Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai - Grading & Belt Colors

Grading or Promotion tests, provide a clear pathway for students to learn and improve. While rank is not the primary focus in martial arts training, receiving recognition for your progress is always gratifying! Grading with the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai provides an impartial, style-neutral certification of your skills and knowledge by a panel of martial artists. Whether you seek to demonstrate alignment with best practices in practical karate or you're an independent martial artist without a grading system through an instructor or organization, affiliation with the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai enables you to attain acknowledgment and advancement in the martial arts.

A promotion is NOT an automatic right. Knowing your syllabus is not enough. Your performance, effort, attendance, dedication and the motivation you show are ALL considered. Just being able to remember a technique, stance, drill or kata is simply not enough. You must show good performance, focus and power with a good understanding and depth of knowledge relevant to your grade and age.

Grading Criteria:

Kata (Forms) – Demonstration of solo kata, as well as bunkai/oyo (analysis/application) for the kata.
Kumite (Sparring) – Demonstration of pressure testing exercises, such as kickboxing style sparring, randori (free grappling), kakedameshi (sticky hands sparring), self defense scenario training, etc.
Kihon (Basics) – Demonstration of the primary components of the art; receiving techniques, strikes, kicks, etc., and supporting training, such as impact training.
Tuidi (Seizing Hand) – Demonstration of grappling methods such as muchimi, kakie, pummeling, throws, joint locks, strangles, groundwork, etc.
Academic – Demonstration of your teaching, curriculum development, and research content.
Martial History and Credentials – A biography covering your previous martial arts experience, including your lineage, how long you have trained, the date you received rank & 'Time in Grade', any titles you have received, and any additional certifications you may hold.

Below are the belt colors and corresponding grades we use in the Ryukyu Denryu Kyokai. Not all karate styles and dojo use all the same colors and some use them in a different order. Qualified instructors are eligible for the "red belt" or "gold bars" on their belts to indicate teaching level.