S.K.B. Gradings
In Shotokai there are 5 dan degrees, as Master Funakoshi originally established it.
There are previous gradings before attaining a shodan (first degree black belt) these are called kyu, in Shotokai Karate Budo, these are:
8th, 7th, 6th kyu: white
The differences between the kyu are marked with small white stripes, or lengthwise stripes in yellow, red and green in the first three kyu (8, 7, 6th kyu).
When Master Funakoshi arrived to the Japanese mainland, there were no belts, it was not before 1932 when he standardized the different levels in Karate, based on the Judo system. At that point he gave all his older students a black belt. The black belt represents the moment when you have learnt the technique well enough to be able to begin your true Karate training. So once you get one, after years of practice, you are ready to begin.
5th, 4th kyu: purple
3rd, 2nd and 1st kyu: brown
