belt promotions
Belt promotions are an integral part of the traditional martial arts curriculum. This process rewards the progress you are making in proficiency and maturity on your martial arts journey.
Promotions are scheduled only when the instructor feels you are ready and will be held outside of your scheduled class time.
You will receive a new belt and a certificate certificate to show the amazing work you’ve done!
The journey to junior black belt, depending on the student’s ability, takes approximately 3 years.
readiness sessions
Belt promotion readiness sessions are provided to help the student prepare for their promotion. These sessions are not a guarantee that you will be promoted, that’s up to you!
Readiness sessions are included in the tuition at no additional cost and will include approximately 2 additional one-hour sessions (4 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 & 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 committment to training. However, the typical amount of time between belt promotions with consistent training is approximately 3 months.
At Master Mark’s discretion, the time requirements may be adjusted due to a student’s progress in meeting the curriculum requirements. The goal is to make sure you are ready and succeed!
Belt Levels & Their Meaning
beginner belts
White – Innocence, the absence of experience.
Gold – The earth from which plants sprout.
Yellow – Hope; the rising sun needed for growth.
Orange – Growing strength, like the sun as it advances in the sky.
intermediate belts
Green – Growth, ability to defend against elements.
Blue – Sky & heavens towards which trees grow.
Purple – Color of dawn; transition to advanced practice.
advanced belts
Red – Danger; growing knowledge to use carefully (there are 3 levesl of red belt).
Brown – Ripening seed & maturity (there are 3 levels of brown belt).
Black – Maturity, proficiency, responsibility.
Promotions are proctored by Master Mark. Belt rank certificates and new belts are provided if the student successfully completes the promotion testing.
There is an endurance, physical skill and oral component to each belt test, evaluating the student’s full understanding of our teachings.