General overview of grades

Beginning of the Wado-ryu path. Learning evasion and Taisabaki fluidity.

White signifies a blank slate, open to receiving the principle of harmony (Wa).

Mastering basic stances. Pinan Nidan kata.

Yellow is the sun illuminating the student's new knowledge.

Pinan Shodan. Emphasis on proper punch and block mechanics.

Orange symbolizes energy and desire to train.

Growing understanding of Wado principles like relaxation and speed.

Green color symbolizes spring and technique growth.

Pinan Sandan. Application of joint locks and unbalancing from Jujutsu.

Blue represents water and sky, the fluidity characteristic of Wado-ryu.

Naihanshi kata. Transition to advanced Nagashi (evasion) concepts.

Purple signifies maturity and transition towards the master path.

Test of understanding Wado kumite and Sanbon Kumite.

Purple darkens to brown, consolidating martial skills.

First senior student rank. Mastery of Kihon Kumite.

Color of solid earth, stability, and technical maturity.

Advanced kata Pinan Yondan, Kushanku, and Seishan.

The soil is ready to be sown with deeper Jujutsu principles.

Last step before master rank. Full Jiyu Kumite engagement.

Readiness of mind and body to accept black - the start of a new journey.

First master rank. Demonstration of Wado principles Irimi and Nagashi.

New chapter (Sho - beginning). Finding harmony Wa in one's movement.

Refining Taisabaki and real-time Bunkai application.

Deeper understanding of martial efficiency without brute force.

Mastering complex Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu techniques within karate.

Full teacher (Sensei), able to apply the principle of the Way (Do).

First technical expert level. Knowledge of rare Wado kata.

Harmony of physical technique and strategic martial intelligence.

Title of Shihan (Master instructor). Knowledge of vital points (Kyusho).

Absolute mastery, ability to lead entire organizations.

Honorary board rank. Master wears a paneled belt in recognition.

Union of purity and power. Fire and knowledge passed to next generations.

Kyoshi. Prestigious international board member.

Harmony of life. Master transcends combat and teaches a way of life.

Hanshi. Bearer of the highest principles of the Wado school.

Earthly ties vanished, only pure essence (red) remains.

Rarely awarded rank of Grandmaster.

A living example of the Way of Peace (Wa).

Approved for the supreme leader of the style (e.g., Ohtsuka family).

Represents the very source of the style and the inviolable history.