Shorinji Kempo uses the kyu-dan grade system. A beginner starts at 9th Kyu with a white “obi” or belt. After passing a grading to assess technical skill and philosophical understanding, students recieve a new coloured tag, or a new belt. When a 1st Kyu (brown belt) student passes a grading, they become 1st Dan, or first degree black belt. After obtaining a black belt students may obtain higher Dan grades, but they continue to wear a black belt.
| Grade | Description | Belt |
| 9th Kyu | White Belt |  |
| 8th Kyu | 9th Kyu + yellow tip |  |
| 7th Kyu | 8th Kyu + green tip |  |
| 6th Kyu | 7th Kyu + blue tip |  |
| 5th Kyu | 6th Kyu + brown tip |  |
| 4th Kyu | Yellow belt |  |
| 3rd Kyu | Green belt |  |
| 2nd Kyu | Blue belt |  |
| 1st Kyu | Brown belt |  |
| 1st Dan | Black belt |  |
For any queries on grading issues, see your branch master after training.