How do rankings/color belt systems work?
• Many arts have a ranking system. A typical ranking from beginner to most experienced master is: 10th kyu, 9th kyu, …, 2nd kyu, 1st kyu, 1st dan, 2nd dan and so on. “Kyu” and “dan” are Japanese words; Korean systems use the word “gup” instead of “kyu”. 1st dan and above frequently wear black belts. That being said, do not put too much stock in rankings, and put even less in belt color. Belt colors are HIGHLY dependent on the art and instructor. A given color will frequently signify different ranks in different arts. Rather than rank or belt color, what will determine an individual’s skill are how long and how intensely they have studied, the quality of instruction they have received, and (to a lesser extent) their “natural” ability.
