Graduations
In Karate, grades mark a student's technical progress. Kyu grades cover the stages before black belt; Dan grades indicate progression from that level onwards.
Jigoro Kano developed the Kyu and Dan system in Judo, and other Japanese martial arts, including Karate, later adopted it. It organises technical progress into clear stages.
Kyu and Dan Grading System
•System founded by Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo Kodokan
•Created to provide immediate encouragement for those starting martial arts practice
•The anxiety of practitioners could not be satisfied only with long-term goals
Symbolism of the Colours
In this colour classification and on a symbolic level:
White means the purity of the beginner
Black refers to the refined knowledge gained after years of training
Belt Colours by Grade
Orange – Basic development Brown – Preparation for black belt Black – Refined knowledge Kyu Grades (Class)
•Kyu grades represent student levels, normally identified by coloured belts
•Count down to black belt
Dan Grades (Degree)
In the black belt classification, the first is called 1st Dan, the second 2nd Dan and so on in ascending order up to 10th Dan, attainable only by exemplary masters who have dedicated their lives to Karate.
1º
1st Dan – First degree black belt2º
2nd Dan – Second degree black belt3º
3rd Dan – Third degree black belt4º
4th Dan – Fourth degree black belt5º
5th Dan – Fifth degree black belt6º
6th Dan – Sixth degree black belt7º
7th Dan – Seventh degree black belt8º
8th Dan – Eighth degree black belt9º
9th Dan – Ninth degree black belt10º
10th Dan – Tenth degree – Attainable only by exemplary mastersDedication Time
•The grading system recognises the time and dedication required to master Karate
•Each grade marks a stage in the student's progress
•The highest grades are attainable only by masters who have dedicated their lives to Karate
