The general public, even in Japan, equates the black belt with a high level of skill. Someone who holds the first degree of black belt is considered by most experts to be no expert at all. To understand this concept, one must understand the foundation of rank promotions. Generally, a kyu rank student is considered to be without any rank or recognition at all. The kyu ranks are created strictly to reward new students during their first three to five years of training with a karate organization and provide a gauge for their progress.
Examinations are simple and quick.
Rarely are students pushed to perform anything that is very difficult. After the first dan, or Shodan, examination is passed, JKA schools issue a black belt. Usually, Japanese JKA groups view rank beneath third dan to be low-level and indicative of a lack of understanding of some aspect of the art. Dan examinations are quick, like kyu rank examinations, but they are heavy on content. On the other hand, for the higher dan ranks, very little is required of the examinee.