Instructor Titles

These titles are earned based on the level of instructor.  Do not confuse these with actual ranks.

Senpai: an assistant instructor, usually Shodan or Nidan

Sensei: instructor, adult, usually Nidan or higher rank

Shihan: instructor of instructors, usually Shichidan or higher rank

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Ranks, Belts, and Titles

There are 11 kyu (grades) before black belt.

After he or she signs up, the student will wear a white belt (provided with the uniform) signifying that the student is a beginner and does not yet hold a rank in karate.

Upon passing their first exam, the student earns a rank of 11th kyu, represented by a yellow belt.

One will progress upward in rank from 11th kyu to 10th kyu, and so on, through the beginning and intermediate ranks to 5th kyu. Each of these grades is represented by different belts. The purpose of the belts is to provide the student with short-term goals that reinforce the long-term goal of earning black belt. This system also makes it easy for the instructors to know, at a glance, who should be learning what. It also makes it easy for students to spot potential partners for team drills.

The advanced kyu grades are represented by brown belts. The first, 4th kyu brown belt, is a plain solid brown belt. At 3rd kyu, a patch is added at the end of the belt. A brown belt with two patches represents 2nd kyu. A brown belt with a black stripe represents 1st kyu the most advanced of the kyu grades.

After earning 1st kyu, the brown belt's next exam is for Shodan (shoh-dahn).

Belt System

White Belt, No Rank

Green Belt, 8th Kyu

Purple Belt, 9th Kyu

Orange Belt, 10th Kyu

Yellow Belt, 11th Kyu

Brown Belt w/Black Stripe, 1st Kyu

Blue Belt, 6th Kyu

Brown Belt, 2nd Kyu

Brown Belt, 3rd Kyu

Brown Belt, 4th Kyu

Blue Belt w/1 patch, 5th Kyu

Black Belt, Shodan (1st Degree)

Green Belt w/1 patch,  7th Kyu

Other Titles

These titles are awarded based on other important roles in the organization or contributions to the art of Karate-do.

Dojocho: an organizational title, like "chairman", for someone in charge of all the dojo locations in a large area. The Dojocho can be addressed as either "Dojocho" or "Cho Sensei.”

Renshi: a title indicating advanced technical knowledge of one's art. Equivalent to a master's degree in the American education system. Must be Yodan or higher rank.

Hanshi: a title indicating expert technical knowledge in one's art. Equivalent to a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in the American education system, and those who are awarded this title, are often referred to as "professor.” Must be Rokudan or higher rank. Those earning this title may wear a special belt at formal functions. The belt is made of alternating red and white panels.

Soke: the founder of a "style,” large school or organization with its own program, methods, ranking system, and/or syllabus. Hirano Kiyohisa Soke is the founder of Japan International Karate Center (the organization) and Heiwa-do, the style of karate it teaches. He holds the rank of Kudan (9th degree).

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