The Traditional DOJO is a place of beauty and simplicity which its head instructor plays out the role of Teacher, Counselor, Father, friend, and under certain required circumstances even Judge!  The Sensei (honorable teacher) or Shihan (Master) often weaves the blanket of a DOJO from his assistant instructors, his Sempai (senior Students), other instructors below his rank, and the community within the vicinity of his DOJO to form a close family of Karate-Ka (Karate persons).  Who recognize each other on a hierarchy of standards set forth by their Senior Instructors virtue, the students of the DOJO set their Do (way or path).

THE RANKING SYSTEM

The Kanji shown reads as ‘SHO’ translated as proof

Ranks are all relative and subject.  There are green Belts that would be Black Belts at a different school.  And there are Black Belts that couldn’t cross the street without endangering their health.  In 

and under many circumstances rank is used to keep students motivated or to give them a sense of progression, of accomplishment and separates different levels of skill within a group. The student 

will be aware of the discipline within the class and with regards to rank. As each student progressed he/she receives gradings through the yellow Belt (Kirobi) levels to green Belt (Midori-obi) then to brown Belt (Chaobi) and Black Belt (Kurobi).

 Back when Kara-te was still known as Chinese hand, there was no need for a Belt ranking system.  Every one in the Dojo knew who the senior student and Teacher or Master was.  In the early days of Okinawan Martial Arts, all Karate-Ka started out with a White Belt.  In time, and the change of seasons, spring would come about and with it green grass, pollen and dust.  Since the Belt was never washed as a symbol of hard work put forth into ones Training (as is today) Spring could leave behind on your white Belt a tinge of green, since most Dojo of the day were exposed to the elements or simply outdoors, and depending on how much Training you participated in.  With the coming of fall and winter the muck of -Nature would further stain the once white Belt.  After several turning of seasons, and repeated summers heat to bake and darken the colors, the Belt eventually turned Black!  Thus explaining the origin of the Black Belt. 

 With the advent of change came the introduction of a standardized structure that would separate students by levels of comprehension in their style of Martial Art.  This structure had already been in place before “The meeting of the Masters”[1] yet it was formally standardized by the Okinawan Martial Art systems as it was in Tokyo just some time before (early 1930’s). 

 The ButokukaiÎ (See endnote) is the entity that governs all Martial Arts from Japan on an international basis.  The Butokukai adopted and issued the first titles distinguishing modern day Budo practitioners (Budoka, those of “RYU” and not of “JITSU).  These “Budoka” were determined either prominent or exceptional in their styles by their peers as well as the Butokukai. In the Butokukai, ranking is the assessment of an individual's course toward the attainment of excellence through practice and tradition. This judgment is not based on mortal superior ability however includes the entire mortal, moral, and spiritual and developmental credentials and aspects.  The first Shihan ("Master Teacher") title was Hanshi ("Model Expert "or"" Teacher by Example, and Kyoshi, originally known as Tasshi ("Teaching Expert"). In 1934, a third title was introduced, Renshi ("Well Trained or Skilled Expert"). These are the same ranks awarded to masters today. 

 The most discernible figures of Karate-Do to receive the titles from the Butokukai have been: Miyagi Chojun (Goju Ryu) and his classmate Mabuni Kenwa (Shito Ryu), Funakoshi Gichin (Shotokan) his son Funakoshi Giko (Shotokan), Konishi Yasuhiro (Shindo Jinen Ryu), Ohtsuka Hironori (Wado Ryu), Yamaguchi Gogen (Goju Kai), Nagamine ShOshin (Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu), Shinzato Jin’an (Goju Ryu), Higa Seiko (Goju Ryu), Yagi Meitoku (Goju Ryu), Ueshima Sannosuke (Kushin Ryu), Tomoyori Ryusei (Kenyu Ryu), Kinjo HirOshi (Ko Ryu), Richard Kim who now lives in Northern California (Shorinji Ryu), and Sakagami Ryusho (Itosu Kai Shito Ryu).

 Endorsed by the Butokukai, the wearing of sashes and Belts was conceived of by the late founder of judo, Kano Jigoro. Kano first foresaw the need to distinguish the difference between the advanced practitioner and the different levels of beginners; thus he developed the Dan/Kyu system. The Dan, or Black Belt, indicated an advanced proficiency level and those who earned it became known as Yudansha (Dan recipients); the Kyu degrees represented the varying levels of competency below the Dan, and were known as Mudansha (those not yet having received a Dan). Kano Sensei felt it particularly important for all students to fully realize that one's training was in no way complete simply because one had achieved the Dan degree. On the contrary, he emphasized that the attainment of the Dan rank merely symbolized the real beginning of one's journey. By reaching Black Belt level, one had, in fact, completed only the necessary requirements to embark upon a relentless journey without distance that would ultimately result in self-mastery.

 After establishing the Kodak Dojo, Kano Sensei distributed Black sashes to all Yudansha, which were worn around the standard Dogi (practice Uniform) of that era. Around 1907, the Black sash was replaced with the kuroi-obi (Black Belt), which became the standard still used.[2]

Of this standard there was of course the white Belt and the Black Belt  (still sometimes found to be the only two Belts in a Dojo such as many traditional Aikido Dojo).  Added to this was the green and brown Belts, thus was known as the Traditional Belt system!  In the old Japanese system of Goju Ryu, the following is was standard Belt system:

  For Mudansha or Kyu level students.

  For Yudansha of Black Belt level students.

 Another (known as the modern or international) ranking system, primarily the major four styles, the following system is loosely followed (including Japanese Goju Ryu).  This list is not necessarily in concrete however may even include other Belt colors or level of rank, Kyu or color (example: Blue Belt-level 1. 2 or 3) depending on the level of tradition of the school and the teaching program of the instructors.        

There is an exception for this system (in particular pertaining to the Shotokan style) in which in many Dojo's Blue Belt comes before Green Belt.  It should also be recognized that most JKF Goju Ryu systems currently adopt the following Belt system.

Receiving a new Belt and or rank is done in another Reishiki  ceremony, which differs, from Dojo to Dojo. Generally students are called to the front of class. They kneel before their Instructor in Seiza, bow, and under whatever ceremonial circumstance receive their award. In some Dojo they turn around and remove their current Belt, turn back around and are told to never wear our previous rank again, and are given a new rank to put on before Going to be seated and bow again after placing it on.

As you will notice the ranking starts with 10th Kyu (Kyu meaning “boy”, denoting lower ranks), a rank obtained by merely being accepted into a Dojo, since it is you who have made the decision in seeking out formal training.  Ranks descend down in numbers from 10th Kyu until it reaches Ikkyu (1st Kyu), the highest level of brown Belt and after passing the rigorous test of Black Belt and fulfilling the requirements set forth, you struggle your way back up through the ranks of Yudansha ascending to 10th Dan (10th Dan being the highest achievable rank, and very rare!).  By following a structure of merit, such as the Belt system, an instructor has a way of understanding the development and progression of skill of students and can teach them according to his set standards.  This is as well an important part of the Dojo Reishiki.

It should be emphasized that because a person receives a rank it does not mean that they receive a title along with it. The rank is tested for and  the title is bestowed upon a person. A 5th Dan is not necessarily a Shihan. That is not to say that he or she is not deserving of such a title however it is a separate certificate all together. This common misconception is not to blame on those who refer to  themselves with such titles because for the most part they were never told of how such titles came about or how to acquire them. Of course the titles of Deshi, Uchi Deshi, Hokai, Sempai, Kyoren, etc and possibly Soke, O'Sensei and Kensei do not require further certification because these titles are in Reference to and not of outstanding nature in position to the Dojo or association (except Soke and Kensei)

A quick lesson I learned the hard way at one time on, how and when speaking to or in reference to your seniors, In Japan, when you address someone, you should always start with the family name first and then whatever title succeeds.  The correct context of speaking to your Sensei should be “Kikuchi Sensei” or just “Sensei”.  Only in America has the mistake been made to call teachers “Renshi Brad” or “Hanshi Broc”.  Another common ‘American only’ mistake is adding the formal rank of said instructor to their title. “Soke Dave”, “Kyoshi Richard” or even “Shihan Dn” are incorrect and in Japan might be regarded as ignorant or even defiant.  In Japan, Titles such as those described are use as spoken word mostly when or after people die!  Yamaguchi Sensei was never referred to ‘Yamaguchi Kaiso’ as you might notice until after he passed away, and the same goes for “Miyagi Chojun Kensei (Sacred fist). For the most part you shouldn't worry about being asked of your rank or title by lower ranks. It is just as impolite to ask a woman of her age. If a senior in rank wants to know your own rank he may ask without hesitation or he may ask another senior.  

Dan ranks also have a teaching credential Belt system for Black Belts wishing to pursue a teaching career as listed above they are Renshi (who is ‘a man of high character ‘training master’), Kyoshi (Meaning ‘a teacher’ or ‘teaching master’) and Hanshi (a ‘model for all masters’).  All three of these titles are those of Shihan who rightfully could be called a master of Karate and a role model.  Shihan also denotes teacher of  teachers, which makes sense considering most of those who hold such titles have Black Belts who have Black Belts under them.

There is also Kyoren, which ranks 3rd Dan but is not associated in teaching or designated to do so.  Shedoin, another 3rd Dan, is the status of an instructor assigned to a certain Dojo by the Honbu Dojo.  Jokyo, 4th Dan or higher, is an instructor designated to a Dojo independent of the Honbu Dojo however still affiliated with its headquarters

REN	KYO	HAN
TRAIN	TEACH	MODEL

Kanji, Hirigana, and or Katakana writing on Belts are usually saved for Dan holders.  One end reading their name (and never rank) and worn on the right hand side.  And the other reading either their style or their association (which can denote their association such as either Goju Ryu or Goju Ryu Kai, which is made up of Goju Ryu Karate-Ka) and worn to their left hand side.  The traditional and most common colors of writing on the Belts are Yellow (Gold), and Red. 

{Sometimes the color of the writing can also denote the rank of its wearer.  In some schools there is a standard color of embroidery which denotes the rank of Yudansha, white writing being that of Sho and Ni Dan, Yellow being San and Yon Dan, and Red being Go Dan and above.  These colors can also denoting some type of leadership.  This format of Belt recognition is that currently adopted by many Dojo. Most schools and styles use all Red or Gold writing and then there are some that use no writing at all while still others might implement white or silver writing.  Those that due implement red only obviously use it exclusively and the same goes for Gold.  Those that implement both Red and Gold generally use Gold for Sho Dan and Ni Dan holders and follow with Red embroidered writing for San and Yon Dan Holders.  And finally there are those who prelude with Silver for Sho and Ni Dan, Gold for San and Yon Dan and Red for everything else above. This embroidery applies to RyuHa /KaiHa Logos embroided on the left Lapel or your Gi as well}

Pictured here is the numerical Kanji for ONE (Ichi)

And on the left is the LEGAL Kanji for ONE (Ichi).  They differ because to change it to either 2 or 3 would simply take adding another line

And here pictured above left is TWO or NI as in counting

One the right is shown TWO or NI in legal terms

Left is THREE or SHI in counting format

Right is THREE or SHI in legal format.

The rest of the basic digits all have their own Kanji instead of alternate versions

The Butokukai also concluded that the improvements it called for would bring about a single coalition under their decisions and rules, as had happened with judo and Kendo. Prince Nashimoto Moriwasa empowered Goju Ryu’s Chojun Miyagi to set up a Karate Kyoju-Kai (Karate Teacher Association) on behalf of the Butokukai in 1937. Sensei Konishi and Sensei Sannosuke were assigned to implement and oversee this transition.  Another major transition that was however implemented was the adoption of “Te” or all Okinawan Bujutsu to become revised into a Japanese Budo.  Of the rules or changes to take place were:

A.     The implementation of a formal Belt system.

1.  As already devised by Kano Jigoro Sensei.

B.     The adoption of a formal Uniform (GI or Dogi).

1.      When Karate was first introduced to mainland Japan from Okinawa it was obvious that the traditional Kimono (the daily clothing worn in public) was too bulky and restrictive for the physical movements of Karate-do. 

2. In many old photographs, Karate practitioners are seen wearing underpants or long underwear.  (I have been told they sometimes even practiced naked!)
3. Premier members of the Butokukai included the Emperor, Prince and other top officials; both Military and Religious (also keep in mind the Emperors position in the Shinto Religion).
4. It was considered highly improper to practice or perform before these delegates in such attire therefore the Butokukai adopted (mandated) a Gi made of a lighter weighted material for use in Karate-do.

C.     Changing the various ‘TE’ from the ideogram (Kanji) meaning Chinese Hand to the Japanese meaning Empty Hand (Karate).

Karate-Do’s continued development was heavily deferred by the onset of World War II (which included the loss of Miyagi Sensei’s top student in battle), so much so that this universal set of standards failed to ever materializes. Today in each different KaiHa and RyuHa there are levels of rulings that do Govern the credentials and teaching degrees.  Those strongest after that of the Butokukai are of the JKA (Shotokan) and of the Karate-Do College (JKGA/IKGA Goju Kai) which in their lineage of empowerment both fall under the responsibility of the JKF which is under the ministry of Education which is under the Butokukai.

It would be great if all styles had their rank requirements spelled out specifically so you could know exactly where you stand and what is expected of you by comparison to all the other styles however, this is not the case.  The syllabus of Dan ranking from traditional Dojo to other Japanese traditional Dojo is usually similar if not the same, that being the minimum age for Sho Dan (1st Dan) level is 16 years of age (maturity, size, and competence outside of Karate) and must perform both all basic Kata, Shitei (mandatory) Kata, Jiyu or Ippon Kumite within an advanced level of competence equal to that of which they are testing for, and have a thorough level of knowledge in the basics of their style including history. The rank of ShoDan may also include requirements for junior Instructor Certification.  The requirements may change from Dojo to dojo and on individual basis however for the most part are semi-standardized.