General overview of grades

Mukyu. Absolute beginner in traditional Shorei-ryu.

Empty cup. White belt (Shiro Obi) symbolizes emptiness and an open mind ready to receive knowledge.

First steps in Ibuki breathing. Mastering Sanchin dachi.

The seed is penetrated by the first light, showing the desire to grow.

Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi. Solid foundations and blocking techniques.

Earth (Gold). The first manifested form, a firm stance on the ground.

Introduction of Tai Sabaki (circular evasion) specific to Goju.

Stripe indicates the sun warming the earth, preparing for budding.

Kata Gekisai Dai Ni. Kakie (sticky hands) and basic grappling.

Color of the forest. Symbolizes sprouting and understanding Go/Ju breathing.

Combination of Hard and Soft blocks (Mawashi Uke).

Transition from the forest towards the sky. Striving for higher fluidity.

Kata Saifa. Strong emphasis on unbalancing the opponent.

Water. The student fully flows with the attack instead of forceful blocking.

Okinawan kumite, Bunkai, and animal forms (Kata Seiyunchin).

Deep roots of the tree. Connection of physical Hojo Undo and mental resilience.

Consolidating Hard (Go) and Soft (Ju) principles.

First signs of black color representing the maturity of the practitioner's body.

Direct qualification test for Shodan. Kata Shisochin.

Full concentration, suppression of one's own ego.

Beginning of the master path. Perfect execution of Sanchin and Tensho kata.

Overcoming physical limits. All student colors combined into one.

Advanced Okinawan weapons (Kobudo). Kata Sanseru.

Harmony between body and weapon.

Recognized dojo teacher. Kata Sepai.

A master who can create new students.

Earning the Okinawan honorary title Renshi (Polished instructor).

Renshi wears the first red stripe on a black belt (federation dependent).

Awarding the title Shihan. Kata Kururunfa.

Deep understanding of Okinawan tradition.

Kyoshi (Teacher of teachers). Okinawan masters wear a paneled red-white belt.

The master moves from hard power to pure flexibility of mind.

Full mastery of the highest kata (Suparinpei).

108 techniques. Complete understanding of inner and outer energy flows.

Title of Hanshi (Exemplary Master). In Shorei-ryu, may wear a solid red belt.

Warrior fire purified by lifelong experience.

Grandmaster, a living embodiment of Chojun Miyagi's legacy.

Return to absolute simplicity of Goju (Hard and Soft).

Supreme head of the international organization (e.g. IOGKF).

Represents the very origin of the art from Okinawa.