Curricula - Karate

Karate Ranking System

The American Butokukan System places great importance on discipline, and the existence of rank and uniforms is a fundamental tool to that end. We welcome those curious about the martial arts and do not require students to purchase a uniform unless they are put up for promotion. At that time it becomes mandatory for all students attending a promotional examination to wear a uniform. The uniform must have the American Butokukan emblem worn on the left upper arm; no other patches are permitted. Once a student has purchased a uniform, they are expected to wear it to every class thereafter. The uniform and how it is worn is both an indication of rank, as well as personal character. A sloppy or unkempt uniform is a sign of a sloppy spirit.

Like many martial arts schools that practice karate or one of its variants, the American Butokukan System uses colored belts to designate rank. There are ten grades below black belt, called kyu, and nine degrees of black belt, called dan. Kyu ranks count down from ten (all beginners start at 10th kyu), then dan ranks count up from one. Note that there is an eleventh rank between 1st kyu and 1st dan; it is black belt candidate and falls outside the standard ten grades. The colored ranks are illustrated in the following diagram:

Rank 10th kyu 9th kyu 8th kyu 7th kyu 6th kyu 5th kyu 4th kyu 3rd kyu 2nd kyu 1st kyu Candidate	Japanese Jûkyû Kukyû Hachikyû Nanakyû Rokyû Gokyû Yonkyû Sankyû Nikyû Ikkyû	Description white belt yellow with white stripe yellow belt yellow with green stripe green belt green with black stripe purple belt purple with black stripe brown belt brown with black stripe brown with two black stripes
There are no further belt distinctions for black belt ranks. All black belts wear a plain black belt with no stripes or other indications of differences between degrees. The only potential indicator of a black belt's rank is how frayed their belt becomes! The black belt ranks are named as follows:
1st dan 2nd dan 3rd dan 4th dan 5th dan 6th dan 7th dan 8th dan 9th dan	Shodan Nidan Sandan Yondan Godan Rokudan Nanadan Hachidan Kudan
Finally, there are four other rank indicators in the American Butokukan System. First, only black belts are permitted to wear colored uniforms; if they do so then they wear a gold and black emblem. Kyu ranks may wear only a white uniform with an indigo blue and white patch. Second, upon attaining the rank of sixth kyu, students are taught a different knot with which to tie their belt. Third, a small gold medallion in the shape of the American Butokukan emblem may be awarded (generally no sooner than 2nd kyu) to honor a student who has made substantial contributions to the American Butokukan System. It is worn sewn into the end of their belt, worn facing out on the their left side. Last, a renshi belt may be awarded no sooner than 3rd dan, as a recognition of full teaching certification. A renshi belt is black on one side and half red, half white on the other, and the orientation in which it is worn indicates the rank of the wearer. Rarely worn, it is most commonly used for the purpose of officiating at tournaments. The rank indicated by a renshi belt is illustrated by the following diagram:
3rd dan   4th dan   5th dan	Sandan   Yondan   Godan	black side out red/white side out, white on top red/white side out, red on top

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