Rank Information and Progression

Starting at 9th degree Purple, proficiency stripes may be awarded at every level. Each rank will have proficiency level I, II or III ("CHO", "YI" & "SAHM"). Rank stripes will be yellow and proficiency stripes are black. Rank stripes will be worn on the left side (under the school patch), and proficiency stripes on the right. All stripes are worn on the belt starting 1" from the end

10th Yellow
10th Yellow/blue
10th Yellow/green
9th Purple
8th Orange
7th Blue
6th Green
5th Green 1 yellow stripe
4th Green 2 yellow stripes
3rd Red 2nd Red 1 yellow stripe
1st Red 2 yellow stripes
1st Black
Note: Jr Black (if student is under 16 yrs of age.)

Note The beginning student should expect to be tested every four months. Test will include all acquired knowledge to that point in training. If the student performs well and passes every test along the way, it should take approximately four (4) years to reach the level of 1st Degree Black Belt. Minimum age for 1st Degree 16 yrs. If student is eligible at a younger age, he/she may be awarded a Jr. Black Belt. Minimum age for Jr Black Belt is 12 yrs. Jr Black Belts will continue testing every 4 months to show proficiency until eligible for 1st Degree. Jr Black Belts will not be required an "Original Form" as part of their testing and may advance through 3rd Degree Jr Black Belt. Because of the age and maturity, any Senior Black belt will always have authority over any Jr Black Belt regardless of degree.