Each martial arts school can have a different ranking system.  In 1924, Master Funakoshi adopted the Kyū / Dan rank system and the uniform (keikogi, or just gi for Americans) developed by Kano Jigoro, the founder of Judo. This system uses colored belts (obi) to indicate rank.  Mumon Karate maintains Master Funakoshi's 5 dan system.

 

Mumon Karate accepts students starting at age 6. Testing for Black Belt is conducted at an adult level. A student must be 18 years or older to be considered an adult.  Mumon may award a youth black belt for especially talented individuals who are at least 15 years old and have shown a dedicated training mentality.  Standards for this special youth black belt are the same as for an adult shodan candidate.

 

Mumon Karate uses the following ranking systems for both youth and adults.