The Ranking System

Ranking in Shotokan Karate is determined by periodic tests that occur every two to three times per year. There is a separate ranking system for students with white/color belts and students with black belts. The system for students with white and color belts is called the Kyu system and the system for black belt students is called the Dan system.

The Kyu System

Students start at the white belt - 10th kyu. At every test they have the opportunity to rise either one or two ranks, depending on their performance at the test. The progression is determined by the students abilities in
kihon (basic techniques), kumite (sparring), and kata (a specified series of techniques).

Kyu	Belt Color	Kata Performed	Sparring Style
10	White	Heian Shodan Heian Nidan	Three step
9, 8	Yellow	Heian Nidan Heian Sandan	Three step
7, 6	Orange	Heian Sandan Heian Yondan	One step
5, 4	Green	Heian Yondan Heian Godan	One step
3, 2, 1	Brown	Tekki Shodan Bassai Dai Kanku Dai Any kata	Semi-free

The Dan System

The Dan System is available to students who spend approximately one year (three kyu ranks) at the brown belt level. Students in the Dan system have demonstrated mastery of the basics of Shotokan Karate and begin study of more advanced techniques and kata. The highest Dan attainable normally is the 8th Dan, but honorary degrees are sometimes issued. Teruyuki Okazaki, chief instructor of the ISKF, holds a 9th Dan.

Dan	Belt Color	Kata Performed	Sparring Style
Shodan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
Ni Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
San Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
Yon Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
Go Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
Roku Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
Shichi Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle
Hachi Dan	Black	Any high level kata	Freestyle