Belts
Five belts, one path
A white belt learns to bow and stand. Each color after that adds a few skills, a form and a little more partner work.
- 01
White belt
Everyone starts hereSkillsBowing in and out of the room
A front stance and a straight punch
The first short form
- 02
Yellow belt
SkillsBlocks and front kicks from the stance
The second form
Counting to ten in Japanese
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 03
Green belt
SkillsLonger forms with a change of direction
Slow partner drills in set steps
The first staff drill, with the bo
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 04
Brown belt
SkillsForms from memory, in order
Partner drills at a steady pace
The sai, in a short form
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 05
Black belt
SkillsEvery form, and the reason for each step
Helping newer students on the floor
Teaching part of a class, with an instructor beside you
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
Sample levels.
No belt comes with a date. Every student moves at their own pace.
Belt tests
How a belt test works
A belt test happens at the end of a regular class. The instructor invites a student when the skills are there, never because a set number of weeks has passed.
The student shows the forms and drills for the next belt in front of the line. Family and friends are welcome to watch from the bench, and the new belt is tied on in the same room.
The instructor decides, with the student
A test is part of an ordinary class
Family may watch from the bench
Start as a white belt
Everyone does. Choose a class and come once to see how it feels.