Belts The Shotokan Karate Grading syllabus has a range of grades, also known as kyu. When a Karate practitioner progresses beyond brown belt, the next grading is Black Belt or Shodan (1st Dan). Students wear belts which are colored to signify their grade level.Karate belts are said to date back to the Japanese judo. Here, a system of using a variety of colored belts was used as it was felt it was the best way of determining an individuals skill level. There are many people who believe that a method of dyeing the belts was used, which may suggest why the belts get darker with each grading level. Others believe in the theory of a white belt becoming dirtier until it becomes black, which was the first method of determining someones skill, although this theory is most likely a myth.
Below is a list of the Shotokan Karate Belts.
Karate Belts (kyu level)
Kyū-level practitioners are often called mudansha which means literally "ones without dan". People of such ranks are considered as initiates, not students. Remember, although this is the official shotokan karate belt ranking system, many clubs will choose to follow their own system based on this.
10th Kyu Karate Yellow belt Jūkyū
9th Kyu Karate Pink belt Kukyū
8th Kyu Karate Gray belt Hachikyū
7th Kyu Karate Orange belt Nanakyū, Shichikyū
6th Kyu Karate Blue belt Rokkyū
5th Kyu Karate Green belt Gokyū
4th Kyu Karate Purple and white belt Yonkyū
3rd Kyu Karate Brown belt Sankyū
2nd Kyu Karate Brown and white belt Nikyū
1st Kyu Karate Brown and white belt Ikkyū
Karate Belts (Dan level)
1st Dan Karate Black belt shodan: first degree black belt
2nd Dan nidan: second degree black belt
3rd Dan sandan: third degree black belt
4th Dan yondan: fourth degree black belt
5th Dan godan: fifth degree black belt
6th Dan rokudan: sixth degree black belt
7th Dan nanadan: seventh degree black belt (also, shichidan)
8th Dan hachidan: eighth degree black belt
9th Dan kyuudan: ninth degree black belt
10th Dan jūdan: tenth degree black belt
Origins of the Karate Belt Grading SystemKarate took its belt ranking system from Judo. As Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate, he took advice from his good friend Kano Jigoro, the founder of Judo and their ranking system.
Originally there was few kyu ranks, although it is unknown, it is thought to be three - being white brown and black. Other colors which are now in the karate ranking system today were later introduced. The first new belt color that was brought in was green, it wwas thought that this gave a seasonal meaning to the belts, white - spring, green - summer, brown - autumn and black - winter.
Some schools even now use different numbers of ranks, some choosing to omit certain ranks, however most offer all kyu ranks. There are some Karate Organizations which enforce standardisation across the schools.
It is common for karate sensei's to use tape to put a loop on the end of the belt. This indicates that the student is one level up from the original belt rank that they have already earned.
The Karate belts and ranks are beneficial in the way that they provide a benchmarking system for both instructors and students. Students can be organized quickly into groups when teaching a large class. A sensei at one glance can know what level a student is and instantly know what syllabus that person is training to.
Of course, students also get benefits from the belt system. They can set short term goals and feel a sense of satisfaction once they meet the next ran as well as confirming that that have progressed their karate ability. When a student reaches a new kyu rank, they are encouraged to work harder to progress again to the next kyu, which is usually a minimum of 3 months in training.
Once passed beyond the kyu ranks and into black belt, Dan ranks are used to provide further motivation and rewards for continuing to progress. The later dan ranks also provide this motivation to continue training, providing experts with rewards for continuing their training. (10th Kyu): YELLOW BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE:
A. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: 1. Name of the style of karate and its meaning. 2. Name of the founder and brief history. 3. Basic karate etiquette. Knowledge of 'warming -up ' and 'cooling-off ' exercises. 4. Purpose of 'warming up ' and 'cooling off ' exercises. 5. Elementary karate terminology. 6. Basic dojo hygiene. 7. Understanding of karate spirit. 8. Wearing and folding of karate-gi. 9. Forms of sitting (kumi-kata). 10. Standing and kneeling salutations (ritsuri & zarei).
B. STANCE/DACHI: 1. Hei-soku-dachi 2. Musubi-dachi 3. Hachi-ji-dachi 4. Zenkut-su-dachi 5. Hei--ko-dachi 6. Ko-kutsu-dachi walking (forward only) in zenkut-su-dachi and in ko-kutsu-dachi and turning around in these stances.
C. BLOWS/TSUKI: 1. Formation of the first. 2. Choku-tsuki (standing, in hachi-ji-dachi). 3. Oi-tsuki (walking, forward only, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 4. Gyaku-tsuki (standing, in zen-kutsu-dachi).
D. BLOCKS/TSUKI: 1. Jodan-age-uke (standing, in hachi-ji-dachi, and moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Chuidan-soto-uke (same as above) 3.Gedan-barai (same as above) 4. Shuto-uke (standing, in hachi-ji-dachi, and moving forward, only, in kokut-su-dachi).
F. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Go-hon-kumite (jodan-tsuki and chudan-tsuki, only).
G. FORM/KATA: 1. Hainen Sho-dan.
(9th Kyu): PINK BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE:
A. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: 1. Reasonable knowledge and ability in all lower rank requirements 2. Further knowledge about the origin and development of karate. 3. Knowledge about the classification of techniques.
B. STANCE/DACHI: 1. Kiba-dachi. 2. Walking side-away inkiba-dachi. 3. Walking forward as well as backwards in zen-kutsu-dachi.
C. BLOWS/TSUKI: 1. Oi-tsuki (moving backwards, in zen-kutsu-dach).
D. STRIKES/UCHI: 1. Formation of kaisho. 2. Shoto-uchi (inside-to-out-and outside-to-in, standing in hachi-ji-dachi). 3. Uraken (standing, in hachi-ji-dachi).
E. BLOCKS/UKE: 1. Jodan-age-uke 2. Chudan-soto-uke moving forward as well as backwards, in zen-kutsu-dachi. 3. Gedan-brai
F KICKS/GERI: 1. Mawashi-geri(standing, and moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Mae-geri(standing, inhachi-ji-dachi). 3. Yoko-ke-age (standing, in hei-so-ku-dachi, with both legs). 4. Yoko-ke-age (moving-away, in kiba-dachi).
G. COMBINATIONS /REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. Jodan-age-uke/gyaku-tsuki (moving forward, only in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Mae-geri/oi-tsuki (moving forward, only in zen-kutsu-dachi). 3. Mae-geri-chudan/mae-geri-jodan(moving forward in zen-kutsu- dachi).
H. SPARRING/KUMITE: Go-hon-kumite (jodan-tsuki, chudan-tsuki, and mae-geri).
I. FORMS/KATA: 1. Haien-Sho-Dan. 2. Knowledge of Haien-ni-dan
J. MISCELLANEOUS: Knowledge of the use of punching bag for mawashi-geri and makiwara for gyaku-tsuki,
(8th Kyu): GREY BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE: A. STANCES/DACHI: 1. Neko-ashi-dachi. 2.Sanchan-dachi. 3. Walking backwards in kokutsu-dachi. 4. Walking forward in sanchin-dachi. B. BLOWS/TSUKI: 1. Gyaku-tsuki (moving forward, in zen-kusu-dachi).
C. SRIKES/UCHI: 1. Kentsui-uchi (standing, in hachi-ji-dachi). 2. Uraken-uchi (moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi).
D. BLOCK/UKE: 1. Shuto-uke (moving backwards, in kokutsu-bachi). 2. Uchi-uke (moving forvward in zen-kutsu-bachi).
E. KICKS/GERI: 1. Yoko-ke-komi (moving side ways, in kiba-dachi). 2. Mae-ashi geri (mae-geri, standing in zen-kutsu-dachi).
G. SPARRING/KUMITE: Ippon-kumite (jodan-tsuki,chudan-tsuki & mae-geri, Left as well as right side). H. FORMS/KATA: Haien-Ni-dan
I. COUNTER-ATTACKS/KAE-SHE: Using mae-geri in counter-attacks.
J. MISCELLANEOUS: Knowledge of the use of makiwara for kicks.
(7th Kyu): ORANG BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE A. STANCES/DACHI: 1. Teiji-dachi. 2. Rendo-dachi. 3. Endo-dachi. 4. Walking backwards in sanchian-dachi.
B. BLOWS/TSUKI: 1. Kizami-tsuki (in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Gyaku-tsuki (moving backward, in zen-kutsu-dachi).
C. STRIKES/UCHI: 1. Yoko-empi-uchi (in kiba-dachi). 2. Ushiro-empi-uchi (in kiba-dachi). 3. Mae-empi-uchi (moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi).
D. BLOCKS/UKE: 1. Juji-uke (moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Uchi-uke (moving backwards, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 3. Jodan-age-uke Chudan-soto-uke blocking in zen-kutsu-dachi on reverse foot. Gedan-barai.
E. KICKS/GERI: 1. Mae-geri (moving backwards, in zen-kutsu-dachi) 2. Ushiro-geri (standing, in zen-kutsu-dachi) 3. Yoko-ke-komi (standing, in hei-soku-dachi, both legs
G. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ippon-kumite : (Jodan-tsuki, chudan-tsuki, mae-geri, left as well as right side). 2. The member must also have knowledge of Ju-kumite. H. FORMS/KATA: 1. Haien Ni-dan. 2. Knowledge of Haien San-dan.
I. COUNTER-ATTACKS/KAE-SHE: 1. Using mawashi-geri in counter-attacks. J. BREAKING/TAMESHI-WARI: Breaking one board with shuto-uchi.
(6th Kyu): BLUE BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE: A. STANCES/DACHI: 1. Shiko-dachi. 2. Hangetsu-dachi. B. BLOWS/TSUKI: 1. Ren-tsuki (moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Dan-tsuki (moving forward, zen-kutsi-dachi). C STRIKES/UCHI: 1. Tete-empi-uchi. 2. Otoshi-empi-uchi. D. BLOCKS/UKE: 1. Otoshi-uke. 2. Morote-uke. E. KICKS/GERI: 1. Kakato-geri (standing, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Mawashi-geri (standing, in hachi-ji-dachi, both legs). 3. Hiza-geri (standing, in zen-kutsu-dachi). F. COMBINATIONS/REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. Shuto-uke/nukite (standard form, moving backwards). 2. Age-uke/soto-uke/gedan-barai (standard form, moving forward). 3. Mae-geri-jodan/mae-geri-chudan (standard form, moving backwards). 4. Soto-uke/empi/uraken (standard form, moving backwards). 5. Mae-geri/oi-tsuki (standard form, moving backwards). G. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ippon-kumite : (Jodan-tsuki, chudan-tsuki, mae-geri, mawashi-geri, ke-komi. Right as well as left). 2. Ju-kumite : (one) with a 6th Kyu rank. H. FORMS/KATA: Haien San-dan. I. COUNTER ATTACKS/KAE-SHE: Using ushiro-geri and Ke-komi in counter attacks. J. BREAKING/TAMESHI-WARI: One board with Shuto-uchi.
(5th Kyu): GREEN BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE: A. BLOWS/TSUKI: 1. Heiko-tsuki. B. STRIKES/UCHI: 1. Different strikes, moving forward and backwards in various stances. C. BLOCKS/TSUKI: Ashi-uke (using the foot in different ways for blocking). D. KICKS/GERI: Ushiro-geri (moving forward in zen-kutsu-dachi). E. SWEEPING TECHNIQUES/ASHI-BARAI: Knowledge of the use of sweeping techniques (ashi-barai) while standing. F. COMBINATIONS/REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. Age-uke-/soto-uke/gedan-barai (standard form, moving backwards). 2. Uchi-uke/jodan-tsuki (standard form, moving forward). 3. San-bon-tsuki (standard form, moving forward). 4. Mawashi-geri/ke-komi (standard form, moving forward). 5. Mae-geri/gyaku-tsuki (standard, form moving backwards). G. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ippon-kumite : (jodan, chudan, mae-geri, mawashi-geri, ke-komi, ushiro-geri. Left and right side). 2. Ju-kunite : (two) with equal belt holders. H. FORMS/KATA: 1. Haien San-dan. 2. Knowledge of Haien Yon-dan. I. BREAKING/TAMESHI-WARI: 1. One board with Shuto-uchi. 2. One board with Mae-geri.
(4th Kyu): PURPLE BELT
A. BLOWS/TSUKI : Ura-tsuki. B. BLOCKS/UKE: Using different blocks as attacks. C. KICKS/GERI: 1. Miza-zuki-geri. 2. Gyaku-miza-tsuki-geri. D. COMBINATIONS/REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. Uchi-uke/jodan-tsuki (standard form, moving back). 2. Uchi-uke/jodan-tsuki/chudan-gyaku-tsuki (standard form, forward). 3. Shuto-uke/empi (standard form, moving forward). 4. Ke-komi/ke-komi (standard form, moving forward). 5. Mae-geri/ushiro-geri (same foot, standing in zen-kutsu-dachi, left and right two times with each legs). E. BREAKING/TAMESHI-WARI: One board with shuto-uchi, one board with mae-geri, one board with gyaku-tsuki. F. THROWING TECHNIQUES/NAGE-WAZA: Knowledge of the use of throwing techniques. G. SWEEPING TECHNIQUES/ASHI-BARAI: Knowledge of the use of sweeping techniques, lying down. H. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ju-ippon-kumite, (jodan, chudan, mae-geri, mawashi-geri). 2. Ju-kumite : (two) with equal belt holders. I. FORMS/KATA: Haien yon-dan. J. TOURNAMENT/SHIHAI: The member must have a knowledge of shihai and understand its rules regulations.
(3rd Kyu): BROWN BELT A. BLOWS/TSUKI: Hasami-tsuki. B. KICKS/GERI:Mae-tobi-geri. C. COMBINATONS REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. San-bon-tsuki (standard form, moving backwards). 2. Uchi-uke/jodan-tsuki/chudan-tsuki (standard form, moving backwards). 3. Mae-geri/mawashi-geri (same foot, moving forward). 4. Mae-geri/ushiro-geri (standard form, moving forward). D. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ju-ippon-kumite (jodan, chudan, mae-geri, ke-komi, mawashi-gei). 2. One Ju-kumite with purple belt level. 3. One Ju-kumite with 2 grey belt levels. E. FORMS/KATA: Haien Go-dan F. BREAKING TAMESHI-WARI: Breaking with shuto-uchi, mae geri, gyaku-tsuki and ushiro geri.
(2nd Kyu): BROWN BELT ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE A. BLOWS/TSUKI: Mawashi-tsuki B. KICKS/GERI: Yoko-tobi-geri C. COMBINATIONS/ REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. Mae geri/ke-komi (same foot, moving forward ). 2. Mae-geri/yoko-geri/ushiro-geri (same foot, standing, left and right, three times). D. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ju-ippon-kumite (jodan, chudan, mae-geri, mawashi-geri, ke-komi ). 2. Ju-kumite : (one) with two orange-belt holders. E. FORMS/KATA: 1. Haien Go-dan. 2. Knowledge of Tekki Sho-dan. F. BREAKING/TAMESHI-WARI: 1. Breaking with shuto-uchi, mae-geri, gyaku-tsuki, ushiro-geri and with mawashi-geri.
(1st Kyu): BROWN BELTt (one white stripe) ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE A. BLOWS/TSUKI : Kagi-tsuki. B. KICKS/GERI : Nidan-geri C. COMBINATIONS REN-RAKU-WAZA: 1. Mawashi-gei/ke-komi (same foot, moving forward, in zen-kutsu-dachi). 2. Mawashi-geri/gyaku-tsuki (moving forward). D. SPARRING/KUMITE: 1. Ju-ippon-kumite (as for 2nd Kyu). 2. Ju-kumite : (one) with two blue-belt holders. (one) with a 2nd Kyu brown belt holder. E. FORMS/KATA: Takki-sho-dan. F. BREAKING/TAMESHI-WARI: 1. One board with sei-ken (in gyaku-tsuki). 2. One board with Ke-komi PSKA Grading Syllabus - Shodan
1) Kizami tsuki, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki x 3, mawate 2) Kizami tsuki, mae geri, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki x 3, mawate 3) Yoko geri kekomi, uraken uchi, gyaku tsuki x 3, mawate 4) Mawashi geri, uraken uchi, gyaku tsuki x 3, mawate 5) Ushiro geri, uraken uchi, gyaku tsuki x 3, mawate 6) Mae geri, kizami tsuki, gykau tsuki, step back, Gedan barai, gyaku tsuki, step forward, Mawashi geri, uraken uchi, gyaku tsuki x 3, mawate 7) Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Geri, Uraken Uchi, Gyaku tsuki x 3, Yonhon Geri, Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Ushiro Geri, Mawashi Geri, Maintain balance: change leg and perform on other side
Shodan Kata & Kumite Kata for 1st Dan Black Belt gradings are examined differently from Kyu gradings. In Dan gradings, the candidate chooses which Kata to perform from a list of four. In addition to this, the examiner chooses a Heian Kata from a previous grading syllabus for them to perform.
The Candidate chooses from List A: Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Jion, Enpi
The Examiner chooses from List B: Any Heian Kata or Tekki Shodan
9th - 8th Kyu
Kihon7th - 6th Kyu
Kihon6th - 5th Kyu
Kihon1. Gedan Barai x 3 2. Age Uke x 3 3. Soto Uke x 3 4. Oi Tsuki x 3 5. Gyaku Tsuki x 3 6. Mae Geri x 3 7. Yoko Geri x 3
KATA Kihon Kata (9th Kyu) Heian Shodan (8th Kyu) Heian Nidan (7th Kyu)
KUMITE Gohon Kumite (5 Step) - Sanbon Kumite (3 Step) All moves in Kihon & Kumite are carried out in Front Stance (Zenkutsu-Dachi)
1. Oi Tsuki x 3 2. Gedan Barai-Gyaku Tsuki x 3 3. Age Uke-Gyaku Tsuki x 3 4. Soto Uke-Gyaku Tsuki x 3 5. Shuto Uke in Kokutsu-Dachi x 3 6. Mae Geri x 3 7. Yoko Geri Keage in Kiba-Dachi x3 8.Yoko Geri Kekomi in Kiba-Dachi x3 9. Mawashi Geri x 3
KATA Heian Sandan
KUMITE Kihon Ippon Kumite (2 x Jodan, 2 x Chudan)1. Sanbon Tsuki x 3 2. Age Uke - Gyaku Tsuki x 3 3. Soto Uke - Gyaku Tsuki x 3 4. Gedan Barai Gyaku Tsuki x 3 5. Shuto Uke in Kokutsu-Dachi x 3 6. Mae Geri (Stepping Forward) x 3 7. Mawashi Geri (Stepping Back) x 3 8. Yoko Geri Keage in Kiba-Dachi x 3 9. Yoko Geri Kekomi Gyaku Tsuki x 3
KATA Heian Sandan Heian Yondan
KUMITE Kihon Ippon Kumite (Jodan - Chudan - Mae Geri - Mawashi Geri)
5th - 4th - 3rd Kyu
Kihon
3rd - 2nd - 1st Kyu
Kihon
1. Sanbon Tsuki x 3 2. Age Uke - Gyaku Tsuki x 3 3. Uchi Uke Gyaku Tsuki x 3 (Forwards) 4. Soto Uke - Gyaku Tsuki x 3 (Backwards) 5. Gedan Barai Gyaku Tsuki x 3 (Forwards) 6. Shuto Uke Nukite x 3 (Backwards) 7. Mawashi Geri x 3 ( Forward) 8. Mae Geri x 3 (Stepping Back) 9. Mae Geri Mawashi Geri (Changing Legs) x 3 10.Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba-Dachi) x 3 11. Yoko Geri Kekomi (In Kiba-Dachi) x 3 KATA Heian Yondan Heian Godan
KUMITE Kihon Ippon Kumite (Jodan - Chudan - Mae Geri - Mawashi Geri)
1. Sanbon Tsuki (Forwards) 2. Age Uke - Gyaku Tsuki - Uchi Uke - Kizami Tsuki 3. Soto Uke - Yoko Empi - Uraken - Gyaku Tsuki 4. Gedan Barai - Uraken - Gyaku Tsuki 5. Shuto Uke - Mae Geri - Nukit 6. Mae Geri (Forwards) 7. Mawashi Geri (Backwards) 8. Yoko Geri Keage (in Kiba-Dachi) 9. Mae Geri - Yoko Geri (Changing Leg) 10. Mawashi Geri - Yoko Geri (Changing Leg) KATA Tekki Shodan Bassai Dai
KUMITE Jiyu Ippon Kumite (Jodan - Chudan - Mae Geri - Yoko Geri - Mawashi Geri - Ushiro Geri) Jiyu Kumite All Kihon Techniques are performed on both left & right sides Gedan BaraiAge UkeSoto UkeUchi UkeShuto UkeMae Geri