Youth (Ages 8-15) Adult (Ages 16 & up)
Kyu Grades Kyu Grades
Jukyu-White/1
stripe Shichikyu-White/1 stripe
Kukyu-Yellow Rokkyu-Yellow
Hachikyu-Yellow/1
stripe Gokyu-Yellow/1 stripe
Shichikyu-Yellow/2
stripes Yonkyu-Green
Rokkyu-Green Sankyu-Brown/1stripe
Gokyu-Green/1
stripe Nikyu-Brown/2 stripes
Yonkyu-Green/2
stripes Ikkyu-Brown/3 stripes
Sankyu-Brown/1stripe Black
Belts - Dan Grades Title
Nikyu-Brown/2
stripes Shodan-Black/1 stripe (1st dan) Sensei
Ikkyu-Brown/3
stripes Nidan-Black/2 stripes (2nd dan) Sensei
Junior
Black Belts - Junior Dan Grades Sandan-Black/3
stripes (3rd dan) Sensei
Shodan Ho (Junior 1st dan) Yodan-Black/4 stripes (4th dan) Sensei
Nidan Ho (Junior 2nd dan) Godan-White/Red
(5th dan) Shihan-dai
Sandan Ho (Junior 3rd dan) Rokudan-White/Red (6th dan) Shihan
Schichidan-Red/Black (7th dan Shihan
Hachidan-Red/Black (8th dan) Shihan
Kudan-Red (9th dan) Hanshi
Judan-Red (10th dan) Hanshi
(Shihan and Hanshi grade levels
also use the black belt with stripes for each grade level)
The
youth ranking system is independent of the adult ranking system.
When
a student reaches the age of 16, he or she will be assigned an adult rank based
on their ability. Junior dan ranks (black belt) will
re-test for the proper dan rank level in the adult
rank system.
The
particular progression of belt colors have a symbolic
meaning. Not only skill level, but the degree of one’s mental and emotional
development.
WHITE:
The color of innocence. One whose mind and spirit are blank. It is also the
color of the beginner, with little knowledge of karate.
YELLOW:
The color of the sun, but the color of the shining light. New found riches. The
yellow obi is for the one who the light of a new day has begun to shine. The
spirit that has begun to understand.
GREEN:
The color of growth, the trees and forest. The green obi is for the one who has
begun to absorb the light. The spirit and skills have begun to blossom.
BROWN:
The color of the earth and solidity. The brown obi is for the one whose
technique has become competent, whose mind has become fertile, and whose spirit
is firm.
BLACK:
The fusion of all colors. The black obi is for the one who has gained all the
traits of character and skill necessary to surpass the obstacles encountered in
the first day of the way. Black is the color of the night; it shows that the
first day is over and that a new one is coming. It shows that the karateka's journey has not ended, but merely begun.
Self defense is only one aspect of karate. We
strive to develop a strong spirit and self esteem. By constant training, the
body can be trained and tempered to be strong, and techniques will flow with a
free motion. Training under all conditions helps to build a strong spirit. To
train when one has had a bad day will help to develop a strong spirit. The true
karateka is not afraid of setting new goals and
meeting the challenge to attain them. Spirit in training is shown as one
strives to give more than what is required, and never quit. The development of
the body and spirit must be accompanied by self respect. One must not bully
others, brag or show off. All karateka must always
try to retain a proper attitude with Christian Discipline.
All karateka must
demonstrate the following qualities at proficient levels for each exam:
Attitude
towards others and training
Respect
towards others and yourself
Knowledge
of techniques
Self
control
Acceptance
of one's short comings
Attendance
in training
Appearance
Form
and execution of techniques
Self
defense applications
Sparring
ability (kumite)
Balance
and speed
Focus
of strikes, kicks, punches and blocks
Agility
in movement
Kata form and strength
Applications
and meaning of kata (bunkai),
as required
Energy
level (ki)
Good
moral character and attitude