Belts System

THE KARATE BELT SYSTEM

Adult Belts

Junior Belts ( under 16)

Here, we highlight the key competencies required of each belt. This can be used as a rough guide to understand the meaning of the various belts in our ranking system.

The belt system in FightSpur is different from what you'd typically find in traditional karate organisations. In traditional karate, a first degree black belt denotes "basic competency", in which a student has learnt the fundamentals and is now ready to pursue advanced training. In FightSpur, this level of skill is represented by a blue belt. Black belts in FightSpur denotes an expert level of technical and practical skill.

Promotions in our school are based solely on performance and competency, we do not have tests or gradings. Instead, instructors monitor the students' progress and promote them once they reach the required proficiency. Students can earn 4 stripes on each belt before being promoted to the next belt. Stripes on a black belt represent the degrees (1 to 5).

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Adult Belts (Kyu)

White Belt - 7th Kyu
The white belt is a beginner’s belt. There are no requirements for this belt. A white belt's primary objective is to absorb knowledge and pick up skills. The best way he/she can do this is to train regularly and consistently.

Yellow Belt - 5th Kyu
(min age: refer to junior yellow belt)
A yellow belt has a basic understanding of the fundamentals of karate. He/she is able to apply a small portion of this knowledge under pressure (when sparring or fighting). When not under pressure, he/she is able to smoothly and accurately apply this knowledge. He/she is also able to retain composure when sparring or fighting an equally skilled opponent.

Blue Belt - 3rd Kyu
(min age: 16 years)
A blue belt has a good understanding of the fundamentals of karate. He/she is able to effectively apply this knowledge under pressure, and exhibit some fluidity while doing so. Even if he/she can’t execute it, a blue belt should have an understanding of what he/she is supposed to do in most situations. A blue belt should be able to beat a bigger and stronger untrained opponent in a fight.

Purple Belt - 2nd Kyu
(min age: 16 years)
A purple belt is an intermediate practitioner of karate. He/she has mastered the basics. When sparring or fighting, he/she is able to apply his/her knowledge instinctively, without thinking. A purple belt should also have a narrow aspect of striking that he/she is very good at, ie a developing area of specialty.
Purple belts and above are qualified to teach beginners independently.

Brown Belt - 1st Kyu
(min age: 18 years)
A brown belt is an advanced practitioner. He/she has honed his/her area of specialty that was developing at purple belt. When sparring or fighting, his/her movements should be automated and smooth. A brown belt should also have a firm understanding of the core concepts of striking. Instead of simply knowing how to execute, he/she should understand the “why” behind techniques and movements.

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Junior Belts

Juniors have a separate belt system, with more increments. This is because children require more frequent rewards to stay motivated. The juniors' green belt is equivalent to the adult blue belt. Upon reaching 16 years of age, a child's belt is automatically converted to the adult equivalent.

White-Yellow Belt - 6th Kyu
(min age: 5 years)
A white-yellow belt has acquired an adequate level of knowledge in karate, such that he/she is starting to be able to use karate, against resisting opponents. He/she has some understanding of the fundamentals of karate. When not under pressure, he/she is able to apply this knowledge at a basic level of proficiency.

Yellow Belt - 5th Kyu
(min age: 7 years)
A yellow belt has a basic understanding of the fundamentals of karate. He/she is able to apply a small portion of this knowledge under pressure (when sparring or fighting). When not under pressure, he/she is able to smoothly and accurately apply this knowledge. He/she is also able to retain composure when sparring or fighting an equally skilled opponent.

Orange Belt - 4th Kyu
(min age: 10 years)
An orange belt has a functional understanding of the fundamentals of karate. He/she is able to effectively execute a good portion of this knowledge against resisting opponents. He/she is also able to retain composure when sparring or fighting a stronger opponent.

Green Belt - 3rd Kyu
(min age: 13 years)
A green belt has a good understanding of the fundamentals of karate. He/she is able to effectively apply most of this knowledge under pressure, and exhibit some fluidity while doing so. Even if he/she can’t execute it, a green belt should have an understanding of what he/she is supposed to do in most situations. A green belt should be able to beat a bigger and stronger untrained opponent in a fight. The green belt is the highest belt a junior can earn and is equivalent to the adult blue belt. Upon turning 16, a green belt will be moved to the adult grading system and awarded either a blue or purple belt.

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Black Belts

Black Belt - 1st Degree
(min age: 19 years)
A black belt is a master of striking, with a very good understanding of the art. He/she also has the ability and maturity to be a mentor and a coach. He/she should have an area of specialty that he/she is an absolute expert in. Alongside that, he/she should have a good understanding of other competing specialties, and be able to deal with them in sparring or fights. A 1st degree black belt can promote students independently up to brown belt.

Promotions beyond black belt are based on competition results and leadership, rather than skill.

Black Belt - 2nd Degree
Requirements:
Local competition results (~10 amateur fights) at black belt level + 2 years (active) after 1st degree
OR
Executive officer of a club + 4 years (active) after 1st degree
OR
4 years consistent teaching after 1st degree. (Running own class, proof of students' achievements)

Black Belt - 3rd Degree
Requirements:
National / Prominent / Professional competition results + 3 years (active) after 2nd degree
OR
Club leadership (running a club/school independently) + Local competition results (~10 amateur fights) + 5 years (active) at 2nd degree
OR
Executive officer of a large club (multiple locations) / City or State level operations + Local competition results (~10 amateur fights) + 5 years (active) at 2nd degree

Black Belt - 4th Degree
Requirements:
In charge of a large club (multiple locations) / City or State level operations + 5 years (active) at 3rd degree (with at least 1 year in that leadership position)
OR
Executive officer of of national or greater level operations + 5 years (active) at 3rd degree (with at least 1 year in that position)
OR
Pioneer (Must have made a big impact on the sport) + 5 years (active) at 3rd degree

Black Belt - 5th Degree
Requirements:
In charge of national or greater level operations / Head + 5 years (active) at 4th degree (with at least 1 year in that position)

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