Belt Promotions

Belt promotions are an integral part of the traditional martial arts curriculum. This process rewards the progress students are making in proficiency and maturity on their martial arts journey.

Students must pass endurance, physical skill, and oral components to each belt test, evaluating their full understanding of our teachings.

Promotions are scheduled only when the instructor feels you are ready and will be held outside of your scheduled class time.

Master Mark proctors all belt promotions. Each time a you reach a promotion, you will receive a new belt and belt rank certificate to show the amazing work you’ve done!

Readiness Sessions

We provide belt promotion readiness sessions to help students prepare for their promotion. These sessions are not a guarantee that you will be promoted, but we want to help you as much as we can in your success!

Readiness sessions are included in your tuition and will include approximately two additional 1-hour sessions (four if promoting for black belt). Depending on the number of students promoting, these sessions may be held privately or in a group environment.

Uchudo belt system

The Traveling Dojo uses the Uchudo system of colored belts on your journey to black belt. We use progress “stripes” on the advanced belts (red, brown, and black) to show the student’s progress as an advanced student.

The amount of time between each belt promotion depends on the student and their commitment to training. However, the typical amount of time between belt promotions with consistent training is approximately 3 months. The full journey to junior black belt, depending on the student’s ability, takes approximately 3 years.

Time requirements may be adjusted at Master Mark’s discretion based on a student’s progress in meeting the curriculum requirements. The goal is to make sure you are ready and succeed!

 

Belt Ranks And Their Meanings

Each belt rank represents a step along your black belt journey. Understanding the meaning of each belt rank will help you understand and fulfil your journey.

Beginner Belts

White Belt Innocence. The absence of experience.
Gold Belt The earth from which plants (the students) sprout.
Yellow Belt Hope. The rising sun needed for growth.
Orange Belt Growing strength. Like the sun as it advances in the sky.

Intermediate Belts

Green Belt Growth. Ability to defend against elements.
Blue Belt Sky and heavens toward which trees grow.
Purple Belt Color of dawn. Transition to advanced practice.

Advanced Belts

Red Belt Danger. Growing knowledge to use carefully (3 levels of red belt).
Brown Belt Ripening seed and maturity (3 levels of brown belt).
Black Belt Maturity, proficiency, and responsibility and a new beginning.