General overview of grades
This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.
10th Kyu – White Belt
Mukyu. Absolute beginner in traditional Goju-ryu.
Empty cup. White belt (Shiro Obi) symbolizes emptiness and an open mind ready to receive knowledge.
9th Kyu – White Belt (1 Yellow Stripe)
First steps in Ibuki breathing. Mastering Sanchin dachi.
The seed is penetrated by the first light, showing the desire to grow.
8th Kyu – Yellow Belt
Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi. Solid foundations and blocking techniques.
Earth (Gold). The first manifested form, a firm stance on the ground.
7th Kyu – Yellow Belt (1 Orange Stripe)
Introduction of Tai Sabaki (circular evasion) specific to Goju.
Stripe indicates the sun warming the earth, preparing for budding.
6th Kyu – Green Belt
Kata Gekisai Dai Ni. Kakie (sticky hands) and basic grappling.
Color of the forest. Symbolizes sprouting and understanding Go/Ju breathing.
5th Kyu – Green Belt (1 Blue Stripe)
Combination of Hard and Soft blocks (Mawashi Uke).
Transition from the forest towards the sky. Striving for higher fluidity.
4th Kyu – Blue Belt (or Purple)
Kata Saifa. Strong emphasis on unbalancing the opponent.
Water. The student fully flows with the attack instead of forceful blocking.
3rd Kyu – Brown Belt
Okinawan kumite, Bunkai, and animal forms (Kata Seiyunchin).
Deep roots of the tree. Connection of physical Hojo Undo and mental resilience.
2nd Kyu – Brown Belt (1 Black Stripe)
Consolidating Hard (Go) and Soft (Ju) principles.
First signs of black color representing the maturity of the practitioner's body.
1st Kyu – Brown Belt (2 Black Stripes)
Direct qualification test for Shodan. Kata Shisochin.
Full concentration, suppression of one's own ego.
1st Dan – Black Belt (Shodan)
Beginning of the master path. Perfect execution of Sanchin and Tensho kata.
Overcoming physical limits. All student colors combined into one.
2nd Dan – Black Belt (Nidan)
Advanced Okinawan weapons (Kobudo). Kata Sanseru.
Harmony between body and weapon.
3rd Dan – Black Belt (Sandan / Sensei)
Recognized dojo teacher. Kata Sepai.
A master who can create new students.
4th Dan – Black Belt (Yondan / Renshi)
Earning the Okinawan honorary title Renshi (Polished instructor).
Renshi wears the first red stripe on a black belt (federation dependent).
5th Dan – Black Belt (Godan / Shihan)
Awarding the title Shihan. Kata Kururunfa.
Deep understanding of Okinawan tradition.
6th Dan – Red/White Belt (Kyoshi)
Kyoshi (Teacher of teachers). Okinawan masters wear a paneled red-white belt.
The master moves from hard power to pure flexibility of mind.
7th Dan – Red/White Belt (Kyoshi)
Full mastery of the highest kata (Suparinpei).
108 techniques. Complete understanding of inner and outer energy flows.
8th Dan – Red Belt (Hanshi)
Title of Hanshi (Exemplary Master). In Goju-ryu, may wear a solid red belt.
Warrior fire purified by lifelong experience.
9th Dan – Red Belt (Hanshi)
Grandmaster, a living embodiment of Chojun Miyagi's legacy.
Return to absolute simplicity of Goju (Hard and Soft).
10th Dan – Red Belt (Saiko Shihan)
Supreme head of the international organization (e.g. IOGKF).
Represents the very origin of the art from Okinawa.