Promotion Guidelines

The following belt ranks and promotion requirements are based upon the old Okinawan 7 kyu system. Although there may be several kyu ranks within each belt color the belt color itself does not change. Belt colors are white, green, brown, and black. For each rank advancement, the student must show continued improvement in technique and increase in their knowledge and understanding of how to apply the techniques as well as the new material. As well as physical ability, the students overall attitude and effort towards training will be a determining factor. All promotions are completely at the discretion of the Sensei and or promotion board.  

White Belt     7^th kyu

Student must demonstrate a willingness to learn as well as overall good attitude.

Student must know and show respect for dojo etiquette.

Student must know basic techniques incorporated into Fukyukata Ichi and Ni.

White Belt     6^th kyu

Fukyukata Ichi and Ni must be performed with no major mistakes.

Student will be permitted three attempts at each kata with no major mistakes.

White Belt     5^th kyu

Fukyukata Ichi, Ni, and San as well as Pinan Shodan.

Student will be permitted two attempts at each kata with no major mistakes.

Green Belt    4^th kyu

All previous requirements plus Pinan Nidan and Pinan Sandan.

Student will be permitted two attempts at each with no major mistakes.

Brown Belt   3^rd kyu

All previous requirements plus Pinan Yondan and Pinan Godan.

Student will perform their choice of Fukyukata Ichi, Ni, or San.

Student’s choice of one Pinan and Sensei’s choice of two Pinan.

Student will be permitted two attempts at each kata with no major mistakes.

Brown Belt   2^nd kyu

All previous requirements plus Bassai, Rohai and Naihanchi Shodan.

Sensei’s choice of either Bassai or Rohai.

Student will be permitted two attempts at each kata with no major mistakes.

Brown Belt   1^st kyu

All previous requirements plus Okan, Naihanchi Nidan and Sandan.

 Sensei’s choice of one black belt kata in addition to Okan and student’s choice of one Naihanchi in addition to Naihanchi Sandan.

Student will be permitted two attempts at each kata with no major mistakes.

Black Belt     Shodan

All previous requirements plus marked improvement.

Student must demonstrate competent teaching ability as well as desire to teach.

Student must demonstrate competent knowledge of kata bunkai.

Shodan may promote his or her own students up to rank of 1^st kyu without promotion board of higher-ranking black belts.