Belt and Ranking Systems
The average training for each below is based on a two classes per week schedule. St Andrews (SA) Dojo that only operate one class per week the time-ins are in (brackets). And for Karate Kids' classes, the timeline could still be extended further, three to six months accordingly.
- Hanshi C
- Hanshi C
Little Karate Kids (Level I), Ages 5 - 8yrs old
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Students in this group upon graduating up into the Karate Kids program, in doing so, will drop down one belt level, i.e. a jr green moving from the Little Karate Kids Program into the older Karate Kids Program will transition to a jr orange (Karate Kids) belt. When a student moves up into an older level, the belt transition is free of charge. It is in kind of a way, the Dojo honoring their graduation up to an older group by giving them the appropriate belt for that level of entrance. The time between each belt level in BOTH Kid's programs generally takes longer than the Adult program.
You will note that in the Little Karate Kids Program, the belts represented only goes up to blue. That's because it is VERY unlikely that a student in that age group would reach past green or blue> unless they are Bruce Lee reincarnated! LOL!
- Hanshi C
- Hanshi C
Karate Kids (Level II), Ages 9 - 15yrs old
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
Second Kyu (Ni Kyu) Purple belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
First Kyu (Ikkyu) Brown belt with a Black centre stripe is worn.
1st Dan Junior Grade/JG (Shodan)
Students in this group upon graduating up into the Adult program, in doing so, will drop down one belt level, i.e. a jr green moving into the Adult Program will transition to a solid orange (adult) belt. (The only exception to this protocol is jr black belt*.) When a student moves up into an older level, the belt transition is free of charge. It is in kind of a way, the Dojo honoring their graduation up to an older group by giving them the appropriate belt for that level of entrance.
*In the Karate By The Sea system of ranking, the minimum age for someone to be promoted to certified first degree black belt (Shodan) is 15/16 years old. In the event the student is under the age of 16 years, that student would be promoted to 1st Dan Junior Grade (J.G.), a black belt with a red centre stripe, after passing a appropriate test. It should be noted, that the test for 1st Dan J.G. does not include the two essays, conducting a Dojo class(s), and the physical test is of a lesser level and requirement. Upon reaching the age of 16 years (special dispensation can be to the age of 15), student at the discretion of the Chief Instructor would be tested for full (Adult) black belt, first degree/Shodan, KBTS certified, by completing the full process of two essays, conducting a Dojo class(es), and the physical test. Further,it is quite possible for a young student to reach 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. In that case upon reaching 16yrs, they would as in previous example, test for full (Adult) black belt, first degree/Shodan, KBTS certified. It is very unlikely that there would ever be a 3rd Dan JG Black Belt.
Adult Shorin Kenpo Karate, 16yrs and up
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt is worn. Average minimum of four to five months of training before testing for yellow. (SA six - seven months)
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt is worn. Average minimum of four to five months of training after becoming a yellow before testing for orange. (SA six - seven months)
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt is worn. Average minimum of five to six months of training after becoming an orange before testing for green. (SA seven - eight months)
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt is worn. Average minimum of five to six months of training after becoming a green before testing for blue. (SA seven - eight months)
Second Kyu (Ni Kyu) Purple belt is worn. Average minimum of six to seven of training after becoming a blue before testing for purple. (SA eight - nine months)
Sempai Level
Addressed as, Sempai
Addressed as, Sempai
First Kyu Sempai Level (Ikkyu) Brown belt is worn. Sempai title is formally bestowed. Average minimum of seven to eight months of training after becoming a purple before testing for brown. (SA nine - ten months)
Q: How long does it take an average person to get a Black Belt?
A: An average person should not get a Black Belt...
A: An average person should not get a Black Belt...
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"The time to train MORE is at Black Belt, not less! That would ALSO INCLUDE Dojo attendance."
- Hanshi C
- Hanshi C
The Karate By The Sea black belt system is fashioned: junior black belts are black with a red center. Adult black belts can either be a plain black belt with a red stripe denoting each Dan/Degree level (Which is also used in the American/& other Kenpo systems), or an embroidered black belt with the person's name on the label end and the style on the other belt end. There can also be Dan striping (especially at 2nd Dan and up) on an embroidered belt, above the embroidered name. This style of Dan striping above the name is specific to our system.
The Sensei, "one who has come before..." The Teacher to their students.
Sensei Level (1st thru 4th Degree Black Belt)
Addresssed as, Sensei
Addresssed as, Sensei
1st Dan (Shodan) The title, Sensei, is given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Dan. Average minimum of one year of training after becoming a brown before testing for 1st Dan. The test process includes: two essays and the physical/practical test.
Group Instructor Level I/Jun Shidoin Arm Patch. Jun Shidoin/Level I, Instructor Certification. At least one year after acquiring 1st Dan, a written examination and a practical examination (control and operation of a Dojo) are conducted. Upon successfully passing each, a Jun Shidoin certification is earned. They carry the title of, Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
2nd Dan (Nidan) Average minimum of two years of training after becoming a 1st Dan, before testing for 2nd Dan.
Group Instructor Level II/Shidoin Arm Patch. Shidoin/Level I, Instructor Certification. At least one year after acquiring 2nd Dan, a written examination and a practical examination (control and operation of a Dojo) are conducted. Upon successfully passing each, a Shidoin certification is earned. They carry the title of, Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
3rd Dan (Sandan) Average minimum of three years of training after becoming a 2nd Dan, before testing for 3rd Dan. Also, upon reaching the rank of Sandan, the holder is elevated to Group Head Instructor. A Group Head Instructor is part of the Senior Staff of the Karate By The Sea Dojo (and affiliate organizations), and is given directive & administrative positions and responsibilities within the organization. They carry the title of, Group Head Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
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4th Dan (Yondan) Average minimum of three to five years of training after becoming a 3rd Dan, before testing for 4th Dan. There are some cases where a person at 4th Dan can be bestowed the title and position of Renshi (-sho). This would be due to special dispensation, such as extended/overdue time as a 3rd Dan, or having great value and done much work for their style/organization. It should be noted, that both Shihans Conley and Adams at 4th Dan, were also Renshi, and in these cases, Shihans Conley and Adams did not wear the Red & Black paneled Renshi Belt. Though it would be acceptable to do so.
The Title system works different, most notably between Okinawan and Japanese systems. As an example: Hanshi in most cases, Dai Nippon Butokukai / Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei, starts at 8th Dan (Hanshisei Fusei Kise in 2010 coincided with the mainstream (modern) Japanese martial arts practice (and the fore mentioned international organizations) in according the Hanshi title was added to 8th Dan level. In turn the distinguishing title of the Grand Master adds the suffix “Sei”, to become “Hanshi-Sei”, loosely translating as “highest master”). In both Japanese and Okinawan governing bodies (Dai Nippon Butokukai / Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei), Renshi can start at 4th or 5th Dan (we/Karate By The Sea Dojos start at 5th Dan) and Kyoshi can start at 6th or 7th Dan (7th Dan for our organization). Further, you will also see below, with regard to the Shihan Dai Levels, to the right representative belt column: Kenpo rank belts (Panel/Stripe System). This belt system was first introduced by the Late Senior Grand Master Ed Parker for his American Kenpo system. However now, this belt rank representation is used in many other Kenpo systems, including with ours.
Shihan Dai Level Ranks and Titles using the (modern) Dai Nippon Butokukai & Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei as base references:
Shihan Dai Level (5th thru 10th Dan)
Shihan/Senior Group Head Instructor Level. They carry the title of, Senior Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
Shihan Dai Level Ranks and Titles using the (modern) Dai Nippon Butokukai & Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei as base references:
Shihan Dai Level (5th thru 10th Dan)
Shihan/Senior Group Head Instructor Level. They carry the title of, Senior Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
Shihan Dai/Level 5th thru 7th Degree Black Belt
Renshi Dai/Level
5th & 6th Dan Black Belts are addressed as Shihan
5th & 6th Dan Black Belts are addressed as Shihan
5th Dan (Godan) Renshi-sho/Lower Level Must have at least 15 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 30 yrs of age. Recommended three to five years of training after becoming a 4th Dan, before a promotion to 5th Dan. Renshi essentially means Polished (teacher). Renshi-sho/5th Dan is lower/lesser polished teacher, and Renshi-dai/6th Dan is upper/greater polished teacher.
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6th Dan (Rokudan) Renshi-dai/Upper Level. Must have at least 20 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 35 yrs of age. Recommended three to five years of training after becoming a 5th Dan, before a promotion to 6th Dan. There are some cases where a person at 6th Dan/Renshi Dai can be bestowed the title and position of Kyoshi. This would be due to special dispensation, such as extensive years of training equal to, or more for Kyoshi, and/or having great value and done much work for their style/organization. This special dispensary promotion would also reflect Hanshisei's Kise & Ota's title/rank structures. Further in this special case, a Red & White paneled Kyoshi Belt, with six gold rank stripes, would be presented.
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Kyoshi Dai/Level
7th Dan Black Belt and is addressed as, Shihan
7th Dan Black Belt and is addressed as, Shihan
7th Dan (Nanadan) Kyoshi Level. Must have at least 25 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 40 yrs of age. Recommended five to seven years minimum of training after becoming a 6th Dan, before a promotion to 7th Dan. Kyoshi essentially means, Teacher or Expert Teacher.
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Hanshi Dai/Level 8th thru 9th Degree Black Belts
Addressed as, Hanshi
Addressed as, Hanshi
8th Dan (Hachidan) Hanshi Level. (In some styles Kyoshi Level.) Must have at least 35 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 50 yrs of age. Recommended five years minimum of training after becoming a 7th Dan, before a promotion to 8th Dan. Hanshi essentially means, Master or Master Teacher.
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9th Dan (Kudan) Hanshi Level Must have at least 40 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 55 yrs of age. Recommended five years of training after becoming a 8th Dan, before a promotion to 9th Dan.
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Hanshisei Dai/Level 10th Degree Black Belt
Addressed as, Hanshisei
Addressed as, Hanshisei
10th Dan (Judan) Hanshisei Level Must have at least 45 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 60 yrs of age. (Further, the head or founder of a system is referred to as, Hanshisei or Soke, also Kaicho or Kancho.)
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*Throughout the Shihan Levels, the time of training between each rank is, "Recommended," meaning that there can be intangibles when promotions are given at the Shihan Levels. Just as there can be at any Black Belt level, if deserving, or for other special dispensation like value to the organization, or if no fault of the candidate, that candidate held a rank for a very long time, then shorter time-in requirements can produce a promotion, in either of the mentioned cases. Additionally, it is always at the discretion, and final decision, of the appropriately ranked test administrator. FURTHER: Applicants, that are Dojo Heads or members of the Association Executive, for the Shihan Levels, only need to meet one of the two requirements (minimum time in/experience, or minimum age), to qualify.
The Title/Level System:
Deshi/Kohai (Student/Junior)
Sempai (Senior)
Sensei (Come Before {One who has})
Junshidoin (Instructor Level I)
Shidoin (Instructor Level II)
Renshi (Polished Expert)
Kyoshi (Teacher)
Hanshi (Master Teacher)
Kaicho (Association/Organization Chief)
Kancho (Style chief> literally means chief/head of the house)
Soke (Founder)
Hanshisei (Grand Master or Highest Master)
Deshi/Kohai (Student/Junior)
Sempai (Senior)
Sensei (Come Before {One who has})
Junshidoin (Instructor Level I)
Shidoin (Instructor Level II)
Renshi (Polished Expert)
Kyoshi (Teacher)
Hanshi (Master Teacher)
Kaicho (Association/Organization Chief)
Kancho (Style chief> literally means chief/head of the house)
Soke (Founder)
Hanshisei (Grand Master or Highest Master)
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Or in many cases, "Should Not Buy!"
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Karate By The Sea Kenpo & LIONHEART Kenpo are divisions of Conley's Martial Arts