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RANKS (Belts)
This list shows the general requirements and students should
not assume that
promotions, times and
ranks are automatic. The Skills,
in
any
case, for each
rank must be demonstrated and tested.
There is NO set time for promotions, up or down. Each student must be
evaluated
as an individual.
In truth, Ranks / Belts are a good tool to measure
progress and,
when training to identify skill levels (for
safety), but these ranks mean
nothing
in reality, in a real life combat situation.
Many schools give out belts creating a false sense of security and ability in the student which may prove detrimental or even deadly in a real-life attack.
| Ranks | Color | Typical Study Time |
| Rok Kyu - White |
 |
Beginner |
| Go Kyu - Yellow |
 |
12 Weeks |
| Yon Kyu - Green |
 |
12 Weeks |
| San Kyu - Blue |
 |
14 Weeks |
| Nik Kyu - Purple |  |
14 Weeks |
| Ik Kyu - Brown |
 |
14 Weeks |
| Shodan (初段:しょだん)1st Degree |
1 |
1 Year |
| Nidan (二段:にだん) - Black, 2nd Degree |
2 |
2 Years |
| Sandan (三段:さんだん) - Black, 3rd Degree |
3 |
3 Years |
| Yodan (四段:よだん) - Black, 4th Degree |
4 |
6 Years |
| Godan (五段:ごだん) - Black, 5th Degree |
5 |
9 Years |
| Rokudan (六段:ろくだん) - Black, 6th Degree |
6 |
20 years |
| All higher ranks above Master (6th Degree) are exclusively tested by a council of testers. Special arrangements must be made for such test as we must often bring sufficient instructors from long distances to properly decide and evaluate the candidate. | ||