“I always say that it is not about grade, but about substance..” – Yasuhiro Uema 10th dan Shubukan Shorin Ryu
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Grades, or belt ranks, are without doubt one the most controversial aspects of the martial arts. They can cause many problems and focussing overly on your belt rank, can become extremely toxic.
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A grade or belt, is an agreement between you and an instructor (or organization), that you represent what they teach, and should be an indicator of your knowledge and dedication to the particular style, or group…… that’s it. Outside of that group your grade could be meaningless, without value to others and it represents nothing relative to others’ abilities.
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There aren’t any universal standards governing how martial arts grades are defined. Each form of martial art has its own traditions, rules and principles, and there can be many variations even within the same style.
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A belt rank should be indicative that you are better and more knowledgeable than you were at a previous belt rank. But this does not mean that you are better than anyone else at the same rank, or above or below that rank.
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In addition to the kyu/dan ranking system used by most Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, there is a parallel system called “shogo” (称号). The word loosely translates into English as “title”. Which brings with it the addition of a red, red and white, or red and black belt (the wearing of these belts are often denigrated and can be quite contentious).
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In some organizations, once awarded, these belts are always worn. In others, they’re considered ceremonial belts and only worn on special occasions. Those practitioners typically wear a regular black belt during normal classes.
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These titles are awarded typically at high dan levels. Their primary purpose is to show that in addition to being a good martial artist, the individual is also a good teacher.
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The shogo titles are independent of dan level and do not effect it. There is a relationship between the two in that most organizations that use them, impose a minimum dan level requirement in order to earn the shogo titles. Typically, they are awarded to teachers who have given something back to the organization they belong to.
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Personally for me, it’s the recognition by the individual awarding the belt that matters, much more than the grade or belt itself…… After all; “In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope hold up pants.” – Mr. Miyagi
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When the belt comes off, only ability remains…… Be humble, be honest, be respectful. 
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Photo Credit: Shubukan Shorin Ryu
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