Different types of karate belts are distinguished from one another by their color. The color of a karate belt indicates the rank of the student who wears it. Different styles of karate and different karate schools have their own belt ranking systems. Though most systems are similar, there can be variations in the number of colored belts used and the order. Most karate schools use between five and 10 types of karate belts.
Novice Belts
Some karate schools require new students to earn their first karate belt by passing a basic knowledge and skills test. This belt is always white in color to represent purity. It is usually earned after just a few lessons. Some karate schools start new students with a white belt on their first day.
Beginning Belts
As beginning karate students develop more skills and knowledge, they are rewarded with different types of karate belts, light in color. A typical karate belt color progression for beginners is yellow, orange and then green. The order and number of belts can vary from school to school and promotions generally occur every two to three months.
Intermediate Belts
As a karate student advances to intermediate levels, the belt colors get progressively darker. A typical intermediate karate belt progression is green, blue and then purple. The order and number of belts can vary from school to school. Most students have studied karate at least one year before reaching this level.
Advanced Belts
After two years of study, karate students begin serious training for their black belts. This can take another two to three years. Promotions to higher belts become less frequent as the requirements become more difficult. Advanced karate belts are typically red and brown in color. Many karate schools have more than one level of red and brown belt. The advanced varieties are indicated by a white stripe at the tip or through the middle of the belt.
Black Belts
A karate black belt can be very plain or elaborately decorated. Most American karate schools embroider the name of the student and the name of the school on the black belt. This personalized recognition is reserved for the black belt. It is intended to recognize an achievement that typically takes five years of continuous study to obtain.
Master Belts
Karate belts change little once a student rises to the level of black belt. New black belts are considered first degree. More advanced black belts are promoted to second, third and fourth degree. This is often indicated by additional gold stripes embroidered at the end of the belt. The number of stripes indicates the black belt degree. A fifth degree black belt and above is considered a master. Some karate masters wear black belts with red stripes down the middle; these belts are reserved for masters.
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