At Liberty Karate Club, one begins training as a white belt with no rank. The first test will be for 8th kyu. The system of ranks will then continue to the rank of 1st kyu. The kyu ranks (all ranks below black belt) will be identified starting with the white belt, moving to the green belt, and finally the brown belt. Shodan (1st degree black belt) may be obtained after 3-4 years of study, depending on the diligence of the student.