Frequently Asked Questions

Where and how did karate originate? 

Karate evolved on the Japanese island of Okinawa where the carrying of weapons was forbidden. Read more about the fascinating history in our blog post The history of Shotokan karate. 

Karate uses many Japanese words. Where can I find an explanation of the terms?

Yes that is correct. The word karate, for example, means empty hand. Find more meanings of karate here. 

What is a grade? 

A grade is a measure of the level of attainment of a Karate student. 

How do the system of coloured belts work? 

Shotokan uses a system of coloured belts to indicate rank. Each grade or rank is marked by a different coloured belt, starting with the White belt and progressing to Black. Below the black belt, grades are referred to as Kyu, Black belts are called Dan. Belts indicate experience, expertise and seniority. 

  • A beginner is a White belt.
  • 8th Kyu Yellow…………….. syllabus (white belt testing for yellow belt)
  • 7th Kyu Orange…………… syllabus (yellow belt testing for orange belt)
  • 6th Kyu Green…………….. syllabus (orange belt testing for green belt)
  • 5th Kyu Blue……………….. syllabus (green belt testing for blue belt)
  • 4th Kyu Purple…………….. syllabus (blue belt testing purple belt)
  • 3rd Kyu Brown……………… syllabus (purple belt testing for 3rd brown belt)
  • 2nd Kyu Brown……………… syllabus (3rd brown belt testing 2nd brown belt)
  • 1st Kyu Brown……………… syllabus (2nd brown belt testing for 1st brown belt)
  • 1st Dan Black (Shodan)….. syllabus (1st brown belt testing for 1st Dan)
  • 2nd Dan Black (Nidan)…….. syllabus (1st Dan testing for 2nd Dan)
  • 3rd Dan Black………………. syllabus (2nd Dan testing for 3rd Dan)
  • 4th Dan Black………………. syllabus (3rd Dan testing for 4th Dan)
  • 5th Dan Black (Godan)……. syllabus (4th Dan testing for 5th Dan)


What is a grading? 

Gradings are where students get the opportunity to show to the Chief Instructor and other Dan grades how they have progressed since their previous grading. 

How long between gradings?

The minimum amount time between moving from one grade to the next, up until brown belt (3rd Kyu), is 3 months. From brown belt to Brown & one white stripe (2nd Kyu) takes a minimum of 6 months, and a further minimum of 6 months must go by before reaching Brown & two white stripes (1st Kyu). A full year must pass before a student becomes eligible to grade for the Black belt. At a grading you are asked to demonstrate skills in front of instructors.