The belt path
Six belts, white to black
Each color adds a few skills. A student tests when the instructor sees them, and every student moves at their own pace.
- 01
White belt
SkillsBowing in and bowing out
A basic stance
Listening and waiting a turn
- 02
Yellow belt
SkillsTwo stances and a basic block
A first short form
Counting out loud with the class
- 03
Green belt
SkillsA longer form
Kicks at a pad
Slow partner drills on pads
- 04
Blue belt
SkillsPutting two techniques together
Light-contact partner work
Helping a newer student with the warm-up
- 05
Brown belt
SkillsTwo forms from memory
Longer partner drills
Calling a short drill
- 06
Black belt
SkillsEvery form the school teaches
Teaching part of a class
Starting the next stretch of learning
Sample levels.
Belt tests
Tests follow the skills, not the calendar
The instructor decides
A student tests when the instructor sees the skills for the next belt. Two students in one class can test at different times, and that's how it should be.
What a test is like
The student shows the stances, the form and a short partner drill to the instructor, in front of the class. Families can watch from the bench; please stay seated and keep the flash off.
Start at white
Everyone begins at the same place. Try a class and see the first belt for yourself.