WKMF RANKING REQUIREMENTS

Traditionally, all kyu ranks (less than black belt) are considered white belts.

Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt):  At least 3 years of training and 18 years old.

This level necessitates a maturation of abilities.  All basic body movements and techniques, including hand and leg techniques, can be applied with extended force and proper applications in basic conditions.

Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt):  Over 1 year after Shodan and at least 19 years old.

This level requires the personal assimilation and performance of all basic body movements and techniques to such a degree that their application is in accord with the individual’s own unique body demands.

Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt):  Over 2 years after Nidan. 21 years old and over.

At this level, the individual has acquired the understanding of the underlying principles in all body movements and techniques.  Moreover, this understanding can be demonstrated in the application of techniques under varied circumstances and conditions.

Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt):  Over 4 years after Sandan. 25 years old and over.

The individual attaining this level has exemplified knowledge of the principle body movements and techniques and their application under various conditions to such a degree that the ability to instruct others has been gained.

Godan (5th Degree Black Belt):  Over 5 years after Yondan.  30 years old and over.

At this level, the individual has acquired understanding and mastery of both body movements and teaching techniques and is able to demonstrate these techniques to benefit other instructors under varied circumstances and conditions.

Rokodan (6th Degree Black Belt):  Over 6 years after Godan,  36 years old or older.

The attainment of this level necessitates the performance of karate research in an area that by its nature has a universal benefit to be derived by its application.

Nanadan or Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt):  Over 6 years after Rokodan,  42 years old or older.

To achieve this level, the individual has undertaken advanced research through the actual application and extensive testing of the general research technique.

Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt):  Over 8 years after Nanadan,  50 years old or older.

At this point, the individual must have completed research in a new and previously unknown area.

Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt):  over 10 years after Hachidan, 60 years old or older.

The requirements for this level call for uncommon dedication for an extended period of time to the areas of individual achievement, research, and technique.  This dedication must be culminated in karate achievement and development of the highest and most extraordinary order.  Moreover, this accumulated knowledge and expertise must have been utilized in the general service of karate development.

Judan (10th Degree Black Belt):  Over 10 years after Kudan, 70 years old or older.

This ids the level where the individual has finally neared the highest image of karate development.  This has been brought about by continuous practice and pursuit of the truth that is to be found in the human ideal.

TITLES

Titles are NOT given automatically with rank.  They are awarded for exceptional achievement and outstanding character.

 - Sensei:  Meaning "teacher", could be anyone designated to teach their own class/students

 - Renshi:  Over 2 years after 5th Dan and 35 years old or older

 - Kyoshi:  7th or 8th Dan, over 10 years after Renshi and 45 years old or older

 - Hanshi:  9th or 10th Dan, over 15 years after Kyoshi and 63 years old or older