Shari Rodgers
The week of Dec. 2-6, 2024, was a very important time for the karate dojo at the Anza gym. It was a week of testing for a new rank/belt, and everyone did fabulously. Students were tested on Kihon (karate basics), Kata (karate forms consisting of a combination of positions/movements), and Kumite (one-on-one basic sparring). Everyone did exceptionally well, and all will have new belt colors representing their new rank.
Let’s look at the history of the karate belt in order to understand rankings. The story of karate belts begins in Japan. The founder of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi, introduced the belt system in the early 20th century. Did you know that the original karate didn’t have different colored belts? In fact, there were only two colors: white and black. The white belt represented a beginner, while the black belt was for the master. The other colors were added later to show the progress of a student from beginner to expert.
The white gi is said to represent purity, emptiness, and humility. The black belt symbolizes a level of knowledge, and when combined with the white gi, it symbolizes emptiness filled with knowledge. Reaching the black belt level is a significant achievement, but it’s not the end—it’s a new beginning. A black belt symbolizes proficiency and a solid understanding of the art. It’s a point where the practitioner starts to truly understand the philosophy and principles behind karate. Just as darkness gives way to light, the black belt marks the start of a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.
The colored belts were later introduced in 1935 as a way to help motivate and recognize the progress in training students. In Shotokan Karate, which is the style being offered at the Anza gym, the colored rankings are 9th Kyu, white belt; 8th Kyu, yellow belt; 7th Kyu; orange belt; 6th Kyu, green belt; 5th Kyu, low purple belt; 4th Kyu, high purple belt; 3rd Kyu, brown belt; 2nd Kyu, brown belt; and 1st Kyu, brown belt. Black Belt Rankings: 1st dan black belt, Shodan; 2nd dan black belt, Nidan; 3rd dan black belt, Sandan; 4th dan black belt, Yondan; 5th dan black belt, Godan; 6th dan black belt, Rokudan; 7th dan black belt, Shichidan; 8th dan black belt, Hachidan.
The residents who have received new ranks are—drum roll, please! Sue Allen, low purple; Tom Webber, low purple; Rocko Colicchia, high purple; Ken Kelley, 3rd level brown; Larry Rowen, 3rd level brown; and Shari Rodgers, 1st dan black belt! She is the second Quail Creek dojo student to reach black belt status!
With the start of 2025, why not come to the Anza gym and try learning karate? New students are always welcome. Come watch or participate in a class! You can do karate. Let us show you the how! Classes are on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m.