In Martial Arts, the use of belts/rankings is common. They serve various purposes, ranging from teaching to organizing the hierarchy. Regardless of one's perspective on the authority of a ranked practitioner in a Martial Art, whether it's traditional or contemporary, in a classroom context, the highest-ranked individual is always the reference point. Therefore, rankings serve to clarify the chain of command.

Goshindō is a modern martial system; therefore, rankings are not represented by the use of belts but by the color of the symbol on the left side of the chest of the shirt. The uniform consists of a black shirt and black tactical pants with a belt. Rankings are divided into 5 levels (Kyū) and 5 degrees (Dan). Each rank is indicated by the colors of the symbols, as shown above.

A very common and contemporary example is when the instructor has to address an urgent matter and needs to leave the class for a few minutes. In this case, the rankings make it clear who will take charge of the class in the absence of the instructor.

With this type of division, it becomes much easier for both the student and the instructor to identify the stage of training. While the student knows exactly what they need to learn, the instructor, just by looking at the ranking, can understand what kind of skills the student has already acquired.

Therefore, rankings help organize the teaching method of Martial Arts, but there is also a more important function: Generating motivation. The ranking becomes an object of desire for the student. This motivates them to train harder to achieve it. When the student realizes that the new rank will be offered as a reward for their performance, they will train with twice the dedication.

When a student begins training, the initial rank is Mukyū, which is equivalent to the white belt. Then the following ranks go in reverse order down to 1st Kyū: Mukyū, 5th Kyū, 4th Kyū, 3rd Kyū, 2nd Kyū, and 1st Kyū. Click on the images below to purchase the t-shirt according to your Kyū rank: