Rank

People often join a karate dojo with the intentions of becoming a black belt. They are usually surprised the rank means only that they have a good working knowledge of the fundamentals. Most traditional Okinawan karate styles have ten different degrees of black belt, called “dan” (IPA pronunciation; “dɒn”).

A first-degree black belt is referred to as a “shodan”, which means “small rank”, and it represents the first major step in the long journey to understand the system. Karate-Do, translates to “empty-hand way”. The character, “Do” (IPA pronunciation; “doʊ”), translates as “way”, “road” or “path”, and signifies the value of karate as a way of life and a tool to better oneself. Earning a shodan can take 2.5 to five years, depending on how consistently the student attends class, studies on their own, and takes part in helping with the dojo.

Shodan is the first permanent rank a student receives. In the Ryusyokai, it is generally certified and officially recorded by Senaha sensei himself. Prior to this milestone, students earn temporary rank, known as “kyu” (IPA pronunciation; “kju”). While dan ranks start at 1^st (shodan) and increase up to 10^th dan, kyu ranks start at 10^th kyu (white belt) and progress to 1^st kyu. Students who take a prolonged absence from training lose their rank and start again as 10^th kyu, or white belt.

The kyu ranking system is more a training tool than a reward. Instructors, other students, and visiting practitioners use it to quickly establish a baseline for what a student knows and how they can best help each other. Many dojos use different colored belts and stripes to signify the ten kyu ranks. Our dojo uses four belts only; white belt (10^th and 9^th kyu), yellow belt (8^th and 7^th kyu), green belt (6^th, 5^th and 4^th kyu), and brown belt (3^rd, 2^nd and 1^st kyu).

Tenure in the dojo is also recognized when students line up for class. Students may be the same rank but if one person has been training longer, they are seen as senior. This can change if the junior passes the senior in rank and it is a logical outcome if a student’s busy schedule does not permit them to make as many classes as others or if they put in less effort.

The appropriate time for testing is determined by the instructor and students should not ask to be tested. Readers may review the full rank criteria and testing prcedures for the Michigan Ryusyokai Karate Club HERE.