“A Black Belt
Is a White Belt
That never gave up!”
There are ten ranks in the student (kyu) levels. Adults usually progress two levels at a time. Each ranking level requires increased and cumulative proficiency in spiritual, mental and physical areas. This leads to perceived maturity in the martial arts and the black belt.
A provisional or temporary black belt is issued to those reaching this level.
After at least a year, the student is observed and again examined prior to issuing a full black belt. There are five earned levels of black belt and three positional black belt rankings.
When offered a choice piece of property at no cost for a religious purpose, King David responded that that which cost him nothing was worth nothing. As a result, examination periods last from ten minutes for a white belt to over five hours for a first degree black belt.