Ranking System
Beginners in Uechi-ryu Karate do not hold any rank. However, they wear a white belt to signify their beginning status. There are then eight actual ranks before reaching the black blet level.
| Title | Rank | Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Hachikyu | 8th class | White with Yellow Stripe |
| Shichikyu | 7th class | Yellow |
| Rokkyu | 6th class | Blue |
| Gokyu | 5th class | Green |
| Yonkyu | 4th class | Green with Brown Stripe |
| Sankyu | 3rd class | Green with two Brown Stripes |
| Nikyu | 2nd class | Brown |
| Ikkyu | 1st class | Brown with Black Stripe |
A second stripe requirement at the Nikyu/Ikkyu rank may be implemented and, conversely, a lower rank may be skipped, both depending upon a given individual and/or circumstances and at the discreation of Sensei.
The first test for junior students (those below age 12) is for the rank of Hachikyu. If qualified, junior students may then advance as fas as the rank of Gokyu. A student may not be promoted past this rank until he reaches the age of 12.
These eight "Kyu" ranks are followed by ten degrees of black belt, the first of which is Shodan (1st degree black belt). The minimum age for promotion to Shodan is fifteen.
All promotional tests are by invitation only. The instructor will inform the student when he feels that the student is ready. He will base his decision upon such factors as technical skill, attitutde and character, class attendance, length of study, age, and participation in dojo activities.
| Title | Rank | Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Shodan | 1st Dan | Black |
| Nidan | 2nd Dan | Black |
| Sandan | 3rd Dan | Black |
| Yodan | 4th Dan | Black |
| Godan | 5th Dan | Black |
| Rokudan | 6th Dan | Black with one stripes |
| Nanadan | 7th Dan | Black with two stripes |
| Hachidan | 8th Dan | Black with three gold stripes |
| Kyudan | 9th Dan | Black with three gold stripes |