General overview of grades

Solid stances (Moto Dachi). Pinan Shodan.

The sun gives the student energy for hard beginnings.

Exploring evasions and smooth transitions. Pinan Nidan.

Shining sun, awakening of first tactical reflexes.

Combination of speed (Shuri) and strong breathing (Naha).

The tree grows. Understanding stability in both directions is required.

Pinan Sandan. Dynamic center of gravity shifts and smooth Bunkai.

Water. The art of adapting to the attack's shape and absorbing it.

Pinan Yondan and Jion kata. Transition to master Naha-te techniques.

Dawn of technical maturity.

Prep for brown belts, hard strikes (Kime) and soft blocks.

Joining opposites into one functional whole.

Kata Bassai Dai, Sanchin or Tensho.

Color of clay. Firm rooting in Kenwa Mabuni's foundations.

Semi-free sparring (Jiyu Ippon) with precise timing.

Hardening of wood before the upcoming master exam.

Full free sparring and mastery of Ibuki breathing.

Student stands on the threshold of black wisdom, controlling their ego.

Shodan. Master beginning again as a student of the black path.

Union of Shuri and Naha in one body (black absorbs both colors).

Sensei. Capable of teaching the next generation and knowing over 20 kata.

A bridge between old Okinawan teachings and the modern student.

Shihan. Master level requiring anatomy and Kyusho (pressure points) understanding.

Spiritual guide of the style.

Renshi title. Carried by international instructors.

Duality of Hard and Soft is fully mastered and shown in the paneled belt.

Kyoshi. Top researcher and preserver of over 50 Mabuni school katas.

Scholar of the Way (Do).

Hanshi. Living legend embodying Mabuni's doctrine "Learn from all".

Radiant red sacrifice of art at the end of the warrior's life.

Patriarch of the lineage. Kenwa Mabuni and his family successors.

Source of the style itself.