Promotion Requirements and Rating System
William J. Dometrich, Hanshi
Chief Instructor United States Chito-kai

According to Doctor Tsuyoshi Chitose, the object of Karate training is to achieve technical skill and to train ourselves so that we may attain that technical skill. With achievement of true technical skill will come in time a unique understanding of not only karate and the martial arts but an understanding of life in general.
While the main object of karate training is to become as proficient as we can in self-defense and not to achieve belt color or rank, we must never forget that the belt system is a tool that will enable us to achieve technical proficiency in the art of karate if properly used.
In the United States, the Chito-ryu ratings for belts under Sho-dan (1st degree black belt) are divided into nine divisions. These ratings are broken down according to the material that is taught and makes it somewhat easier to divide large groups of students into smaller classes. In Japan the pre-black belt ratings are broken down into five divisions for promotion and counting the white belt beginner, make up the six kyu system.
Although time requirements and technical requirements differ slightly from school to school in the Chito-ryu system, the various requirements will be close or very similar in all of the Chito-ryu schools.
Because Chito-ryu karate is a living art, it is constantly growing and changing with techniques continuously being added and taken away. This is the hallmark of a growing and dynamic art. Because of the size of the Chito-ryu organization and the vast distances between various Chito-ryu schools there will be some differences between the various techniques, kata, and promotional standards. The most important aspects however are to develop a good basic technique, a good attitude and loyalty toward the founder, Doctor Chitose, and his appointed representatives.

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