Practitioners of Shorin Ryu Karate emphasize natural breathing, deep and narrow (high) stances, circular movements and correct posture as fundamental principles.
Prior to 1929 in Okinawa, no belt rank in karate was awarded; Master Funakoshi instituted the black belt system.
Black Belt
Reaching Black Belt marks a monumental accomplishment, yet it should only serve as the start of one’s martial journey. Training to become an expert at anything starts now!
Kano Jigoro, founder of judo, first introduced the kyu/dan rank system to martial arts, quickly adopted it by karate practitioners worldwide and most organizations have their own variations for belt colors and dan ranks.
White Belt
White Belt signifies new students as they begin their journey into Shorin Ryu martial art. Achieve this rank takes dedication, hard work and consistent efforts.
Shorin Ryu is an effective martial art with a focus on kicking. In order to be effective during battle, its kicks must hit their targets precisely – an accomplishment made possible through consistent training outside of karate class.
As is typical for all karate patches, the patch for this rank is also circular to symbolize how training travels full circle from student to instructor and back again.
Yellow Belt
Yellow represents the sun’s warmth. A yellow belt symbolizes beginners learning basic karate moves; these students are developing and becoming stronger over time.
Although Sokon Matsumura founded Shuri-te, he didn’t invent all its components. Anko Itosu, a legendary warrior and bodyguard to three Okinawan kings, taught it. Choshin Chibana gave this style its current name of Shorin Ryu in 1933 to honor its samurai roots while distinguishing it from other karate schools.
Green Belt
The green belt rank represents an intermediate step in karate training and marks a transition from novice to intermediate levels of study. Requirements vary between schools and organizations for attaining this rank; typically these involve proper stances, balance and motion as hallmarks for achievement.
The patch’s circular shape signifies the full circle of martial arts training from student to teacher and back again, and shows it is never too late to begin your martial arts journey. It was designed by Sensei Shugoro Nakazato of Shorin Ryu Shorinkan.
Blue Belt
Blue Belt graduates have trained for at least two years to attain this rank, which provides instruction on the fundamental movements of Shorin Ryu as well as encouraging proper stretching routines to hone kicking accuracy.
Jigoro Kano is best known as the creator of karate’s ranking system and founder of judo, as well as for establishing the number and colors associated with each kyu (level) as well as the Soke (Head of Ryu), an honorific position passed down through family dynasties rather than awarded directly.
Purple Belt
At purple belt level, students have already established the fundamentals of their style and can focus on mastering specific techniques which fit best with their game.
Purple belts should strive to strike a balance between top and bottom game techniques, being aware that leaning too heavily toward one could make them vulnerable to being caught by students above them.
Their kicks should be under complete control and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of momentum and weight distribution, while being capable of recognizing and correcting their own mistakes.
Brown Belt
Brown belt ranks are typically considered an indicator of experience and proficiency. At this level, students learn to emphasize proper stance and balance training as well as power and focus training.
Students achieving this rank typically learn heisoku dachi stance and strong blocking technique known as kihon, as well as powerful kicks and hand techniques that they can employ during this rank.
Each organization often employs its own ranking system; however, the basic method for earning kyu and dan ranks remains consistent across organizations.
Red Belt
Colors used to indicate rank or kyu vary between schools, though typically white signifies beginner levels while black denotes experts with the highest ranks.
Soke is an honorific title given to the leader of any Ryu or style. Sokes do not need to inherit it at a specific rank level and can award any lower-ranked students below them, thus helping other styles recognize his or her authority.
My passion for martial arts goes beyond practice; it is a philosophy that shapes my writing, bringing a distinctive edge to my narratives and advice. I hold black belts in two martial arts disciplines and have competed internationally, experiences that enrich my storytelling with authenticity and excitement.