What do karate belt colours mean?
The belt a karate student wears shows their current level. Lau's Karate follows the Shitokai grading system, in which a smaller kyu number means a higher level.
Grades and belt colours
- 10th kyu: White belt
- 8th–9th kyu: Yellow belt
- 6th–7th kyu: Green belt
- 4th–5th kyu: Purple belt
- 2nd–3rd kyu: Brown belt
- Black belt (pre-Dan) and dan grades: Black belt
Black belt is not the end
Earning a black belt means a student has mastered the fundamentals of karate. After black belt come the dan grades, such as 1st, 2nd and 3rd dan, and each takes years of practice.
How do students move up a grade?
Grading exams are held every four months. Students need an attendance rate of at least 80% and a coach's recommendation to take part. The exam covers basic techniques and kata, and students must reach the required standard to be promoted.
For exam content and demonstration videos for each grade, see the Grading page. Ready to start as a white belt? Book a trial class.
Siu Mi's Tip
Every belt is earned through hard work!