Belt & Ranking Systems
ATTENDANCE is paramount. Martial arts are a perishable skill, meaning it requires regular, consistent practice and class attendance. If a potential student is not ready to do that, then the martial arts are probably not for that potential student. Bottom line: If you are going to only sparsely attend classes throughout or miss classes part of a year> you are NOT practicing martial arts< you are just visiting. We have seating around or near the Dojo/Kwoon floor for that... - Hanshi C
The average training for each below is based on a one classes per week schedule. And for Karate Kids' classes, the timeline could still be extended further, three to six months accordingly.
- Hanshi/Sifu C
- Hanshi/Sifu C
Karate Kids, Ages 8 - 12yrs old
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt with a Black center stripe is worn.
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt with a Black center stripe is worn.
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt with a Black center stripe is worn.
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt with a Black center stripe is worn.
Second Kyu (Ni Kyu) Purple belt with a Black center stripe is worn.
First Kyu (Ikkyu) Brown belt with a Black center stripe is worn.
1st Dan Junior Grade/JG (Shodan)
Students in this group upon graduating up into the Adult program, in doing so, will drop down one belt level, i.e. a jr green moving into the Adult Program will transition to a solid orange (adult) belt OR they will remain at their present junior rank to then work on getting the corresponding adult (solid) colored rank. (The only exception to this protocol is jr black belt*.)
*In the Karate By The Sea system of ranking, the minimum age for someone to be promoted to certified first degree black belt (Shodan) is 15/16 years old. In the event the student is under the age of 16 years, that student would be promoted to 1st Dan Junior Grade (J.G.), a black belt with a red center stripe, after passing a appropriate test. It should be noted, that the test for 1st Dan J.G. does not include the two essays, conducting a Dojo class(s), and the physical test is of a lesser level and requirement. Upon reaching the age of 16 years (special dispensation can be to the age of 15), student at the discretion of the Chief Instructor would be tested for full (Adult) black belt, first degree/Shodan, KBTS certified, by completing the full process of two essays and the physical test. Further, it is quite possible for a young student to reach 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. In that case upon reaching 16yrs, they would as in previous example, test for full (Adult) black belt, first degree/Shodan, KBTS certified. It is very unlikely that there would ever be a 3rd Dan JG Black Belt.
Also, between each color belt, stripes are earned in the Junior Kenpo JKD program. The stripes signify required techniques and/or form(s) at each belt level. (A stripe can be also awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding performance, or overcoming adversity in their training.) A maximum of three (3) stripes per belt level is structured in the rank system. One stripe represents the required Kumite, the second represents the Kenpo/White Crane Techniques/Exercises or Forms, and the third represents the required JKD techniques at that belt level,. The color of the stripe(s) corresponds with the next belt color. There is no cost or test fee for the striping. Students, in the juniors classes, that have achieved their three (3) necessary rank stripes, will on the next available test night challenge for their next belt rank.
*In the Karate By The Sea system of ranking, the minimum age for someone to be promoted to certified first degree black belt (Shodan) is 15/16 years old. In the event the student is under the age of 16 years, that student would be promoted to 1st Dan Junior Grade (J.G.), a black belt with a red center stripe, after passing a appropriate test. It should be noted, that the test for 1st Dan J.G. does not include the two essays, conducting a Dojo class(s), and the physical test is of a lesser level and requirement. Upon reaching the age of 16 years (special dispensation can be to the age of 15), student at the discretion of the Chief Instructor would be tested for full (Adult) black belt, first degree/Shodan, KBTS certified, by completing the full process of two essays and the physical test. Further, it is quite possible for a young student to reach 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. In that case upon reaching 16yrs, they would as in previous example, test for full (Adult) black belt, first degree/Shodan, KBTS certified. It is very unlikely that there would ever be a 3rd Dan JG Black Belt.
Also, between each color belt, stripes are earned in the Junior Kenpo JKD program. The stripes signify required techniques and/or form(s) at each belt level. (A stripe can be also awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding performance, or overcoming adversity in their training.) A maximum of three (3) stripes per belt level is structured in the rank system. One stripe represents the required Kumite, the second represents the Kenpo/White Crane Techniques/Exercises or Forms, and the third represents the required JKD techniques at that belt level,. The color of the stripe(s) corresponds with the next belt color. There is no cost or test fee for the striping. Students, in the juniors classes, that have achieved their three (3) necessary rank stripes, will on the next available test night challenge for their next belt rank.
(NOTE: We will no longer be accepting new students in the Kids programs, as we will be phasing those classes out.)
Adult Red Dragon Shorin Kenpo Karate, 13yrs and up
Seventh Kyu (Hichi Kyu) White belt is worn.
Sixth Kyu (Roku Kyu) Yellow belt is worn. Average minimum of six - seven months of training before testing for yellow.
Fifth Kyu (Go Kyu) Orange belt is worn. Average minimum of six - seven months of training before testing for orange.
Fourth Kyu (Yon Kyu) Green belt is worn. Average minimum of seven - eight months of training after becoming an orange before testing for green.
Third Kyu (San Kyu) Blue belt is worn. Average minimum of seven - eight months of training after becoming a green before testing for blue.
Second Kyu (Ni Kyu) Purple belt is worn. Average minimum of eight - nine months of training after becoming a blue before testing for purple.
Senpai Level
Addressed as, Senpai
Addressed as, Senpai
First Kyu Senpai Level (Ikkyu) Brown belt is worn. Senpai title is formally bestowed. Average minimum of seven to eight months of training after becoming a purple before testing for brown.
Q: How long does it take an average person to get a Black Belt?
A: An average person should not get a Black Belt...
A: An average person should not get a Black Belt...
The Karate By The Sea black belt system is fashioned: junior black belts are black with a red center. Adult black belts can either be a plain black belt with a red stripe denoting each Dan/Degree level (Which is also used in the American/& other Kenpo systems), or an embroidered black belt with the person's name on the label end and the style on the other belt end. There can also be Dan striping (especially at 2nd Dan and up) on an embroidered belt, above the embroidered name. This style of Dan striping above the name is specific to our system.
Sensei Level (1st thru 4th Degree Black Belt)
Addresssed as, Sensei
Addresssed as, Sensei
You will see listed with some of the Black Belt ranks requirements and responsibilities specific to that in either acquiring and/or maintaining said rank appropriately.
AKI & Chinese Kenpo Title of Junior Instructor
1st Dan (Shodan) The title, Sensei, is given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Dan. Average minimum of one year of training after becoming a brown before testing for 1st Dan. The test process includes: two essays and the physical/practical test.
Group Instructor Level I/Jun Shidoin Arm Patch. Jun Shidoin/Level I, Instructor Certification. At least one year after acquiring 1st Dan, a written examination and a practical examination (control and operation of a Dojo) are conducted. Upon successfully passing each, a Jun Shidoin certification is earned. They carry the title of, Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
AKI & Chinese Kenpo Title of Associate Instructor
2nd Dan (Nidan) Average minimum of two years of training after becoming a 1st Dan, before testing for 2nd Dan.
Group Instructor Level II/Shidoin Arm Patch. Shidoin/Level I, Instructor Certification. At least one year after acquiring 2nd Dan, a written examination and a practical examination (control and operation of a Dojo) are conducted. Upon successfully passing each, a Shidoin certification is earned. They carry the title of, Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo Title of Instructor
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3rd Dan (Sandan) Average minimum of three years of training after becoming a 2nd Dan, before testing for 3rd Dan. Also, upon reaching the rank of Sandan, the holder is elevated to Group Head Instructor. A Group Head Instructor is part of the Senior Staff of the Karate By The Sea Dojos (and affiliate organizations), and is given directive & administrative positions and responsibilities within the organization. They carry the title of, Group Head Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm. Sandan is a senior Sensei rank level. The holder of this rank should maintain appropriate attendance and take on more leadership of and running Dojos. A Sandan should also make efforts to be present appropriately at all group Dojos.
AKI & Chinese Kenpo Title of Senior Instructor
4th Dan (Yondan) Average minimum of three to five years of training after becoming a 3rd Dan, before testing for 4th Dan. There are some cases where a person at 4th Dan can be bestowed the title and position of Renshi (-sho). This would be due to special dispensation, such as extended/overdue time as a 3rd Dan, or having great value and done much work for their style/organization. It should be noted, that both Shihans Conley and Adams at 4th Dan, were also Renshi, and in these cases, Shihans Conley and Adams did not wear the Red & Black paneled Renshi Belt. Though it would be acceptable to do so.
The Title system works different, most notably between Okinawan and Japanese systems. As an example: Hanshi in most cases, Dai Nippon Butokukai / Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei, starts at 8th Dan (Hanshisei Fusei Kise in 2010 coincided with the mainstream (modern) Japanese martial arts practice (and the fore mentioned international organizations) accordingly the Hanshi title was added to 8th Dan level. In turn the distinguishing title of the Grand Master adds the suffix “Sei”, to become “Hanshi-Sei”, loosely translating as “highest master”). In both Japanese and Okinawan governing bodies (Dai Nippon Butokukai / Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei), Renshi can start at 4th or 5th Dan (we/Karate By The Sea Dojos start at 5th Dan) and Kyoshi can start at 6th or 7th Dan (7th Dan for our organization). Further, you will also see below, with regard to the Shihan Dai Levels, to the right representative belt column: Kenpo rank belts (Panel/Stripe System). This belt system was first introduced by the Late Senior Grand Master Ed Parker for his American Kenpo system. However now, this belt rank representation is used in many other Kenpo systems, including with ours. And further, regarding American Kenpo, the Title System is also referenced.
Shihan Dai Level Ranks and Titles using the (modern) Dai Nippon Butokukai & Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei as base references:
Shihan Dai Level (5th thru 10th Dan)
Shihan/Senior Group Head Instructor Level. They carry the title of, Senior Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
Shihan Dai Level Ranks and Titles using the (modern) Dai Nippon Butokukai & Zen Nippon Karatedo Renmei as base references:
Shihan Dai Level (5th thru 10th Dan)
Shihan/Senior Group Head Instructor Level. They carry the title of, Senior Group Instructor. An arm patch to denote the rank/certification is worn below on the left upper arm.
Shihan Dai/Level 5th thru 7th Degree Black Belt
Renshi Dai/Level
5th & 6th Dan Black Belts are addressed as Shihan
5th & 6th Dan Black Belts are addressed as Shihan
*5th Dan (Godan) Renshi-sho/Lower Level Must have at least 15 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 30 yrs of age. Recommended three to five years of training after becoming a 4th Dan, before a promotion to 5th Dan. Renshi essentially means Polished (teacher). Renshi-sho/5th Dan is lower/lesser polished teacher, and Renshi-dai/6th Dan is upper/greater polished teacher.
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo belt style. Title of Associate Professor.
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In Okinawan/Japanese systems, for formal occasions, a red and black paneled belt can be worn.
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6th Dan (Rokudan) Renshi-dai/Upper Level. Must have at least 20 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 35 yrs of age. Recommended three to five years of training after becoming a 5th Dan, before a promotion to 6th Dan. There are some cases where a person at 6th Dan/Renshi Dai can be bestowed the title and position of Kyoshi. This would be due to special dispensation, such as extensive years of training equal to, or more for Kyoshi, and/or having great value and done much work for their style/organization. This special dispensary promotion would also reflect Hanshisei's Kise & Ota's title/rank structures.
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo belt style. Title of Professor.
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In Okinawan/Japanese systems, for formal occasions, a red and black paneled belt can be worn.
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Kyoshi Dai
7th Black Belt are is addressed as, Shihan
7th Black Belt are is addressed as, Shihan
7th Dan (Nanadan) Kyoshi Level. Must have at least 25 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 40 yrs of age. Recommended five to seven years minimum of training after becoming a 6th Dan, before a promotion to 7th Dan. Kyoshi essentially means, Teacher or Expert Teacher.
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo belt style. Title of Senior Professor.
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In Okinawan/Japanese systems, for formal occasions, a red and white paneled belt can be worn.
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Hanshi Dai
8th & 9th Dan. Addressed as, Hanshi
8th & 9th Dan. Addressed as, Hanshi
8th Dan (Hachidan) Kyoshi Level. (In some special cases, Hanshi Level. In those cases a red belt is worn.) Must have at least 35 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 50 yrs of age. Recommended five years minimum of training after becoming a 7th Dan, before a promotion to 8th Dan.
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo belt style. Title of Associate Master.
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In Okinawan/Japanese systems, for formal occasions, a red belt can be worn.
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9th Dan (Kudan) Hanshi Level Must have at least 40 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 55 yrs of age. Recommended five years of training after becoming a 8th Dan, before a promotion to 9th Dan.
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo belt style. Title of Master.
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In Okinawan/Japanese systems, for formal occasions, a red belt can be worn.
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Hanshisei Dai/Level 10th Degree Black Belt
Addressed as, Hanshisei but still considered a Hanshi Level (Dai)
Addressed as, Hanshisei but still considered a Hanshi Level (Dai)
10th Dan (Judan) Hanshisei Level Must have at least 45 yrs experience in their art, and be a minimum of 60 yrs of age. (Further, the head or founder of a system is referred to as, Hanshisei or Soke, also Kaicho or Kancho.)
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AKI & Chinese Kenpo belt style. Title of Senior Master.
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In Okinawan/Japanese systems, for formal occasions, a red with gold borders belt can be worn.
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*Throughout the Shihan Levels, the time of training between each rank is, "Recommended," meaning that there can be intangibles when promotions are given at the Shihan Levels. Just as there can be at any Black Belt level, if deserving, or for other special dispensation like value to the organization, or if no fault of the candidate, that candidate held a rank for a very long time, then shorter time-in requirements can produce a promotion, in either of the mentioned cases. Additionally, it is always at the discretion, and final decision, of the appropriately ranked test administrator. FURTHER: Applicants, that are Dojo Heads or members of the Association Executive, for the Shihan Levels, only need to meet one of the two requirements (minimum time in/experience, or minimum age), to qualify.
The Title/Level System:
Deshi/Kohai (Student/Junior)
Sempai (Senior)
Sensei (Come Before {One who has})
Junshidoin (Instructor Level I)
Shidoin (Instructor Level II)
Renshi (Polished Expert)
Kyoshi (Teacher)
Hanshi (Master)
Kaicho (Association/Organization Chief)
Kancho (Style chief> literally means chief/head of the house)
Soke (Founder)
Hanshisei (Senior Master)
Deshi/Kohai (Student/Junior)
Sempai (Senior)
Sensei (Come Before {One who has})
Junshidoin (Instructor Level I)
Shidoin (Instructor Level II)
Renshi (Polished Expert)
Kyoshi (Teacher)
Hanshi (Master)
Kaicho (Association/Organization Chief)
Kancho (Style chief> literally means chief/head of the house)
Soke (Founder)
Hanshisei (Senior Master)
LIONHEART Kenpo Jeet Kune Do is a division of Conley's Martial Arts
