The colored belt system used in most karate styles is designed to identify the rank of the karateka (karate practitioner). A white belt designates a beginner and a black belt designates a highly advanced student. The colors in between differ with each school (dojo). A blue belt usually identifies an intermediate-level student who has become proficient in karate's basic techniques.
Stances
By the time a karateka reaches the blue belt level, he has built up his leg muscles and acquired the discipline to set and maintain proper stances. The most common stances used at this level are the front stance (weight on the front leg, front knee bent, back leg straight and feet should-width apart), the back stance (weight on the back leg, both knees bent and feet set on a straight line) and horse stance (feet shoulder-width apart on a straight line, both knees bent, toes pointed forward and weight set in the center).
Punching and Kicking
A blue belt has acquired the skills to effectively deliver basic strikes. Mastery is not expected at this level, but the karateka much possess a sense of proper technique. Common kicks include the front kick (thrust forward and striking with the ball of the foot), the roundhouse kick (snapped from the side and striking with the instep) and the back kick (thrust backward and striking with heel). Punches include the lunge punch (stepping forward and punching with the front hand) and the reverse punch (stepping forward and punching with the back hand).
Kata
Kata (forms) are series of blocks, strikes and stances designed to teach the karateka how to instinctively respond to certain fighting situations. Intermediate kata practiced at the blue belt level begin to move beyond the simple blocks and counterstrikes, continuing toward combination techniques and the fluid shifting from once stance to another. Depending on the karate style, the first jumping techniques may appear in blue belt kata.
Timing and Control
When sparring, beginners can be nervous and back away from intimidating situations. At the blue belt level, the karateka should be developing a sense of patience that allows him to relax his arms and shoulders so he can easily evade or block oncoming strikes. He should also be able to recognize the perfect moment to deliver his own kicks and punches, and he is expected to control his blocks and strikes so that they land with the proper amount of force. In the dojo setting, the karateka must be respectful of his training partners. By the time he reaches blue belt, he should know if he is striking too hard or if he is backing off too much.
Differing Systems
Because there is no sanctioned ranking system that spans across all karate styles and associations, a blue belt in one dojo may have a year's worth of training, whereas a blue belt in another dojo may only have three months' worth. The order of the belt ranks in many Kenpo karate systems is white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, brown and black. The order in many Shotokan karate systems is white, yellow, blue, purple, brown and black. The color of the belt is not nearly as significant as the amount of time and effort that is put into the training.
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