Kyu is a Japanese term used in modern martial arts, and is used to designate various grades of proficiency or experience in the student ranks. In Renbukan karate, each Kyu grade is represented by the color of the students belt. Generally the darker colors are associated with the higher ranks, and the brighter colors are the lower ranks.
Dan is another ranking system (no not Dan your mate from down the road) is used in many Japanese martial arts to indicate the level of expertise of those holders of black belts or master ranks.
ABOUT GRADING
WHITE BELTS
The entry level belt for beginners. Each new member recieves a plain white belt which is called the 10th Kyu. Welcome to the world of Martial Arts!
GREEN BELTS
Once you quickly master that level and move closer to being the ultimate fighting warrior, you'll hit the 5th Kyu rank and recieve a Green Belt with a white stripe. Ok you're now past the half way point and hit the 4th Kyu and recieve your completely green belt, and you didn't even break a sweat!
BROWN BELTS
The 3rd Kyu is just a rage punch away, and now you can wear the brown belt with the white stripes.
You so close young Jedi! The completely Brown belt is consider just 1 levels below Black belt rank at the 2nd Kyu. Not far to go now.
ORANGE BELTS
Don't get too comfortable with that yellow belt, as once you start improving your skills you can then move to the 7th Kyu rank, and recieve you new orange belt with a white stripe.
You so close to halfway, don't stop now! Moving onto the 6th Kyu you'll be donning a completely orange Belt.
YELLOW BELTS
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Once you move up the ranks, to the next level (9th Kyu) you'll be rewarded with the Yellow belt with a White stripe. Your on your way Bruce Lee!
Once you progress to the 3rd rank (8th Kyu) you'll be rewarded with a completely yellow belt.
BLACK BELTS
Your a full on Ninja Warrior!! You're now 1st Kyu - A hardcore black belt holder. You did it. Or did you?
Little did you know, there is also 10 levels in Black Belts to master, and each rank is call a 'Dan.'
So who is Dan?
There are 10 Dan ranks in the Japanese Arts, which are considered 'master ranks.'
1st Dan - Shodan
2nd Dan - Nidan
3rd Dan - Sandan
4th Dan - Yodan
5th Dan - Godan
6th Dan - Rokudan
7th Dan - Shichidan
8th Dan - Hachidan
9th Dan - Kudan
10th Dan - JÅ«dan
