Karate Belt Meanings

White Belt

White belt begins the student's training journey. There are three degrees within this rank, each shown by green stripes on the white belt.

Green Belt

After learning the basic techniques, the student stands at the foot of the mountain. Green belt represents the climb through the forest on the journey upward. There are three degrees within this rank, each shown by white stripes on the green belt.

Brown Belt

As the student leaves the forest behind, the climb becomes more difficult and requires more skill. Brown belt marks a deeper understanding of martial arts knowledge and truth. There are three degrees of brown belt, each shown by a white stripe. Brown belt candidates must be ready mentally and physically and must write a report.

Junior Shodan

The junior rank is for students who have attained the knowledge of a black belt but are under sixteen years of age. At age sixteen, students must test again for their full black belt, or Shodan. The belt is black and white.

Black Belt Ho Dan

The student has reached the summit of the mountain and sees how much knowledge is still left to acquire. This rank reflects knowledge equal to a high school diploma and marks the step before 1st Degree Shodan.

Black Belt 1st Degree

The student's education in martial arts is equal to an associate degree in college.

Black Belt 2nd Degree

The student's education in martial arts is equal to a bachelor's degree.

Black Belt 3rd Degree

The student's education in martial arts is equal to a Master of Education degree.

Black Belt 4th Degree

The student's education in martial arts is equal to postgraduate specialist study.

Black Belt 5th Degree

The student's education in martial arts is equal to a Doctor of Education degree.

Black Belt 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Degree

These ranks are awarded for merit earned through years of education, dojo service, community work, and life.