Karate is form of martial arts developed on the island of Okinawa. Thought to be more than 1,000 years old, it was created as a means of self-defense for the common man during the time when feudal lords divided the land. The word karate translates into English as "empty hand" and describes a style focused on striking an opponent without the need of weapons. Peasant folk of ancient Okinawa had no money for expensive swords, so karateka (students of karate) use hands, elbows, feet, knees and forearms to disable adversaries.
Karate Today
As time passed and the lands were settled, karate remained in Asia as an instrument of self-development and self-discipline. The art soon began spreading into mainland areas, where it assumed a number of different forms and styles. Today, karate is taught around the world and continues to evolve as each generation brings into the craft its own ideas and experience.
Origins of the Ranking System
In 1924, the founder of shotokan karate, Gichin Funakoshi, began using the dan system of ranking students. However, the history of the belt can actually be traced to early Japanese public schools. It was there that student athletes began wearing colored belts to identify their rank within a group. Thereafter, judo originator Jigoro Kano added the idea of associating rank with color into the Kyu/Dan hierarchy. Gichin Funakoshi later implemented this system into karate.
Levels
Beginning karateka enter at the rank of 10th Kyu. As a student advances to each higher skill level, the number lowers one degree. Graduating from one position to the next requires that one demonstrate a complete understanding of certain techniques and principles inherent within the current level. Upon transcending the position of first Kyu, one moves into the level of first Dan, or Sho Dan (black belt).
Colored Belts
Belts in karate are 1.5 inches in width and just over 6 feet long. The straps are worn firmly around the waist of a student's gi (uniform worn in karate). Belts must be tied in a specific manner, dictated by tradition. A common color sequence is white (10th Kyu), yellow, green, brown and black. However, some schools have adopted the procession of white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black. The coalition between rank and color of belt varies among styles and schools.
Dan Levels
First Dan is the entry level of instructor, or assistant teacher. Dan is loosely translated as one who has surpassed all primary levels. From first Dan, or Sho Dan, the number attached to rank will raise one degree with each progressive achievement. Past fourth Dan, one reaches the first mark of master and is then allowed to further the art by his individual nature. The highest level, 10th Dan, is one of grandmaster.
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