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 original Okinawan Matsubayashi-ryu. Practice of Fukyugata Ichi.
Beginner approaches with an empty mind (Sho-Shin), ready to receive Sino-Okinawan wisdom.
9th Kyu – Yellow Belt
Strengthening basic stances. Kata Fukyugata Ni.
Swaying pine forest. Student absorbs sunlight and initial knowledge.
8th Kyu – Orange Belt
Introduction to the Pinan kata series (e.g., Pinan Shodan).
Sprouting tree.
7th Kyu – Green Belt
Emphasis on mobility and speed of the light pine forest.
Development of tree branches.
6th Kyu – Blue Belt
Pinan Nidan and Sandan. Mastering Yakusoku Kumite (pre-arranged sparring).
Adaptability and fluidity.
5th Kyu – Purple Belt
Increase in precision, speed, and hip usage (Koshi).
Maturation.
4th Kyu – Purple Belt (2)
Kata Naihanchi Shodan (rooting to the ground).
Combining dynamics with stability.
3rd Kyu – Brown Belt
First step among advanced Matsubayashi-ryu students. Kata Passai.
Stable roots like a century-old Okinawan pine.
2nd Kyu – Brown Belt II
Free sparring (Jiyu Kumite) test and Bunkai kata.
Darkening of tree wood, preparing for black sky.
1st Kyu – Brown Belt III
Kata Kusanku and mastering basic Kobudo principles (e.g. with Bo).
Brown belt blackened by one's own training sweat.
1st Dan – Black Belt (Shodan)
Beginning of the Okinawan Matsubayashi-ryu master path.
Belt absorbed all colors.
2nd Dan – Black Belt (Nidan)
Kata Chinto. Development of internal energy (Ki) and lethal precision.
Polished body mechanics.
3rd Dan – Black Belt (Sensei)
Official teacher. Master kata Gojushiho.
Ability to pass on tradition.
4th Dan – Black Belt (Yondan)
Technical expert. Authorized to award black belts (varies).
Understanding hidden Bunkai (Oyo Bunkai).
5th Dan – Black Belt (Shihan)
High master authority, often titled Shihan.
Title of the old Okinawan school master.
6th Dan – Red/White Belt (Renshi)
Renshi (One whose skills are polished).
Paneled belt shows perfect control over force and harmony.
7th Dan – Red/White Belt (Kyoshi)
Kyoshi. Recognized expert of the Okinawan board.
Teacher who raises other teachers (Renshi and Senseis).
8th Dan – Red/White Belt (Hanshi)
International representative level (often first award of Hanshi).
Wisdom of the old Okinawan Matsubayashi-ryu pine tree.
9th Dan – Red Belt (Hanshi)
Living treasure. Highest commonly awarded master rank.
Red as an unextinguished fire of loyalty and sacrifice to martial art.
10th Dan – Red Belt (Grandmaster)
Patriarch of the style (e.g. Choshin Chibana). Embodiment of absolute wisdom.
Complete return to the point of birth and experiencing the cycle of existence.