Belt Levels

In Shotokan karate, there are a series of kyu (lower ranks) before being granted a black belt, followed by a series of dan (upper ranks). While all ranks of dan wear a black belt, the colors used to represent the lower ranks vary widely. There are several different styles of karate, and some styles have several national and international governing bodies, so it is impossible to compare belts from different organizations.

Here is an overview of what belts signify at the Northwestern club, including the ranking of belts in ascending order, what the ranks mean, and what skills are required at each belt level. (The actual techniques performed for belt exams will vary from quarter to quarter, so these are only an approximation of what students will be asked to do.)

White Belt

9th Kyu

A karate novice. No prerequisites.
Yellow Belt

8th Kyu

Students can perform the basic punches and blocks of karate, and have some idea of proper breathing and movement. Drills that are often tested include:
Blue Belt

7th Kyu

Students can demonstrate increasing familiarity with the basic techniques. Punches are more relaxed and powerful, stances are deeper and stronger, and movement is more fluid. Students can execute kicks and have some understanding of rhythm. Drills that are often tested include the drills for the yellow belt exam, plus the following:

  • Kata: Heian Nidan
  • Inside - Outside
  • Block - Attack
Green Belt

6th Kyu

Students can display basic competence and control with the fundamental techniques of karate, and are starting to show an understanding of timing and distance. Additional drills at this level include:

  • Kata: Heian Sandan
  • More Mikiri & De-ai
  • Seven Step
Purple Belt

5th Kyu

Timing is better, distance ideas are much more clear. There is also the spark of things to come. Test is same as for 6th kyu, plus:

  • Kata: Heian Yondan
  • All Mikiri & De-ai
  • Block - Attack into Freestyle
Striped Purple Belt

4th Kyu

  • Kata: Heian Godan
  • ? (This website has had a ? here forever. I think it means "Secret Kata")
Brown Belt

3rd & 2nd Kyu

A brown belt has developed the technique and control to be allowed to spar. Emphasis is on correcting subtle flaws in technique and building the mental commitment to quality for Shodan.

  • Kata: Tekki Shodan
Striped Brown Belt

1st Kyu

Known as Kari-Shodan, this belt signifies a student who is only missing one or two things to become a Shodan.
Black Belt

Shodan

A first degree black belt can perform the various karate techniques as elements of fast combinations, displaying mental focus, proper body dynamics (relaxation and contraction), physical endurance, and pinpoint control throughout.

  • Kata: One of the previous kata chosen at random, plus Bassai Dai, Jion, Empi, Kanku Dai
Black Belt

Nidan

A second degree black belt can demonstrate superior sparring skills, with the ability to sustain their balance, control, and ability to deliver techniques with power while under fire.

Black Belt

Sandan

A third degree black belt is near the peak of his fighting ability, and can control the timing and distance of a Shodan while sparring. Emphasis starts to turn to teaching skills, such as articulating how to perform techniques and identifying student errors.

The higher levels of black belt become increasingly focused on technical knowledge of karate. 5th dan includes a presentation of original research on karate. 6th dan test requirements are at the discretion of a board of upper dan. 7th and higher dan are elected posts, where 9th dan is usually only granted to the chief instructor (currently Hidetaka Nishiyama). 10th dan is a posthumous rank that has been granted twice, once to Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate, and once to Masatoshi Nakayama, a student of Funakoshi, who was the chief instructor of the JKA from 1955 to 1987.

Students are allowed to test three times a year, so it is possible to earn Shodan in three years. Most take slightly longer, but in general, a freshman joining the club will earn a black belt before they graduate. Only an exceptional student or one with previous experience will earn Nidan during a four year stay at Northwestern.