black belt level, on
a practical level, a 10th dan is considered the highest level for a style.
In Japan some schools still use the "kyu" system for the underbelts, but
most have switched to colored belt system. The colored belt system was first
used when Judo was introduced to the western world; later karate also adapted
the colored belt system.
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| Underbelts
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White represents purity. White belt students begin their
search for the knowledge of the art.
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The color yellow represents the first beam of sunlight. Yellow
belt students are given the ray of knowledge by the instructor. They develop
a sense of balance and coordination of their body movements; yellow belt
students are expected to meet the basic physical requirement and full
understanding of the dojo protocol.
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Green belt students have proved themselves that they are
physically fit. They take pride in their achievements in learning the basic
forms of the style, and excel in all basic drills and physical conditioning.
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It is at the stage of purple belt that students develop and
refine their fighting skills. They begin to concentrate on their sparring
skills, and put their skills into fighting application.
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Brown level represents maturity. Brown belt students learn
to provide leadership during practice in a small team. Brown belts assume
the disciplinary role if no black belt or sensei is around.
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| Black Belts
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Shodan (1° black belt) represents reaching the adulthood
in karate training. While the time required to achieve a shodan degree varies
from style to style, in general one can achieve to this level in a period
of 2-3 years. However, one must know putting in time alone will not do it.
The worthiness of advancing to shodan is more than a few more hours in strenuous
work outs in the dojo, or a couple more wins in the tournament circuits.
It is about character. Shodans must possess the right attitude toward life
as well as toward the arts of karate. The successful rate in achieving a
shodan is less than 1%. They represent the cream of the crop. Shodans are
ready to apply their understanding of physical movements to the philosophical
principles of the style.
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A nidan (2° black belt) has passed the stage of merely
imitating the techniques of his sensei. He/she must understand the techniques
in theory as well as in practical application. At this point, a nidan should
put his/her entire effort to perfect his/her forms (kata). Consequently toward
that end, a nidan would frequently seek private session from his/her sensei,
and asks most questions. Nidan is the Drill Sergeant of the class. He/she
knows all the dojo drills inside and out, and understands the foundamentals
of teaching. And he/she is capable to conduct a class on his/her own when
it is needed.
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Sandan is a transformation stage. It is at this stage one
finds his/her maturity in karate. For a sandan, karate is no longer just
a side interest hobby; it is a way of life. In general, it takes at least
6 years of training to get to this point.
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"Half-Step" usually is used on Shodan, or Nidan who
are in the process getting a full grade promotion
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4° Black Belt
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Yodan is awarded to karateka who wants to take up the teaching
as a profession in the art of karate. For a yodan, he/she usually teaches
for a master of a dojo on a franchise from the system.
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5° Black Belt
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A godan strives to ensure the continuation of the system
for future generations to follow. He is acknowledged as a senior representative
of the system. At this level, it is commonly expected that one must have
at least 15 years of devoted studying of the art as well as the personal
character is at the highest possible calibre.
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| 6° to 10° blackbelts
are awarded only to karateka in recognition of their contributions to the
system or to the karate communities. |
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6° Black Belt
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A "renshi" grade shihan as prerequisite, he/she must own
at least one franchised dojo.
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7° Black Belt
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A "kyoshi" grade shihan but not necessarily a prerequisite
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8° Black Belt
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8° & 9° blackbelts are usually reserved for
"kyoshi" grade shihan; therefore, you can say that "kyoshi grade" is a
prerequisite.
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9° Black Belt
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See above |
10° Black Belt
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10° blackbelt is usually reserved for the "hanshi" of
the system. Under some circumstances, there can be other 10° in the
system. For example, a hanshi relinquishes his post to another person. They
both are 10° at that point, but there is only one active "hanshi".
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Non-Teaching Titles
Sensei is not a teaching title. It is a salutation,
just like "Sir" in English. As in the army, you call your drill sergeant
"sir", but it is not a title in rank.
Shihan also is not a teaching title in karate, but other arts like
jujitsu do use it as a title. In Janpaness fighting arts, it is a
honorary title used to address to any teachers 5° and above speaking
in third person fashion verbally or written. Traditionally it is not used
as a saluation or title in conversation.
For additional reference on Shihan from Wikipedia
encyclopedia, click
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Teaching Grades
Teaching titles are given to individuals who are committed to teaching karate
as a profession. These titles are not given automatically upon the achievement
to a specific rank. They are independent from the ranks. Therefore, technically
you might see some high ranking 7° or 8° black belts still holding
a "renshi" title.
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| Renshi |
A title is given to individual who seeks teaching as his/her
profession and opens his/her first dojo on franchise from the system. Renshi
is also given to individual who teachs for a master of a large dojo, or in
a small dojo operated under his/her sensei on franchise from the system.
It is at this level the individual is considered a true "sensei". Junior
Renshi graded masters ( under 6°) are only allowed to promoted students
up to shodan. Senior Renshi graded masters are allowed to promoted students
up his/her own rank. However, Renshi does not have the power to certify
promotions. All promotions are required to be certified by the system.
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| Kyoshi |
This title is given to a very few individuals who earn such
distinction for their contributions to the system. The considering factors
in determinding one's advancement to this level are vary and not pre-set.
While the personal opinions of the grand master "hanshi" of the system carry
most weight, other foctors such as the policies of the system as well as
the recommendations of other kyoshi graded masters must be considered. Kyoshi
is the only person(s), other than Hanshi himself, who has the power to certify
a promotion. However, the power of execution is on as needed basis assigned
by the hanshi. In another word, a kyoshi cannot use his/her power to circumvent
the required steps for a promotion certification.
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| Hanshi |
This title is reserved strictly for the highest ranked individual
in the system. The hanshi is a successor to the teachings of his/her teacher;
there is only one hanshi in the system. Another name for hanshi is
"Seiko-Shihan". It means the highest grand master (teacher) of the system.
However, Seiko-Shihan technically is not a teaching title, nor a salutation
title; it is a honorary title given to the head person of the style, usually
and commonly used in writing.
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