How do I solve 9 across in Times Cryptic 29569?

Question

Accepted Answer

9 across reads "Rank in karate that can’t be built upon?" (5,4 letters); the answer is GREEN BELT. It's a double-definition clue: two separate definitions of the same word sit side by side. No wordplay split and no indicators — both halves of the clue define the answer. The full step-by-step breakdown is on this page.

Rank in karate that can’t be built upon? (5,4)

9A — Rank in karate that can’t be built upon? (5,4) — GREEN BELT