Colored belt testing procedures
Standard Training Time
OUR STANDARD TRAINING TIME BEFORE TESTING FOR A NEW RANK IS THREE MONTHS FOR ALL STUDENTS
We track new students’ training days through BLACK/WHITE stripes. Every month, you will test for a black or white stripe (depending on the color of your belt) until the third month, where you will be ready to test for your new belt rank.
Your belt will look like this when you are ready for your belt test:
(2 Black/White Bars, 1 Off-Colored Stripe)
Every student progresses at their own pace. Your journey may look different from others. Focus on consistent effort, and growth will follow.
Testing cycle timeline
Yellow Belt through Orange Black Belt:
You may select a kata of your choice to demonstrate for the kata portion of your test.
Blue Belt and above:
You will be required to perform a Random Kata, drawn at random from a bag on the day of testing. Don’t worry—you will never be asked to demonstrate a kata you haven’t learned or completed, unless otherwise stated.
Congratulations on earning your new belt! As part of your testing, you will be required to demonstrate a kata. This will be either a Kata of Choice or a Random Kata, depending on your rank.
Month 1
The Random Kata format is designed to help higher-ranking students actively review and retain their previous katas. We’re not only looking for accurate patterns, but also for the growth in technique, power, and understanding that should be evident at your current belt level.
By Month 2, your rank is represented by a colored belt with one black or white stripe. To earn your second stripe, you will need to demonstrate either a Kata of Choice or the required kata for your belt level (refer to the Rank Requirement Chart on the right).
Month 2
Pre-Colored and Solid Colored Belts will perform a Kata of Choice.
Advanced Colored Belts (e.g., Blue Black Belts) must demonstrate their required kata (e.g., Pinan Sandan).
During this test, students will also receive an Evaluation Form (also known as a Review Sheet). This form includes personalized feedback and outlines areas for improvement, giving students the entire third month to refine their skills before the final belt test.
The Evaluation Form plays a critical role in determining whether a student passes their test.
More details about the Evaluation Form can be found below.
Month 3
Month 3 marks the final stage at this belt level. To earn your next belt, you will need to demonstrate the same kata you performed for your second stripe. This should be the kata you received feedback on in your Evaluation Form and the one you’ve been practicing and refining throughout the month.
Improving on the feedback listed in the Evaluation Form’s comments section is essential—it plays a major role in determining whether a student passes their final belt test.
rank requirement chart
Belt Expectations
At this belt level, students should focus on refining and workshopping the katas they already know. Reminder: Starting at Blue Belt and above, students will be asked to perform Random Katas, so regular review of previous katas is highly encouraged. By Month 3, students may begin learning their new required kata, building toward their next level of proficiency.
Pre-Colored Belt
At this belt level, the main focus is to begin learning—or continue learning—your required belt kata. You are not expected to know the entire kata yet, so take your time and enjoy the learning process. There’s no need to rush!
solid-Colored Belt
At this belt level, students should have learned most—if not all—of the required kata and are now entering the proficiency phase. To earn the next color belt, you must demonstrate your kata with both skill and precision, showing clear understanding and control.
advanced-Colored Belt
EVALUATION & INTENT TO PROMOTE FORMS
EVALUATION FORM
Here at WVMA, our testing procedure includes a demonstration of a kata/form.
Ideally, when students (of any rank) reach the beginning of the third month of training and receive their 2nd Black Bar for their test, they will also receive an off-colored stripe on their belt as well as a written sheet which we call a STUDENT EVALUATION FORM.
This gives the students a month to practice and improve on the criteria that was written for them in the comments section before they perform for their belt test. This Evaluation Form is essential for whether a student passes their test, or not.
INTENT TO PROMOTE FORM
Every instructor here at West Valley Martial Arts is interested in not only teaching the physical skills of martial arts, but also strives to instill good habits and character traits in each of our students. Traits such as a good work ethic, respect, patience, and many others.
As students continue to hone their physical skills in class, these Intent to Promote Forms will serve to supplement their character development with engaging questions where students can put their thoughts into words.
How They Work
Students will receive this form along with their Student Evaluation Form and will be required to submit this form before they test for their new belt.
From there, the student has approximately one month to fill out the Intent To Promote form out and may turn it in to us at any point BEFORE their belt test.
Students will NOT receive their new belt until we receive their finished Intent to Promote Form.
* Students can still pass their belt test without having turned in their Intent to Promote Form, but will simply not receive their belt until we receive the form.