The Belt System & Rank Requirements 

The beginning student in most martial arts disciplines wears a white belt, according to tradition, signifies innocence. With the passage of time the belt becomes soiled from handling and use, so the second stage of learning is signified by a brown belt. As more time passes the belt becomes darker until it is black - the black belt stage. With even more use the black belt becomes frayed, almost white, signifying that the wearer is returning again to innocence - a Zen characteristic of human perfection. (Hyams, 1979)

The above quote expresses the traditional significance of the three primary belts - white, brown, and black - but what of the other belts - yellow, blue, and green? What is their significance in the Methuen Karate Association?

The fact that the yellow belt is the brightest of all belts is no accident. The yellow belt signifies an awakening - in initial immersion into the art of karate. It is the first "color"; whereas the white belt blends with the white of the dogi, the yellow belt provides a contrast with regard to the overall appearance of the wearer - a rather pronounced contrast between the innocence of white and the road to Yudansha that lies ahead.

The blue and green belts, although not as bright a color as the yellow belt, represent measurable growth and commitment. In many ways, these are the "worker Belts". Much of the wearer's time is spent learning, practicing and ultimately perfecting physical technique. These belts also contrast in color with the white of the dogi, but are not as bright as the color of the yellow belt. Indeed, for the wearers' of these belts, the awakening - the initial immersion - has already occurred. Now is the time to learn and practice budo karate.

Although the yellow belt's brightness ultimately prevails. Indeed, the green belt paves the way for the highly recognized brown belt and is a "proving ground" for the coveted Shodan. It is the point at which the karateka begins to make her/his own personal statement on the art of karate - a statement that continues to change and grow through the ranks of the Yudansha.

New students hold the rank of 9th kyu and wear a white belt. There are 10 kyu levels, where students wear colored belts:

White Belt: 10th and 9th kyu
Blue Belt: 8'th and 7'th kyu
Yellow Belt: 6'th and 5'th kyu
Green Belt: 4'th and 3'rd kyu
Brown Belt: 2'nd and 1'st kyu 

There are 9 dan levels, where students wear black belts. 

MKA Rules of Grading

A meeting of the Grading Council of the Methuen Kyokushin karate Association was held on January 4, 1997 to set forth minimum length of training requirements which must be met, along with the standard requirements outlined in the student manual before a student will be considered for promotion. The requirements are as follows:

The following information is provided to indicate at which level katas and techniques are introduced to students and when they are required to demonstrate proficiency for advancement.

Kata

Kihon (basic techniques)

Combinations

Kumite