Karate Belt Colours & Grades Explained

The karate belt system is one of the most recognisable aspects of martial arts. Each colour represents a different grade (kyu or dan) and reflects the student’s level of skill and experience. This guide explains what each belt colour means and how the grading system works.

How Does the Karate Grading System Work?

Karate uses a two-tier grading system:

Kyu grades — Student grades, numbered downwards from 9th kyu (beginner) to 1st kyu (advanced student). Represented by coloured belts.
Dan grades — Black belt grades, numbered upwards from 1st dan (shodan) onwards. Represented by black belts.

The exact number of kyu grades and the colours used vary between karate styles (Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu) and individual clubs. Always check with your club for their specific grading structure.

Karate Belt Colours — Common UK System

White — Beginner. No previous experience required.
Yellow — 9th or 8th kyu. First grading passed.
Orange — 7th or 6th kyu. Growing confidence and basic technique.
Green — 5th kyu. Intermediate level, techniques becoming more refined.
Blue — 4th kyu. Solid foundation of karate knowledge.
Purple — 3rd kyu. Advanced student, preparing for brown belt.
Brown — 2nd and 1st kyu. Senior student grades, approaching black belt level.
Black — 1st dan and above. Shodan (first degree black belt) and beyond.

Many clubs also use stripe belts (e.g. white with yellow stripe, brown with white stripe) to mark intermediate grades between full colour changes — particularly useful for junior students who grade more frequently.

Junior Karate Belt Colours

Many clubs run a separate junior grading system with additional belt colours and stripe belts to give younger students more frequent milestones and recognition. Common additions include red, grey and additional stripe variations. Check with your child’s club for their specific junior grading structure.

What Size Karate Belt Do I Need?

Karate belts are sized by length in centimetres, typically 240cm, 280cm or 320cm. The right size depends on your waist measurement and how you prefer to tie your belt. As a general guide:

240cm — Children and smaller adults
280cm — Most adults
320cm — Larger adults or those who prefer a longer tie

Do I Need a WKF Approved Belt?

Only for WKF-sanctioned competition. For club training and most local gradings, any good quality belt is perfectly acceptable. The Adidas WKF Approved Competition Belt is required for WKF events.

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Browse our full range of karate belts at Budo Online — full colour range from white to black, stripe belts, and WKF-approved competition belts from Adidas, Owari and Cimac. Free UK delivery on orders over £70.