The objective of Belt Testing

Our belt system offers a structured approach to our curriculum, ensuring gradual progression without overwhelming students. It also determines competition eligibility. Exceptional students may receive accelerated promotions; consult our Silvera, Sensei for details.

The belt test assesses martial arts skills, with successful candidates earning a higher rank and a new belt.

Eligibility for Belt Promotion

Eligibility for belt promotion is determined by Sensei’s assessment of each student’s experience and training progress. Consideration for belt promotion is based on student’s

Outstanding attendance & work ethics and following the dojo rules
Outstanding physical skills as well as knowledge of the art
Outstanding results in shiai (tournaments); both in form and sparring

Guidelines for Testing

Between each kyu rank, students should be practicing for at least three months on a regular basis, and they must participate in shiai (tournaments), such as any local tournament and dojo seminars. Students may take longer if they wish. A test fee must be paid prior to the testing date.
Between Sankyu and Shodan, students should be practicing for at least six months on a regular basis. Students may take longer if they wish. You should also be participating in federation tournaments.
All techniques used in Kihon and Kata are mandatory. All techniques used in Kumite, Bunkai, and Jutsu are chosen by the student. As students go up in rank, techniques should become more complex and should demonstrate ability in all applications. Techniques should be done quickly – without pauses to “think”. All techniques are done both ways on the right and the left side.
Variations in a number of ground techniques (ne waza) and standing techniques (tachi waza) can be approved previously for testing.

Progress is indicated by rank & belt color

There are no strict guidelines specifying the duration for a student to attain a particular rank. With dedication, a positive attitude, and consistent improvement, a committed student may achieve the rank of a brown belt (3rd kyu) in approximately two years and a black belt (1st degree) in about three years of continuous training.

To progress, students must demonstrate proficiency in the five training phases: basics (kihon), forms (kata), sparring (kumite), application (bunkai), and techniques/strategies for real combat (jutsu). It’s crucial that a student’s rank is neither a cause for criticism nor excessive pride. Evaluations should focus on overall technical and self-mastery advancements.

For grading, students should practice each basic technique and kata at least five times daily outside regular classes for two weeks before grading. The day before the examination should be reserved for relaxation.

Prior to the kyu test, ensure cleanliness, proper grooming, and wear a clean and well-maintained gi. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, as there is typically a brief but intense practice before the kyu test.

Kihon (Basic techniques):

Hands:

- Age-uke (rising block-front stance)
- Soto-uke (middle inside block-front stance)
- Uchi-uke (middle outside block-front stance)
- Gedan-barai (down block-front stance)
- Shuto-uke (knife hand block-back stance)
- Oi-zuki (lunge punch-front stance)
- Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch-front stance)
- Enpi-uchi (elbow)

Kicks:

- Mai-geri (front kick-front stance)
- Mawashi-geri (round kick-front stance)
- Yoko-geri kekomi (side thrust kick-horse stance)
- Yoko-geri keage (side snap kick-horse stance)
- Ura-mawashi geri (round hook kick-front stance)
- Ushiro-geri (back kick)
- Ushiro-mawashi geri (back roundhouse kick)
- Mikazuki-geri (crescent kick (inside to outside). Also called soto mikazuki geri)
- Kakato otoshi-geri (rising kick to head with leg fully extended)

Jitsu/Jutsu:

- Ukemi waza – rolling and falling
- Tori gaeshi waza – escaping techniques
- Kansetsu waza – joint locking techniques
- Nage waza – throwing techniques
- Ne waza – ground techniques
- Tachi waza – standing techniques
- Suwari Waza – seated techniques
- Kyusho jutsu – Pressure Point Tactics
- Katame waza – grappling techniques
- Iai jutsu – sword drawing art
- Tanto jutsu – knife arts
- Shiatsu – finger pressure massage
- Breathing and meditation techniques

Important Points:

Strong Spirit, and a clear mind, shows through eyes. Kiai!
Low stance. Hips go in.
Strong standing leg. The heel stays down.
No power in shoulders. Strong pulling hand.
Proper breathing

Test Chart

Rank	Rank Name	Link	Required Kata	Belt Color
10th Kyu	Yu kyu	beginner – no testing
9th Kyu	Ku kyu		Heian Shodan
8th Kyu	Hachi kyu		Heian Nidan
7th Kyu	Nana kyu		Heian Sandan
6th Kyu	Roku kyu		Heian Yondan
5th Kyu	Go kyu		Heian Godan
4th Kyu	Shi kyu		Tekki Shodan
3rd Kyu	San kyu		Basai Dai
2nd Kyu	Ni kyu		Kanku Dai
1st Kyu	Ik kyu		Jion or Empi
1st Dan	Shodan		Any SENTEI Kata
2nd Dan	Nidan		Any JIYU Kata
3rd Dan	Sandan		Any JIYU Kata