Belt Promotions

BeltsThe Graduation Process

The Seattle Tae Kwon Do System is unique. Our school has developed a program which allows students to learn and develop Martial Arts skills in a very rewarding and effective manner. The system allows the student to develop speed, flexibility, balance, strength, and confidence with each new belt. Each new belt brings the student one step closer to their ultimate goal: Black Belt.

Here's how it works.

The student begins with a White Belt. At the end of each class, they receive an attendance stripe. The 3rd week of each month is "Spotlight Week". During Spotlight Week instructors count attendance stripes and conduct informal testing in class. If a student has sufficient attendance stripes and has mastered the curriculum for that belt level, they will be given a Graduation Form and be invited to attend the Graduation Ceremonies, typically held the last Saturday of the month. For each belt color there are a specific about of stripes they must have and time of training since their last graduation. Listed below are the stripes and times for each belt color:

  • White Belt - 8 Stripes and One-Month Minimum Training
  • Yellow Belt - 16 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Orange Belt - 16 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Green Belt - 16 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Purple Belt - 16 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Blue Belt - 24 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Midnight Blue Belt - 24 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Brown Belt - 24 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Red Belt - 24 Stripes and Two Months Minimum Training
  • Deputy Black Belt - 8 Yellow Stripes and Six Months Minimum Training

Students progress one belt at a time all the way to Deputy Black Belt. Once the student receives a Deputy Black Belt (half red and half black), the student receives 6-12 months of specialized training designed to peak and prep the student mentally and physically. All of the graduation requirements for Black Belt will be reviewed in detail during these 6-12 months. It is our goal that our students will be in the very best shape of their lives for Black Belt Graduation.

The Tiny Tiger Graduation Process

Tiny Tigers are children ages 4-6 years old. Tiny Tigers have a unique program that has age specific curriculum. The Graduation Process for the Tiny Tigers is theme based, rather than skill based. The Tiny Tigers program focuses on eight themes, Focus, Memory, Teamwork, Discipline, Self-control, Fitness, Balance and Coordination. At the end of each themed class an attendance stripe is issued. Once a tiger has completed eight classes they are given a Tiny Tiger Graduation Form. When they come in for their next class they turn in their form and are promoted to their next color belt in that days class. The Tiny Tiger belt colors are as follows: White, Yellow Stripe Belt, Orange Stripe Belt, Green Stripe Belt, Purple Stripe Belt, Blue Stripe Belt, Brown Stripe Belt and Red Stripe Belt. Once a Tiger has earned a Red Stripe Belt and has eight attendance stripes on his/her belt they will be promoted to a Junior Level full Yellow Belt. At this point a Tiny Tiger would advance to the Junior program.

The Thai Kickboxing Graduation Process

After each workout, you will receive an attendance stripe on your belt. This indicates that you have taken a Thai Kickboxing Class. After 16 stripes and 2 consecutive months of training, you will be given a Thai Kickboxing Graduation Form and invited to attend the Thai Kickboxing Graduation, typically held the last Thursday of the Month. Graduation is done in class and all students are encouraged to come participate. Students from White Belt to Purple Belt graduate after 16 classes and 2 months, students from Blue to Red Belt test after 3 months and 24 classes. Deputy Black Belts test every month and earn one stripe on their belt (no daily stripes). Deputy Black Belts also must demonstrate one Self-Defense Skill monthly (ten in total) . After one year at Deputy Black Belt, you're ready to graduate to Black Belt!

Graduation Fees

The Graduation for the Tiny Tigers Promotion is $10 per belt. The Junior and Adult Tae Kwon Do Program as well as the Adult Thai Kickboxing Program is $25 per graduation. Our Black Belt Club and Masters Club members are exempt from Graduation Fees as they are included in your program. If a student is a current annual member of the United States National Taekwondo Federation (You may register at the front counter, $28 per year) you will also receive official rank certification.