Belts
Six colors, one at a time
Each color brings a new stance, pattern or pad drill. A child moves up when the coach sees the skills in class.
White belt
Where every child startsSkillsBowing in and out, and standing ready
Taking shoes off and lining them up
Counting to ten in English and in Japanese
Yellow belt
SkillsThe first stances: ready, front and back
A front kick on a pad
Taking a turn and waiting for one
Moving upA coach invites a child when they can show the stances and the front kick in class.
Orange belt
SkillsA first pattern, a short line of moves
Blocking with a forearm on a partner's slow punch
Holding a pad steady for a partner
Moving upA coach invites a child when they can show the pattern from start to finish.
Green belt
SkillsA second pattern and a longer kick combination
Slow partner drills at the body
Helping a younger child tie a belt
Moving upA coach invites a child when the second pattern is smooth and the partner drills are calm.
Blue belt
SkillsTurning kicks on a pad
A third pattern, with balance on one leg
Leading the warm-up for a few minutes
Moving upA coach invites a child when they can lead a warm-up and show the third pattern.
Purple belt
SkillsEvery pattern so far, in order
Pad combinations with a partner
Showing a younger group how a bow is done
Moving upA coach talks with the family about what comes after purple.
Sample levels.
Every child moves at their own pace.
Belt day
Belt day happens in their own class
Belt day closes each session. Each child shows the coach what they have been working on, in the class and with the instructors they know, and families watch from the bench. A child who is not ready for the next color simply keeps going, and nobody is singled out.
In the child's own class time
The same instructors, the same mat
Families watch from the bench
The year
When belt days and sessions happen
Families are welcome at belt day, and every session starts with a place for a new child.
Open house
Late August
Families walk the room, meet the instructors and try a few of the Little Ones games.
- First day
Fall session starts
Early September
New children start at the beginning of a session, or in any week with a place open.
- Event
Belt day
The last Saturday of each session
Each child shows the coach what they have learned in their own class time, and families watch from the bench.
- Closed
Winter break
Late December
The dojo is closed for the winter break.
- First day
Winter session starts
Early January
A new session opens, and the booking page shows the classes with a place.
Sample dates.
Dates are set each session and posted on the booking page.
Start at white
Every child begins with a white belt, at any age.