In our dojo, students are nominated for testing when they have demonstrated the requirements in class, held the proper time in grade and exemplified proper character and attitude. Although there are minimum time in grade requirements for each rank, rank has nothing to do with time. As people progress towards higher ranks, a great deal of leadership and effort is expected. As not everyone will move on to higher levels of academics, karate students will not all reach certain levels. Everyone sets goals and we hope that all of our students set their goals to be the best that they can without focusing on a colored belt.

When nominated for grading, they are tested in front of an examination board of the dojo's instructors on not only material that is required for their attempted belt but all requirements from previous ranks