Kung fu is an ancient Chinese martial art form that translates as "skill" or "ability." Kung fu was developed by imitating the fighting styles of various animals, such as tigers, snakes and monkeys. There are a few forms of kung fu, including shaolin, kenpo and wushu, thus belt ranking can differ slightly, but in general the belt levels start with white for beginner and progress up to black for experts of the craft. To reach the next belt level, students have to master certain skills, and some belts also require a minimum amount of time at a level before a student can move on. The time required to achieve each belt ranking can differ between kung fu schools.
White
Everyone starts with the white belt. Students at this level learn the major stances of kung fu, along with basic punches, blocks and kicks. Students typically are at this level for at least two months.
Gold/Yellow
After acquiring the white belt, students can continue their practice toward the gold or yellow belt, which typically takes about three months to achieve. Students still are building on the basic skills learned at the white belt level.
Orange
At the orange belt level, students are taught more advanced punches, blocks and kicks, along with hand movements. Students also start studying fighting strategies. It generally takes about three months to earn this belt.
Green
It will take about four months for students to earn their green belt. Sparring and introduction to weapon use occurs at this level. Students also work on footwork skills and timing, along with continuing to advance their punching, kicking and blocking skills.
Blue
To earn the blue belt, students continue to work on sparring and weapons use, along with building on blocks, kicks, punches, footwork and timing. It takes approximately four months to acquire this belt level.
Purple
Students aiming to earn the purple belt should expect about four months of training. Students continue to hone their skills in sparring and weapons, but still cannot practice any below-the-belt techniques such as throws, sweeps and takedowns.
Brown
There are four degrees of brown belt: crane, snake, tiger and leopard. Students work and refine their skills, including self-defense techniques, weapons and sparring. During sparring, students are allowed to use striking techniques such as throws, sweeps and takedowns.
Red
To earn the red belt, students must demonstrate superior speed, power and form. Students should expect at least six months of training to earn this belt level.
Black
The black belt is the final level. Students endure an eight-week-long test to earn the first-degree black belt level. There are nine degrees of black belt, and it can take years of training and study to achieve all of them.
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