Martial Arts Belt Ranks and What They Mean

The belt system originated from Shotokan Karate and Japanese martial arts, the belt system follows the Mastery Martial Arts ranking system. Initially there were only two belts—white for students and black for teachers, this was the birth of black belt ranks. Over time the system evolved to include under black belt ranks and then the modern colored belt system. The progression includes many colors, each representing a different level of expertise and skill development. Here is the list of colors used:

White

Yellow

Orange

Green

Blue

Purple

Brown

Red

Red/Black

Black

Each color on this list represents a step up in the martial artist’s journey, with the addition of colors like Red and Red/Black specific to the Mastery Martial Arts system. This structured approach means students and enthusiasts know what milestones they can achieve in this disciplined practice.

White Belt Beginning

White belt represents purity and potential, the start of a student’s Karate journey. As a white belt the student is introduced to:

Basic stances

Punches

Kicks

Blocks

While building strength, flexibility and coordination through exercises and drills karate students also learn about the etiquette and philosophy of martial arts, laying the foundation for their future development.

With consistent practice and dedication the white belt student becomes familiar with:

strikes

blocks

kicks

stances

This stage sets the student up to move on to the next belt, showing their growth and commitment to the martial art.

Yellow Belt Awakening

Moving up to yellow belt the student experiences the awakening in their Karate journey. Yellow belt represents the first steps of growth and learning, like the rising sun. At this stage the student has a basic understanding of Karate, basic techniques and blocks.

With a minimum of 3 months of consistent training the student moves from white belt to yellow belt and starts their climb up the ranks. As the student continues to train and develop their skills they move on to the next level: orange belt.

Orange Belt Expansion

As a symbol of increased knowledge and skills the orange belt represents a wider understanding for the student. To get an orange belt the student must show proficiency in many Karate techniques or have trained for a set period of time depending on the Karate system of their school.

After 6 months of active training the yellow belt student moves up to orange belt and continues their journey as they move on to the next challenge: green belt.

Green Belt Cultivation

Green belt means the cultivation of techniques and the building of a solid foundation. At this stage the student is no longer a beginner as they can:

Link combinations

Deliver powerful strikes

Defend effectively

Compete in fun tournaments

As the student moves up the ranks they must spend a minimum of 9 months of active training to move from orange belt to green belt. Green belt is a major milestone in the student’s Karate journey as they continue to develop their skills and move on to the next level: blue belt.

Blue Belt Horizon

Blue belt represents the student looking to the sky as they continue to develop their skills and understanding. Having a blue belt means the student is at intermediate level, they have a full understanding of the basics of Karate and have mastered the basic techniques.

With 12 months of active training the green belt student can move to blue belt and another major milestone in their Karate journey. As the student continues to grow they move on to the next level: purple belt.

Purple Belt Commitment

Moving into advanced levels of training the student’s deep commitment to the martial art is represented by the purple belt. On average a student may take 12-20 months to get to purple belt. At this stage the student has shown their commitment to Karate and ready to face the challenges ahead as they move up the ranks.

To master the skills for purple belt the student must develop their skills in techniques such as ukemi (controlled falling), intermediate training towards green belt and basics of stance, footwork and basic techniques.

Purple belt means the student is committed to mastering the martial art and moving on to the next level: brown belt.

Brown Belt Refining

As the student gets closer to mastery the brown belt means refinement of techniques and development of skills. At this stage the student refines techniques with more speed and power and focuses on executing previously learned skills.

To get brown belt the student must:

Know 60 new techniques

Learn 7 new kata

Compete in regular sparring

Attend at least one tournament per year

With 12-20 months of training the student can move from purple belt to brown belt and one step away from the ultimate goal: black belt.

The Black Belt

Means mastery and ability to teach others, the black belt is the top of Karate. Being black belt means a high level of proficiency in the martial art, shows the student’s commitment to their Karate journey.

After black belt there are higher Dan grades to achieve, each a deeper level of skill and accomplishment. A martial artist’s journey never ends as they continue to learn, grow and share their knowledge with others.