Belt System
Advancement through the ranks, as marked by belt color, is a process signifying progressively greater control and coordination of mind and body. The length of time involved is largely dependent upon the dedication of the individual student. Any person, regardless of age, gender, or innate talent, can become proficient if he or she diligently applies the techniques taught.
The progressive ranks of karate are reflected in the different colored belts. There are two major classifications: the ranks of black belt are called dans, while all those below the rank of black belt are kyus.
In Gosoku-ryu, there are ten kyu ratings, as follows:
Lowest
| White | 11th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Yellow | 10th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Yellow Stripe | 9th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Orange | 8th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue | 7th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Purple | 6th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Green | 5th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Green Stripe | 4th Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Brown 3rd Kyu | 3rd Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Brown 2nd kyu | 2nd Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Brown 1st kyu | 1st Kyu | |||||||||||||||||||||
Highest
After achieving shodan, or first degree black belt ranking, a karateka may progress further though the dan ranks up to ju-dan, or tenth degree black belt.
Lowest
| Black Belt | 1st Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 2nd Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 3rd Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 4th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 5th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 6th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 7th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 8th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 9th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Black Belt | 10th Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 10th Dan | Ju Dan | |||||||||||||||||||||
Highest
The ju-dan sometimes wears a red belt to distinguish him or herself. Instructors that are 4th dan are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan-Dai" (deputy master). Instructors that are 5th dan or higher are sometimes awarded the title of "Shihan" (master instructor). Title is not always awarded by rank alone. One must be an active instructor and be awarded the rank by Kubota.
All Black Belt ranks are registered directly with the International Association Headquarters in Glendale, California.
