Rank Promotions

Rank testings are held during the last week of each month.  Students who meet all rank requirements are eligible to test and will be asked to demonstrate the techniques for one rank higher than the rank they are actually testing for.  All minors (even those being promoted to senior rank) must earn their parent/guardian’s permission to be able to test.

Pee Wee Ranks  (Ages 4-6)

Pee Wee ranks are geared towards the special needs of young children.  They are designed to encourage the child to learn basic concepts while offering the incentive of regular promotions. 

If a child earns their Brown Stripe before their 7th birthday, they can test for promotion to Yellow Belt after meeting the time-in-grade requirements, regardless of their age. 

If they turn 7 before they earn their Brown Stripe, they can test for promotion to Junior Yellow Belt once they meet the time-in-grade requirements.

Junior Ranks  (Ages 7-16)

Although unusual, the instructor may, at his/her discretion, skip one or more ranks when promoting students of unusual ability and dedication.  At the instructor’s discretion, juniors ages 14-16 may be promoted as seniors. 

Senior Ranks  (Age 17 and up)

Our club awards five ranks below black belt.  They are orange belt, green belt and three ranks of brown belt.  First degree black belt is the highest rank below shodan (first degree black belt).

What Do The Other Stripes Mean?

Coup Stripe [white stripe on a colored belt or black stripe on a white belt]—A student is awarded one stripe for each tournament they have competed in since their last testing.  This comes from the practice among many Native American nations of awarding warriors eagle feathers for bravery—the bravest act being touching your enemy with your bare hands. 

Red Stripe—Junior has earned their parent’s permission to test for their next rank.

Camouflage Stripe—This stripe recognizes a student’s hard work.  It is awarded at the instructor’s discretion.