Why do gradings and is it worth it? A grading is a way of grading to a higher belt. Some schools have more colours than others. The time difference between gradings can be between 3 months to a few years on black belt level. I was a 2nd degree Black belt for 15 years because I was not in a position to grade. In the first place it is good motivation to train. In the old days you had only white and black belts. Then Brown belts was introduced. Later other colours was introduced. Lately at 9th & 10th degree Black belt they wear a red belt. In dan grades the years you wait for a gradings is the number grade that you grade for in years. (5years for 5th Dan ext) in American Kenpo it is 3 years per black belt degree. Only problem I have with gradings is that it can be a money making thing. To many gradings per year. As a instructor always be carefully to be a Mcdojo.