The belt rank structure is divided into two categories, kyu ranks and dan ranks.
- Kyu ranks rise from the lowest – 10th kyu, to the highest rank – 1st kyu.
- Dan ranks progress from 1st dan (shodan) upwards.
Listed below are the requirements for promotion. In order to be promoted to the next Kyu (belt), you must successfully demonstrate mastery of your current Kyu requirements during your test.
For example, if you are a Yellow Belt, and wish to test for Green Belt, you must successfully demonstrate all of the requirements shown under Yellow Belt.
Sensei Kirk will request you perform a subset of these techniques on the day of the test, however you must be prepared to demonstrate proficiency of all of them.
Please note: promotion requirements for more advanced belts include contributing to the Club both during and outside of the class (i.e., proactively cleaning floors prior to class, putting out / storing the banner, participating in demos, marketing the club, recruiting new members, etc.). These must be demonstrated prior to testing.
- All beginning students start at 10th kyu.
- White/Yellow Belt (9th to 7th kyu)
- Green Belt (6th to 5th kyu)
- Purple Belt (4th kyu)
- Brown Belt (3rd to 2nd kyu)
- Brown Belt (1st kyu)
- Black Belt candidate (1+ kyu)
- Black Belt (1st Dan – Shodan)
In addition there is a plus/minus system within each kyu. For example, a 7- is below a 7, and a 7 is below a 7+, which is below a 6-. (Think of a 7+ as a very strong 7 and a 7- as a weaker 7.)
The kyu examinations (aka. belt testing) occur at the end of a semester, and during ~1-2 class periods, depending on the number of people testing. On the day(s) of the exam, students are expected to arrive early and warm up on their own. The committee of judges includes the Head Instructor, a panel of senior Black Belts, and a caller. Participants are evaluated on their proficiency, knowledge, effectiveness of techniques, spirit, and class participation. Promotions can be stressful and therefore are a good test of how one performs under pressure.
There is no set time period to advance through the ranks.
Advancement depends upon the individual’s dedication and effort, and it becomes increasingly more difficult as the student progresses. Some time after a student has practiced diligently for a number of years and has achieved the rank of 1+, Sensei Kirk may ask him or her to take the examination for Black Belt.