Rank

Kyle’s Karate has a specific ranking system that denotes the progress a student has made. Each belt earned visibly marks one’s achievement and merit. Skill and technique are a major component of earning a new belt, especially with older children and adults. Below is a general outline of the ranking system used in Kyle’s Karate. It is impossible to put the intuitive grading process of each rank into writing. This is always made at the discretion of the instructor.

Stripes of White

The Stripes of White program gives younger students smaller stepping stones on their journey. Because children cannot rank the same as an adult, they require a separate order of belts to earn. Striped belts are White belts with a colored stripe through the middle of the entire belt. This gives the child a way to earn belts without compromising the integrity of the ranking system. Each stripe marks their progress as a beginner student. After earning a Single Striped Brown Belt, a student in this ranking category is able to pass to Double Striped Belts, outlined below, though they will typically advance by age first.

Junior Belt Rank

Stripes of White also carries a distinction between younger and older children. While this age cutoff varies based on school circumstances, inherent skill, and other factors, it generally allows for older students to receive Double Striped White Belts. Students older than age 6 (generally) are eligible to earn White Belt ranks with two parallel stripes running through them. These are often referred to as a Junior Belt Rank. Having a distinction from the younger students is important for older children. It lets them know that their effort is not unrewarded. At the same rate, Double Striped White Belts, or Junior Ranks, can incur longer gaps in time between belts as they progress. Students may receive challenges they must overcome, such as strength or use of technique. If a Junior Rank student cannot demonstrate the required skill level for the next belt they will have to wait and try again. Additionally, if the instructor is well-aware that a student is likely not to pass, a decision may be made to hold them back from a test preemptively. After achieving Junior Brown Belt, or, a Double Brown Striped White Belt, a student is eligible to earn a Solid Yellow Adult Belt.

Adult Rank

Adult students wear and earn solid, adult belt ranks. These are a simple set of 9 Belts, from White to Black. While there is no set requirement on time spent between each belt, nor a limit, it generally takes a year on average to move up a rank. Most students will progress faster and slower at different times in their journey. Regardless of rank, the goal should never be to get a Black Belt, but to acquire the technical skill required to earn one.

The Belts

White

Yellow

Orange

Green

Blue

Purple

Red

Brown

Black

Black Belts

This style holds the Black Belt in the highest regard, with no additional ranks, stripes, or degrees thereafter. This rank is reserved for adults who have achieved expertise and deep knowledge in the style. Likewise, they should be able to formulate their own variations, opinions, and techniques to improve the style.