Programs & Services > Karate Training > Belt Ranks & What You Learn
Most karate belt ranks share similar belt ranks and time. Time is NOT the requirement for belt promotion, but if consistent learning and practice is exhibited, a time period for each rank can be closely predicted
Since in many styles a black belt takes approximately three to six years of training to achieve, a good intuitive analogy would be a bachelor's degree: the student has a good understanding of concepts and ability to use them but has not yet perfected their skills. In this analogy a master's degree and a doctorate would represent advancement past the first degree.
Another way to describe this links to the terms used in Japanese arts; shodan (for a first degree black belt), means literally the first/beginning step, and the next grades, nidan and sandan are each numbered as "ni" is two and "san" is three, meaning second step, third step, etc. The shodan black belt is not the end of training but rather as a beginning to advanced learning: the individual now "knows how to walk" and may thus begin the "journey".
As a 'black belt' is commonly viewed as conferring some status, achieving one has been used as a marketing 'gimmick', for example a guarantee of being awarded one within a specific period or if a specific amount is paid in membership dues. Some schools place profit ahead of ability when using these tactics and are sometimes referred to as McDojos.
Chicago Fight House has a philosophy in direct opposition to most schools. A rank of black belt is to be earned with sweat, flexibility, competency, experience, tournament competition, heart, spirit, integrity and honor. A black belt in Shorin Ryu from Chicago Fight House will never be given to a member - it must be earned, each step of the way.
Private Lessons Held at 1on1 Fitness Training
1643 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 6:00am - 9:00am & 6pm - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday by appointment only
Talk To The Owner
Please contact Lou Storiale at (773) 614-2854
Please contact Lou Storiale at (773) 614-2854
Chicago Karate: Shorin Ryu Belt Ranks
Belt Ranks signify competency of martial arts fighting techniques, self defense and kata (forms).Most karate belt ranks share similar belt ranks and time. Time is NOT the requirement for belt promotion, but if consistent learning and practice is exhibited, a time period for each rank can be closely predicted
Chicago Fight House Belt Ranking
- White Belt (0-3 months)
- Yellow Belt (3-6 months)
- Blue Belt (6-9 months)
- Green Belt (9-12 months)
- Purple Belt (12-15 months)
- Brown Belt (15-20 months)
- Black Belt (21-36 months)
Black Belt Competency
Achieving the rank of black belt is not the end of one's training, but more aptly describes a new black belt as a "beginner." That is, the achievement of earning a black belt represents competency of a style's basic technique and is in no way an indication of mastery of any particular fighting style.Since in many styles a black belt takes approximately three to six years of training to achieve, a good intuitive analogy would be a bachelor's degree: the student has a good understanding of concepts and ability to use them but has not yet perfected their skills. In this analogy a master's degree and a doctorate would represent advancement past the first degree.
Another way to describe this links to the terms used in Japanese arts; shodan (for a first degree black belt), means literally the first/beginning step, and the next grades, nidan and sandan are each numbered as "ni" is two and "san" is three, meaning second step, third step, etc. The shodan black belt is not the end of training but rather as a beginning to advanced learning: the individual now "knows how to walk" and may thus begin the "journey".
As a 'black belt' is commonly viewed as conferring some status, achieving one has been used as a marketing 'gimmick', for example a guarantee of being awarded one within a specific period or if a specific amount is paid in membership dues. Some schools place profit ahead of ability when using these tactics and are sometimes referred to as McDojos.
Chicago Fight House has a philosophy in direct opposition to most schools. A rank of black belt is to be earned with sweat, flexibility, competency, experience, tournament competition, heart, spirit, integrity and honor. A black belt in Shorin Ryu from Chicago Fight House will never be given to a member - it must be earned, each step of the way.