The 12 student grades can be divided into three groups:
1st-4th student grade = basic level, color: silver
5th-8th student grade = intermediate level, color: red
9th-12th student grade = advanced level, color: gold
The twelve teacher grades work similarly:
1st-4th technician / teacher grade = basic level, color: silver
5th-8th practitioner / master grade= intermediate level, color: red
9th-12th grandmaster grade = advanced level, color: gold