The following belt rank and skills table is provided to allow students to target their training and set goals for advancement to the next belt rank.
This information is provided as guidance only and is not a guarantee for promotion to the next rank. Intangibles such as attitude, focus, quality of technique, dedication and heart are also taken into consideration as criterion for advancement in rank. Rank holders are always expected to set an example for lower ranking students following in their footsteps.
Readiness and permission to test as well as time spent at a specific belt rank are at the sole descretion of Sensei Shaw.
- Gold Belt – 7th Kyu
- Basic blocks and strikes
- Basic kicks: Front, wheel and cross over side
- Kata: Attack Form 1
- Tie belt correctly
- Respectful attitude
- Blue Belt – 6th Kyu
- All previous requirements plus:
- Strikes: Backfist and reverse punch
- Kicks: Reverse wheel kick
- Kata: Quick Form 1 and Solid Stance 5
- Green Belt – 5th Kyu
- All previous requirements plus:
- Apply basic techniques
- Kicks: Add correct foot position to all kicks
- Kata: Solid Stance 1 and Wansu
- Sparring
- Purple Belt – 4th Kyu
- All previous requirements plus:
- Kicks: Hook and cresent kick
- Kata: Chinto and Bo 1
- Minute line: Defend against right-hook punches
- 3rd-degree Brown – 3rd Kyu
- All previous requirements plus:
- Kata: 4 basic plus 3 additional open-hand and 2 Bo staff
- Minute line: Add defense against left-hook punches
- Self-defense: 5 self-defense sets
- 2nd-degree Brown – 2nd Kyu
- All previous requirements plus:
- Kata: 4 basic plus 4 additional open hand and 2 Bo staff
- Minute line: Add defense against front kicks
- Self-defense: 7 self-defense sets
- 1st-degree Brown – 1st Kyu
- All previous requirements plus:
- Kata: 4 basic plus 5 additional open hand and 3 Bo staff
- Minute line: Add defense against grabs
- Self-defense: 10 self-defense sets
- 1st-degree Black – Shodan
- All previous requirements plus:
- Kata: 4 basic plus 6 additional open hand and 3 Bo staff, Sanshin
- Minute line: Add defense against straight punches, front kicks and wheel kicks
- Self-defense: 15 self-defense sets
- Breaks (1 5/8" concrete blocks): 2 hand breaks, 2 foot breaks and 1 other
