Kyu/Dan (Senior Ranks)

The Kyu/Dan (級/段) ranking system is a structured way to signify a martial artist's skill level and progression in Karate. Originating from Japan, this system is widely adopted across various martial arts. The Kyu/Dan ranking system, borrowed from Judo and adapted by Gichin Funakoshi, provides a structured pathway for Karate practitioners to advance, recognize achievement, and preserve the tradition of martial excellence.

Historical Background:
Karate's modern ranking system has its roots in Judo. The ranking system was developed by Jigoro Kano in 1883. Kano introduced the Dan and Kyu ranking system to provide a clear pathway for progression and mastery. Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, is credited with adapting and formalizing the ranking system for Karate in the early 20th century. Influenced by Judo's organizational structure, Funakoshi Sensei implemented the Kyu/Dan system to motivate students, set benchmarks, and standardize progression.

How It Works?:
- Kyu Grades: Usually range from 10th Kyu (beginner) to 1st Kyu (advanced before black belt). These are now often represented by colored belts, starting from white and progressing through other colors.
  - Dan Ranks:
Start from 1st Dan (Shodan) and go up to 10th Dan. Dan ranks are typically indicated by black belts and signify a high level of expertise and contribution to the art.
Significance:
The system not only marks technical proficiency but also embodies the practitioner's dedication, understanding of Karate philosophy, and readiness to teach and uphold the art's principles.

Kyu/Dan Rank order in SKDIA:
● 10th Kyu - White Belt
● 9th Kyu - White Belt Yellow Stripe
● 8th Kyu - Yellow Belt
● 7th Kyu - Organge Belt
● 6th Kyu - Green Belt
● 5th Kyu - Blue Belt
● 4th Kyu - Purple Belt
● 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt
● 2nd Kyu - Brown Belt Black Tip
● 1st Kyu - Brown Belt Black Stripe
● 1st Dan - 10th Dan - Black Belt
(Sometimes there is a Shodan Ho as a provisional grade before Shodan, where a Black Belt White Stripe is used)


KARI (Junior Ranks)

Why Junior Ranks Are Called Kari?
In the Shotokan Karate-Do International Association (SKDIA), junior practitioners are ranked using a unique system called the Kari (仮). The Kari system is specifically designed for young karateka who are younger than 12 years old.

The Kari system is implemented because, although young practitioners are learning the fundamental skills and techniques of karate, their minds are still in the process of developing and fully comprehending the deeper meaning behind these techniques. They may not yet grasp the intricate concepts of bunkai (the application of techniques), the underlying principles, and the philosophy of karate as a way of life beyond just punching and kicking.

The focus for junior karateka is primarily on building a strong foundation in their physical techniques and developing discipline, respect, and coordination. By utilizing the Kari system, it allows them to progress and grow within the martial art while acknowledging that their understanding of karate's essence is still evolving.

Once practitioners reach the age of 12 and demonstrate a certain level of maturity and understanding, they transition to the more comprehensive Kyu/Dan (級/段) system. This system allows them to delve deeper into the principles, theories, and philosophies of karate. It signifies their readiness to explore the broader aspects of karate as a way of life, not just limited to physical techniques.

In the Kari system, the belts are designed differently compared to the traditional solid-colored belts in the Kyu/Dan system. Instead of solid colors, Kari belts are white belts with a colored stripe running all the way around. Each color represents a different rank within the Kari system, allowing for clear identification of progress.

The Kari system begins with 10th Kari and progresses to 1st Kari. As students improve their skills and demonstrate proficiency, they advance through the ranks by earning different colored stripes on their white belts. This allows for a visual representation of their progress and serves as a motivating factor for their continued growth in the art of karate.

In the Kyu/Dan system, students have the opportunity to earn Kyu ranks (colored belt ranks) and eventually progress to Dan ranks (black belt ranks) as they continue their karate journey. This system recognizes their growth, both in terms of technical proficiency and their understanding of karate's deeper significance.

By transitioning from the Kari system to the Kyu/Dan system, students can continue their development and evolve into well-rounded karate practitioners. It allows them to further explore the martial art's rich history, traditions, and principles, encouraging them to embody karate not only on the training mat but also in their daily lives.

In the Kari ranking system, once a student reaches 1st Kari (white belt with a black stripe), they transition to the Kyu/Dan system when they turn 12 years old. Instead of starting back at white belt, they can potentially start around the 1st Kyu (Brown Belt Black Stripe) level if they meet the criteria and know the syllabus up to that rank. This allows them to continue their progress without feeling like they're starting from scratch. The Kyu/Dan system offers a clear path for advancement, with different solid colored belts representing Kyu ranks and black belts representing Dan ranks. Alternatively, they could be awarded a Shodan Ho (provisional black belt / a black belt with a white stripe) until they are of age to test for full Shodan.

Ultimately, the SKDIA's use of the Kari system for juniors and the Kyu/Dan system for older practitioners ensures a gradual progression that aligns with the student's mental and physical development. It enables them to grow and excel in their karate journey.

Kari Rank Order in SKDIA (All Kari are a White Belt with a colored stripe):
● 10th Kari - White Belt
○ 9th Kari  - White Yellow Tip
○ 8th Kari - Yellow Stripe
○ 7th Kari - Orange Stripe
○ 6th Kari - Green Stripe
○ 5th Kari - Blue Stripe
○ 4th Kari - Purple Stripe
○ 3rd Kari - Brown Stripe
○ 2nd Kari - Brown Stripe Black Tip
○ 1st Kari - Black Stripe

A full list on the syllabus for both Senior and Junior ranks will be added soon.