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Black belts are ranked in degrees or dans, from first degree to ninth or tenth degree. Time in rank, time in the art, and skill requirements for earning each degree vary within the hundreds of martial art organizations. One organization may require more to earn a first degree than another organization requires for its higher degrees.

Black belt degrees are practically meaningless outside the organization that awarded them. A black belt within an organization is similar to being a star football player at your high school. At your school, you are a star with all the prestige and rewards that come with the designation. However, at other high schools, you are considered just another student; and, once you graduate, you are considered just another person, nothing special. You may brag about your high school football accomplishments and think people from other schools care, but they do not. Likewise, within your martial art organization you may be a highly respected high degree black belt, but, outside your organization, you are just another person claiming to be a black belt.

The following are generic descriptions of the black belt degrees. The responsibilities, accountability, and skill requirements of each will differ among the hundreds of martial art organizations.

First Degree

First degree black belts are rookie black belts. They start out feeling proud and may be a bit boastful, but they quickly learn that with the rank comes greater responsibilities and accountability. Behaviors and poor skills that may have been tolerated at the color belt levels are no longer accepted. Many students consider this end of their journey; they have reached their goal so they stop training, and move on to other interests. Some students may be selected to begin training to become instructors and be allowed to assist instructors in classes.

Second Degree

Second degree black belts lose their rookie status and begin to become real black belts. They crossed the black belt hump and are now on a new journey.

Third Degree

Third degree black belts begin to become leaders in the school and find that first and second degree black belts look to them for guidance and directions. They begin to solidify their position in the school and become vital assets to the head instructor.

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