General overview of grades

Entry rank for absolute beginners in Shotokan Karate.

White color symbolizes purity, innocence, and an unwritten page at the start of the dojo journey.

First advanced student level after mastering basic Zenkutsu Dachi stances.

Yellow symbolizes the first rays of the sun giving strength to a growing seed.

Rank demonstrating stable basic techniques and first Shotokan kata (Heian Shodan).

Orange represents strengthening sunlight and a growing plant.

Intermediate student rank emphasizing kicks (Geri) and movement dynamics.

Green symbolizes a growing shoot extending its branches and leaves.

Advanced student rank focusing on fluidity and controlled sparring (Gohon Kumite).

Blue symbolizes the sky toward which the plant reaches higher and stronger.

Transition rank toward senior belts. Practice of kata Heian Yondan.

Purple represents maturation of the practitioner and dawn of deeper technique.

Senior level prior to brown belt. Mastery of Heian Godan kata.

Deepening purple signifies stabilization of mind and grounding before brown belt.

First senior student rank, mastering advanced kata Tekki Shodan.

Brown symbolizes fertile earth and deep grounding in Shotokan fundamentals.

Penultimate student rank focusing on strategy and semi-free kumite (Jiyu Ippon Kumite).

Preparation of soil for harvest and ripening of mindset before master ranks.

Highest student rank. Full mastery of Jiyu Kumite and Bassai Dai kata.

Fully matured soil ready to absorb darkness and mystery of the black belt.

First master rank (Shodan = beginner degree). Beginning of true warrior path.

Black absorbs all previous colors, showing the student mastered basics and becomes a true seeker.

Second master rank focusing on fluidity, smooth stance transitions and technique.

Maturity in technique. Body and technique begin to work instinctively without overthinking.

Third master rank. Attainment of physical perfection and beginning of teaching others (Sensei).

Harmony of body and mind, ability to pass on the tradition and philosophy of Karate.

Fourth master rank emphasizing the spiritual aspect of combat (Budo) and Bunkai analysis.

Deep inner calm, understanding of biomechanics and perfect mental alignment.

Fifth master rank. Achievement of full personal maturity and technical independence.

Attainment of high human and technical maturity, unwavering moral authority.

Sixth master rank. Awarded for lifelong promotion and contribution to Karate.

Interweaving of red (passion, power) and white (purity, beginner's mind).

Seventh master rank. Scholar and researcher of Karate at the international level.

Deep transformation of physical practice into spiritual understanding of life and Budo.

Eighth master rank. Prestigious honorary title (teacher of teachers).

Embodiment of wisdom and devotion, transcendence of the ego.

Ninth master rank, rarely awarded to the most prominent living legends.

Red symbolizes fiery devotion, lifelong sacrifice, and supreme wisdom.

Highest achievable rank. Reserved for founders, patriarchs, and supreme masters of the organization.

The circle completes. Red represents return to the initial fire in full enlightenment of the mind.