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
Basics of breathing and movement in Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan.
A blank slate ready to receive the wisdom of both parent schools (Shuri and Naha).
9th Kyu – Yellow Belt
Solid stances (Moto Dachi). Pinan Shodan.
The sun gives the student energy for hard beginnings.
8th Kyu – Orange Belt
Exploring evasions and smooth transitions. Pinan Nidan.
Shining sun, awakening of first tactical reflexes.
7th Kyu – Green Belt
Combination of speed (Shuri) and strong breathing (Naha).
The tree grows. Understanding stability in both directions is required.
6th Kyu – Blue Belt
Pinan Sandan. Dynamic center of gravity shifts and smooth Bunkai.
Water. The art of adapting to the attack's shape and absorbing it.
5th Kyu – Purple Belt
Pinan Yondan and Jion kata. Transition to master Naha-te techniques.
Dawn of technical maturity.
4th Kyu – Purple Belt II
Prep for brown belts, hard strikes (Kime) and soft blocks.
Joining opposites into one functional whole.
3rd Kyu – Brown Belt
Kata Bassai Dai, Sanchin or Tensho.
Color of clay. Firm rooting in Kenwa Mabuni's foundations.
2nd Kyu – Brown Belt II
Semi-free sparring (Jiyu Ippon) with precise timing.
Hardening of wood before the upcoming master exam.
1st Kyu – Brown Belt III
Full free sparring and mastery of Ibuki breathing.
Student stands on the threshold of black wisdom, controlling their ego.
1st Dan – Black Belt (Shodan)
Shodan. Master beginning again as a student of the black path.
Union of Shuri and Naha in one body (black absorbs both colors).
2nd Dan – Black Belt (Nidan)
In-depth Bunkai. Knowledge of rare animal kata in Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan.
Polishing the steel.
3rd Dan – Black Belt (Sensei)
Sensei. Capable of teaching the next generation and knowing over 20 kata.
A bridge between old Okinawan teachings and the modern student.
4th Dan – Black Belt (Yondan)
Technical expert of the Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan organization.
Hardening of character.
5th Dan – Black Belt (Shihan)
Shihan. Master level requiring anatomy and Kyusho (pressure points) understanding.
Spiritual guide of the style.
6th Dan – Red/White Belt (Renshi)
Renshi title. Carried by international instructors.
Duality of Hard and Soft is fully mastered and shown in the paneled belt.
7th Dan – Red/White Belt (Kyoshi)
Kyoshi. Top researcher and preserver of over 50 Mabuni school katas.
Scholar of the Way (Do).
8th Dan – Red/White Belt (Hanshi)
High master authority examining all Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan technical degrees worldwide.
The red color of fire burns through the white fabric of tradition.
9th Dan – Red Belt (Hanshi)
Hanshi. Living legend embodying Mabuni's doctrine "Learn from all".
Radiant red sacrifice of art at the end of the warrior's life.
10th Dan – Red Belt (Soke)
Patriarch of the lineage. Kenwa Mabuni and his family successors.
Source of the style itself.