The World Yoshukai Karate Kobudo Organization (WYKKO) has 10 ranks under black belt.
Colored belt ranks are called “kyu belts”.
On average it takes 4 -6 years (depending on the age, skill set, and determination) of training to test for Black belt (or Shodon)
At Auburn Karate, we pride ourselves on producing high quality Black Belts. If a student trains, studies, tests, and achieves a Yoshukai black belt, then they have truly accomplished something to be proud of.
The word Yoshukai means “Strive for excellence”.
Yoshukai karateka (students of karate) must strive for excellence in all things. They must prepare for testing both mentally and physically.
As karateka (students) get older and more mature it gets easier to move up in rank. The requirements are the same but their athletic ability and overall self awareness increases with age. It is for this reason that Auburn karate has 2 children’s programs that are “pre- Yoshukai” ranking. They are the “Tiny Tigers”(ages 3-4). And the “Tiger cubs” (ages 5 to 10). These programs give stripes to white belt rank. Click here for the Striping System.
Kyu Ranks and Requirements
10th Kyu – White Belt
9th Kyu – Yellow Belt – Age Requirement: 6 years old and older
8th kyu – One Stripe Yellow Belt
7th Kyu – Two Stripe Yellow Belt
6th Kyu – Blue Belt – Age Requirement: 7 years old or older
5th Kyu -Two Stripe Blue belt
4th Kyu – Green Belt – Age Requirement: 9 years old or older
3rd Kyu – Two Stripe Green Belt
2nd Kyu – Brown Belt – Age Requirement: 11 years old or older
1st Kyu – Two Stripe Brown Belt
Shodon – Black Belt – Age Requirement: 13 years old or older