| Kyu is an invention of the West. In Japan, you are | | | | These rank tests are usually done on one class day |
| either a student or teacher, and therefore have either | | | | set aside for the performance. |
| a white or black belt. When karate came to the US, | | | | The rankings for black belts in all Japanese Martial arts |
| teachers felt a need to show progression, especially | | | | are called Dans. In Japanese, dan is used to mean step |
| amongst children, and so the kyu were born. When a | | | | or grade, in this case meaning degree. The rules for |
| student begins his or her karate practice, he is given a | | | | attaining dans are clearer, as this tradition is older. To |
| Gi, the white karate uniform. As the student | | | | ascend to the degree of black belt, at least 3 3rd dans |
| progresses, learning patience and skills, he or she is | | | | must be present. Once you have your black belt you |
| given a belt. There is a standard progression in color, | | | | can become a licensed instructor, though getting your |
| from yellow to black. | | | | belt in no way makes you an expert. You are always |
| Though the colors, their order, and indication of skill | | | | learning in karate. |
| change from style to style, the belts are generally | | | | There are 10 degrees of black belt. The first 5 dans |
| given in the following order: Yellow, Orange, Green, | | | | can be earned through competition, testing, and |
| Blue, Brown, Black. It usually takes no less than 2 years | | | | performance of katas. Dans 6-10 can only be |
| for a student to pass from white belt to black. For | | | | achieved through greater contribution to the martial |
| each belt there is a test, usually a performance of | | | | arts world and years of experienced practice. These |
| kata, literally meaning form, which is a series of | | | | higher dans can be awarded only by even higher |
| stances, punching and kicking techniques. Katas can be | | | | graded representatives of the principal (often regional) |
| performed individually or in pairs. | | | | dojo or by steering committee. |