HOW MANY BELTS ARE IN KARATE? In karate, the black belt, also known as "dan," has six levels of expertise ¹. Here are the different levels of black belt in karate: - *1st dan (Shodan):* The first level of black belt, which typically takes around 2-4 years to achieve. - *2nd dan (Nidan):* The second level, which takes around 2-4 years after achieving the first dan. - *3rd dan (Sandan):* The third level, which takes around 3-5 years after achieving the second dan. - *4th dan (Yondan):* The fourth