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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Kajukenbo, created in 1947 in Hawaii by the Black Belt Society (Adriano Emperado et al.), is the original American hybrid martial art. Its name combines Karate, Judo/Jujutsu, Kenpo, and Chinese Boxing. The belt cascade from yellow to black belt (up to Sifu / Sijo) tests rapid street striking chains, weapon disarms, and hard full-contact sparring.

White Belt

WhiteRank #1
Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Basics of spontaneous movement, Wun Hop Kuen Do (Combined Style) principles.

Symbolism & Meaning

Mind without prejudice. Openness to the Chinese-Hawaiian hybrid.

Yellow Belt

YellowRank #2
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Application of Kenpo techniques and relaxation of strikes.

Symbolism & Meaning

Ray of light. Awakening of aggression and survival instinct.

Green Belt

GreenRank #3
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Applying fluid palm strikes from Chinese kung fu and eskrima sticks.

Symbolism & Meaning

Development of personal creativity in self-defense.

Orange Belt

OrangeRank #4
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Basics of Judo and Jujutsu throws and falls applied to concrete.

Symbolism & Meaning

Fire in training. Physical endurance and ability to bear pain grows.

Black Belt (Sifu)

BlackRank #5
Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Sifu (Master). Mastering non-contact reaction, weapons, and street defense.

Symbolism & Meaning

Legacy of Al Dacascos. Freedom of movement without fixed patterns.

Purple Belt

PurpleRank #6
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Defense against multiple attackers drill and weapons (stick).

Symbolism & Meaning

Warrior maturity. Hawaiian system uses purple to mark transition to hard combat.

Blue Belt

BlueRank #7
Typical gap since previous grade: 8 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Applying joint locks into counterattacks. Knife combat.

Symbolism & Meaning

Water. Adaptability to any street situation.

Brown Belt (3rd - 1st Kyu)

BrownRank #8
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Testing through hard sparring and ability to instruct lower students.

Symbolism & Meaning

Tree takes strong roots, stability and brutality of effective self-defense.

Black Belt (1st - 8th Degree)

1-8 DanRank #9
Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Professor title (Sifu / Sibak).

Symbolism & Meaning

Master fully controlling the mix of 4 arts and teaching the Ohana family.

Black Belt with Red Border (9th Degree)

9th DegreeRank #10
Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Grandmaster. Wears traditional Hawaiian black belt with red border.

Symbolism & Meaning

Fire in the darkness. Longstanding legacy and spreading Kajukenbo globally.

Red Belt (10th Degree - Sijo)

10th Degree (Sijo)Rank #11
Typical gap since previous grade: 120 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Reserved exclusively for founders (Sijo Adriano Emperado).

Symbolism & Meaning

Blood of the founders (Black Belt Society) who created the system.