The belt path
Eight belts, white to black
Each color adds a few skills. A student tests when the instructor sees them, and stripes on the belt mark the steps between.
- 01
White belt
Ages 4 and upSkillsBowing in and bowing out
A basic stance
Listening to the instructor and waiting a turn
- 02
Yellow belt
SkillsFirst blocks and first kicks
A short form
A firm voice and asking for help
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 03
Orange belt
SkillsPunch and kick combinations
Partner drills on pads
A second form
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 04
Green belt
SkillsLonger forms
Controlled partner work
Calling a drill for the line
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 05
Blue belt
SkillsCombining techniques
Moving at a distance
Helping newer students warm up
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 06
Purple belt
SkillsLonger combinations
Forms with turns and changes of pace
Calling the stretch
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 07
Brown belt
SkillsAdvanced forms
Running the warm-up
Partner work with a coach beside you
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
- 08
Black belt
SkillsTeaching a drill
Setting a goal for the next year of training
Forms from every earlier belt
Moving upWhen the instructor sees the skills, at a belt test
Sample levels.
Every student moves at their own pace.
Moving up
Tests follow the skills, not the calendar
Your instructor decides when a student is ready to test.
Tested in your own class
A test happens in the student's own class time, with the same instructors.
Stripes between belts
Stripes on the belt mark the steps between colors, so progress shows long before a new belt.
Ready when the instructor says
There is no set number of months between belts.
Start at white
Every student begins with a white belt, at any age.