Karate has a grading system of colored belts. In order to advance to a higher level, students must prove their skills through tests. They typically test three main areas of proficiency: basic movements, kata, and sparring, as well as understanding of Karate history and traditions.
Ranking
is divided into eight Kyu grades and ten Dan grades. There are eight belts
in the Kyu, or beginner grades, the white belt begin the lowest. The belt
colors advance as follows:
|
Colour
|
|
|
White
|
 |
|
Yellow
|
 |
|
Orange
|
 |
|
Green
|
 |
|
Purple
|
 |
|
Brown
(3 grades)
|
 |
Once students have progressed through these belts, they advance to Dan, or expert grades, and wear black belts. Black Belt levels are organized in ascending order, from 1st dan to 10th dan. Students can also receive titles as they advance:
- Polished Practitioner for 5th or 6th Dan
- Master for those above 5th Dan
- Polished Teacher for 7th or 8th Dan
- Polished Master for 9th or 10th Dan
Like challenges? Take the Karate Quiz.
