Karate Belt Levels and Their Meanings

Karate uses a belt system to represent a student’s progress and skill level. Each belt has specific requirements in terms of techniques, forms (kata), and sparring ability. Below is an overview of the belt levels from beginner to advanced.

Kyu Ranks

Coloured Belts

White Belt (6th Kyu)

• Focus: Fundamentals, discipline, and dojo etiquette.
• Strikes: Basic punches (straight punch, reverse punch).
• Blocks: Low block, middle block, high block.
• Stances: Natural stance, front stance.
• Kata (Forms): Introduction to first basic kata.
• Sparring: None or very basic pre-arranged drills.
• Goal: Develop coordination, balance, and a strong foundation for future learning.

Yellow Belt (5th Kyu)

• Focus: Basic techniques, dojo etiquette, and discipline.
• Strikes: Basic punches and front kick.
• Blocks: Low, inside-out, outside-in, and high block.
• Stances: Front stance, horse stance.
• Kata (Forms): Introduction to first kata.
• Sparring: Basic three or five-step sparring.
• Goal: Develop strong concentration and fundamental movement.

Orange Belt (4th Kyu)

• Focus: Building power and technique with hip rotation.
• Strikes: Jab, spear hand, side kicks.
• Blocks: Sword-hand block.
• Stances: Back stance.
• Kata: More advanced forms introduced.
• Sparring: Pre-arranged three-step sparring.
• Goal: Improve footwork and control over techniques.

Green Belt (3rd Kyu)

• Focus: Strength, speed, and controlled movement.
• Strikes: Elbow strikes, hammer fist, back fist, roundhouse kick.
• Sparring: Basic one-step sparring, introduction to counter-attacks.
• Kata: Understanding of three forms.
• Goal: Develop precise targeting and defensive reflexes.

Blue Belt (2nd Kyu)

• Focus: Maximum speed and power, understanding energy sources.
• Strikes: Ridge hand, palm heel, front leg kick, back kick.
• Stances: Hourglass stance.
• Sparring: One-point free sparring.
• Kata: Mastery of previous forms, introduction of new techniques.
• Goal: Demonstrate effective counters and movement control.

Brown Belt (1st Kyu)

• Focus: Mastery of techniques and mental discipline.
• Strikes: Back hook kick, foot sweeps.
• Blocks: Introduction to guiding blocks (redirection techniques).
• Stances: Cat stance.
• Sparring: Free sparring, applying real-time strategy.
• Kata: Advanced katas requiring full focus and balance.
• Goal: Preparation for black belt testing.

Dan Ranks

Black Belts

1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan)

• Meaning: Beginning of true martial arts journey.

• Expectations: Strong fundamentals, discipline, and teaching ability.

• Goal: Prove proficiency in all previous techniques and concepts.

2nd Degree Black Belt (Nidan)

• Meaning: Deeper understanding of techniques and philosophy.

• Focus: Precision, control, and leadership.

• Goal: Assist in teaching and refining one’s own skills.

3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan)

• Meaning: Advanced expertise, leadership role.

• Focus: Applying techniques with instinctive reaction.

• Goal: Mentorship and personal mastery.

4th Degree Black Belt (Yondan) & Beyond

• Meaning: Mastery and deep responsibility in the art.
• Focus: High-level instruction, refinement, and self-improvement.
• Goal: Lifelong commitment to karate.