Ranking Belts and what they represent...

 

Students of Shorin-Ryu Karate show their progress in the art by the color of the belt they wear.  Each color belt represents a step toward the goal of Black Belt.  Requirements for each belt may differ slightly for different ages.  Sheets listing the requirements are included in this book.  Additional requirement sheets, available from your instructors, can be added to this book as you advance.  Our students are graded on an individual basis, since progress is based on the individual.  The progression toward the Junior and Adult Black Belt is as follows:  White, Gold, Orange, Blue, Green, Brown and Black Belt.  Sometimes stripes are added to further distinguish one rank from another.  Lil’ Dragon ranks are separate.  See the different Adult, Junior, and Lil' Dragon ranks link on this website for more specific information on individual ranking requirements.

 

TESTING FOR RANK

 

Testing is the way in which student’s progress to higher belt ranks.   Once a month, students who have met AT LEAST their minimum requirements for testing, as listed in this handbook, have the opportunity to Test for their next Rank.  If, for some reason, you are eligible to test but unable to attend testing, speak to your instructor about testing privately so that you do not fall behind your fellow students in rank.  However, private testing is very limited and should only be used if there are no other options.  Once you obtain higher ranks, personal testing options are not optional, you will be required to test with the other students and in front of our Instructor Board.

 

For your testing requirements for your class, hover over the Student Resources link at the top of the page, then choose your class link (for example; junior - ranks).  There all the requirements are listed out from your white belt up to obtaining black belt.  The requirements listed must be met prior to being able to get an audience from of the Instructors Board.  If you are curious about your skill level and unsure if you are ready for testing or not, please ask your instructor.

 

Testing normally occurs at 6pm on the 4th Friday of each month and consists of a class in which students appear before the Instructors Board to demonstrate their proficiency.  Students must meet the testing guidelines listed below:

 

REQUIREMENTS for ALL RANKS (No Exceptions)

• You must sign up on the testing list 2 weeks before testing.
• You must have your class and time requirements fulfilled.
• You must attend a minimum of 2 classes per week for the 2 weeks prior to testing.
• You must know your kata from beginning to end.  Knowledge of individual movement is just as important.  Your kata is 90% of the test.
• Uniforms must be white, neat and clean with all the appropriate patches at the time of testing.
• All dues and/or past due payments must be up to date at the time of testing.

Additional Requirements for Black Belt Testing (No Exceptions)

• Black Belting testing is usually held once a year at the discretion of Sensei Wilson.
• Anyone testing for Black Belt must, in the course of his or her training, attend at least one seminar sponsored by the national Kyoshikai. 

 

DAN / KYU RANK STRUCTURE

 

Ranking is an evaluation of an individual’s progress toward the attainment of human perfection through the practice of karate.  This evaluation is not based solely upon the physical techniques of karate.  It encompasses the human being’s entire physical, moral and spiritual development.  Promotions in rank are awarded in proportion to an individual’s degree of development toward the karate goals of perfection.  The established standards of progress and criteria for advancement are established as follows:

 

MODERN RANKING

 

Traditionally, all kyu ranks (less than black belt) are considered white belts.

 

Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt):  At least 3 years of training.

This level necessitates a maturation of abilities.  All basic body movements and techniques, including hand and leg techniques, can be applied with extended force and proper applications in basic conditions.

 

Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt):  Over 1 year after Shodan.

This level requires the personal assimilation and performance of all basic body movements and techniques to such a degree that their application is in accord with the individual’s own unique body demands.

 

Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt):  Over 2 years after Nidan.

At this level, the individual has acquired the understanding of the underlying principles in all body movements and techniques.  Moreover, this understanding can be demonstrated in the application of techniques under varied circumstances and conditions.

 

Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt):  Over 3 years after Sandan.

The individual attaining this level has exemplified knowledge of the principle body movements and techniques and their application under various conditions to such a degree that the ability to instruct others has been gained.

 

Godan (5th Degree Black Belt):  Over 3 years after Yondan.

At this level, the individual has acquired understanding and mastery of both body movements and teaching techniques and is able to demonstrate these techniques to benefit other instructors under varied circumstances and conditions.

 

Rokodan (6th Degree Black Belt):  Over 5 years after Godan and 35 years old or older.

The attainment of this level necessitates the performance of karate research in an area that by its nature has a universal benefit to be derived by its application.

 

Nanadan or Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt):  Over 7 years after Rokodan and 42 years old or older.

To achieve this level, the individual has undertaken advanced research through the actual application and extensive testing of the general research technique.

 

Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt):  Over 8 years after Nanadan and 50 years old or older.

At this point, the individual must have completed research in a new and previously unknown area.

 

Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt):  over 10 years after Hachidan and 60 years old or older.

The requirements for this level call for uncommon dedication for an extended period of time to the areas of individual achievement, research, and technique.  This dedication must be culminated in karate achievement and development of the highest and most extraordinary order.  Moreover, this accumulated knowledge and expertise must have been utilized in the general service of karate development.

 

Judan (10th Degree Black Belt):  Over 10 years after Kudan and 70 years old or older.

This ids the level where the individual has finally neared the highest image of karate development.  This has been brought about by continuous practice and pursuit of the truth that is to be found in the human ideal.

 

TITLES

 

Titles are not given automatically with rank.  They are awarded for exceptional achievement and outstanding character.

 

 - Sensei:  Meaning "teacher", could be anyone designated to teach their own class/students

 - Renshi:  Over 2 years after 5th Dan and 35 years old or older

 - Kyoshi:  7th or 8th Dan, over 10 years after Renshi and 42 years old or older

 - Hanshi:  9th or 10th Dan, over 15 years after Kyoshi and 60 years old or older