What Is the Black Belt Certification?

Karate is a Japanese martial art that originated in what in now known as Okinawa. The English translation for karate is "open hand," which is why all maneuvers are performed without the curling of the fist. Karate practitioners signify their rank with a loose fitting uniform called a Gi. In addition, the belt color displays the student's progress as they strive for the ultimate ranking of black belt.

  1. History

    • Colored belt ranking has a complex history beginning with Japan's invasion of China in the 1920s. Karate had traditionally only had two rankings of belts - white and black. Gichin Funakosh founded Shotokan karate and modernized the martial art to include the uniform with the colored belt system. Students begin with a white belt that has one black bar, which signifies a 9th Kyu ranking. During their initiation into the martial art, they are required to learn the basics of the philosophy of karate as well as some maneuvers. The belt system is different among the various types of karate and the dojo or training center.

    Types

    • There are various types of black belts that a karate student can earn over years of training. The first form of karate that students typically learn is called kata. As you move up in rankings, you will learn a variety of kata. You go from a brown belt with black bars to the first ranking of black belt. This black belt ranking is called Shisochin and indicates the 1st dan or 7th stage. Dan is a ranking held by black belt wearers, which indicate they have become skilled in the basics of karate. Contrary to popular belief, black belt wearers are not masters. They have simply passed seven tests, both written examinations and skill tests. After receiving a black belt, there are 10 additional rankings to earn before receiving the final ranking of judan.

    Skill Tests

    • Karate teaches students a number of defensive and offensive moves. Some of these moves include stances that consist of high frontal, middle and low stances. In addition, karate students will be tested on punches, kicks, chops and blocks. Basic knowledge of weapons is also mandatory for the karate student to move to black belt certification.

    Time Frame

    • Obtaining the coveted black belt ranking is not an overnight process. Generally, it takes students several years to improve their techniques and move up in rank. Training, studying and practicing are essential for gaining the certification.

    Significance

    • There are two large karate organizations that certify black belts - The World Union Karate-do Organization and The World Karate Organization. Both organizations will provide membership for clubs or dojos to join. This membership is predicated that the dojo teaches its particular brand of karate skills. Once a student reaches the black belt ranking of 2nd Dan, they can usually begin teaching other students.