The Meaning Behind The Colored Belts
A different colored belt symbolizes each Kyu grade. What many may not be aware of is that these colors have not been thrown together in some random selection. In the development of the colored belt system, each step to Black belt needed its own relevance and had to correlate with the student’s progression. Liken it to a seed growing into a strong, humble plant. In its initial stages it may not be thriving with ornate flowers, yet it is still beautiful none-the-less, achieving the goals it must to survive and continually develop. This is the perfect metaphor of the developing student.
A different colored belt symbolizes each Kyu grade. What many may not be aware of is that these colors have not been thrown together in some random selection. In the development of the colored belt system, each step to Black belt needed its own relevance and had to correlate with the student’s progression. Liken it to a seed growing into a strong, humble plant. In its initial stages it may not be thriving with ornate flowers, yet it is still beautiful none-the-less, achieving the goals it must to survive and continually develop. This is the perfect metaphor of the developing student.
Belt System
White Belt – 10th to 8th Kyu (beginner age 13 & up)
Orange & Green Stripe Belt – 9th to 8th Kyu (beginner – children to age 12)
Green Belt – 7th to 5th Kyu
Purple – 4th to 3rd Kyu
Brown Belt – 2nd to 1st Kyu
Black (Shodan) – (minimum requirement for Shodan in this system is 5 years)
White Belt – 10th to 8th Kyu (beginner age 13 & up)
Orange & Green Stripe Belt – 9th to 8th Kyu (beginner – children to age 12)
Green Belt – 7th to 5th Kyu
Purple – 4th to 3rd Kyu
Brown Belt – 2nd to 1st Kyu
Black (Shodan) – (minimum requirement for Shodan in this system is 5 years)
White Belt
The white signifies the purity of birth, or a beginning, of a seed. A
White belt student is a beginner searching for the correct path to
take, just as when you put a seed into the ground, no matter which
way you plant the seed the steam finds its way to the surface and
the roots find a way to further imbed its self into the soil beginning
the foundation for growth.
» Did you know: The White belt is considered a symbol of courage
for taking your first steps into the dojo,committing yourself to training and the humility needed to take instruction from another!
White belt student is a beginner searching for the correct path to
take, just as when you put a seed into the ground, no matter which
way you plant the seed the steam finds its way to the surface and
the roots find a way to further imbed its self into the soil beginning
the foundation for growth.
» Did you know: The White belt is considered a symbol of courage
for taking your first steps into the dojo,committing yourself to training and the humility needed to take instruction from another!
Yellow / Green Stripe Belt
Green Belt
Green signifies the first big stage of development, where the seed sprout from the earth. Note that only a seed with a strong roots
system (like karate foundations) can the sprout through to the surface and be able to see the sun.
system (like karate foundations) can the sprout through to the surface and be able to see the sun.
Purple Belt
Purple represents the changing sky of dawn, as once again the
student undergoes a new change and prepares for the transition to advanced student. A purple belt begins to understand the meaning
of the black belt.
student undergoes a new change and prepares for the transition to advanced student. A purple belt begins to understand the meaning
of the black belt.
Brown Belt
Evening sun, strengthening of roots, foundation, earth, resolve. A brown belt is an advanced student whose techniques are beginning to mature, and he is beginning to understand the fruits of his hard work as a beginner.
Black Belt
Black signifies the darkness beyond the Sun. A black belt seeks new knowledge of the Art. As he/she begins to teach others, he/she begins planting new seeds, his/her students, many of which will take root deep into the Art, blossom and grow through the ranks in a never-ending process of self-growth, knowledge, and enlightenment.
Shodan - 1st degree black belt
Nidan - 2nd degree black belt
Sandan - 3rd degree black belt
Yodan - 4th degree black belt
Godan - 5th degree black belt
Rokudan - 6th degree black belt
Shichidan - 7th degree black belt
Hachidan - 8th degree black belt
Kudan - 9th degree black belt
Jūdan - 10th degree black belt
Shodan - 1st degree black belt
Nidan - 2nd degree black belt
Sandan - 3rd degree black belt
Yodan - 4th degree black belt
Godan - 5th degree black belt
Rokudan - 6th degree black belt
Shichidan - 7th degree black belt
Hachidan - 8th degree black belt
Kudan - 9th degree black belt
Jūdan - 10th degree black belt
