These are grading levels used in Japanese budō and other traditional arts. They divide kyū-ranks into beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Many arts use these terms for organizing curriculum, including karate, aikido, jūdō, iaidō, koryū jujutsu, as well as traditional arts (tea, calligraphy, etc.) They describe skill brackets, not specific numbered kyū ranks.
初級 (Shokyū / Sho-kyū) | Beginner level | 初 = beginning, first, novice | 級 = class, grade
中級 (Chūkyū / Chū-kyū) | Intermediate level | 中 = middle
上級 (Jōkyū / Jō-kyū) | Advanced level | 上 = upper, advanced
These are universally used in Japanese to mark three stages of skill development, not just in budō. These three are not specific belt ranks. They are bands that categorize ranges of kyū or training levels.
Sho-kyū (Beginner Class)
Usually includes: 6th kyū → 5th kyū → 4th kyū (depending on system); White belt, yellow belt, orange belt levels; Very basic techniques. Training includes: simple ukemi, stance work, basic strikes, basic blocks, very simple kata or forms, etiquette & dojo rules, first exposure to weapons (if applicable).
Chū-kyū (Intermediate Class)
Usually includes: 3rd kyū → 2nd kyū; Green/blue/purple belt region. Student can train independently. Training includes: more complex timing, combination techniques, first throws & joint locks (in aikido/jujutsu), sparring fundamentals (in karate), paired kata (in iaido/kenjutsu). Students at this level begin to show: rhythm, coordination, understanding of distance & timing, better posture & command of basics.
Jō-kyū (Advanced Class)
Usually includes: 1st kyū → pre-black belt; Brown belt levels; Entry to black belt exam preparation. Training includes: full kata sequences, advanced sparring, advanced control techniques, higher-level ukemi, more responsibility in the dojo (kohai-senpai role). Students at this level are expected to: lead warmups, assist beginners, know etiquette correctly, understand riai (principles behind the technique), demonstrate calm & control.
Use in Koryū (Classical Styles)
Koryū usually do not use colored belts or modern kyū/dan. However, many koryū still describe skill level in terms of: Sho-kyū — “entry-level practitioners,” Chū-kyū — “students allowed in paired kata,” Jō-kyū — “senior deshi preparing for mokuroku licenses.”
These terms appear in all Japanese skill-based arts:
- Shodō (calligraphy)
- Sadō (tea ceremony)
- Kadō (flower arranging)
- Shigin (poetry singing)
- Nihon buyō (dance)
- Music levels and tests
- Language proficiency textbooks
They are the standard Japanese breakdown of beginner → intermediate → advanced.
