Belt Requirements for Strive Martial Arts

Earning each belt reflects growth in mind, body, and spirit, combining technical skill with discipline, respect, and resilience. Advancement develops leadership, character, and a positive attitude both inside and outside the dojo. Achieving a black belt is a milestone, but the journey of self-improvement and mastery continues throughout life.

Leadership: Higher belts lead and teach because true mastery isn’t just about skill- it’s about helping others grow. Teaching others strengthens your own techniques, builds responsibility, and sets a positive example in the dojo. It also develops life skills like patience, communication, and confidence that help you both inside and outside

Belt Breakdown:

⚪ White Belt (8th Kyu)

Stances:

• Ready Stance (Hachi Dachi)

• Fighting Stance (Kumite Dachi)

• Horse Stance (Kiba Dachi)

• Front Stance (Zenkutsu Dachi)

Techniques (Tae Waza – Hand):

• Backfist (Uraken Uchi)

• Reverse Punch (Gyaku Zuki)

• 27 Basic Hand Techniques

Kicks:

• Front Kick (Mae Geri)

• Side Kick (Yoko Geri)

• Roundhouse Kick (Mawashi Geri)

• Hook Kick (Ura Mawashi Geri / Kake Geri)

• Back Kick (Ushiro Geri)

Self-Defense Focus:

• Voice and situational awareness

• Basic personal safety principles and boundary setting

Personal Development:

• Growth Mindset- I see challenges as chances to grow.

• Confidence- I step out of my comfort zone.

• Inclusivity- I treat everyone with kindness and respect.

⸻

⚪ White Belt with Yellow Stripe (7th Kyu)

Kata:

• Taikyoku Shodan (First Fundamental Kata)

• Bunkai- Application of movements

Combinations & Techniques:

• Basic hand and kick combinations using stances

• Improved form, flow, and transitions

Self-Defense Focus:

• Escape from single and double wrist grabs

• Introduction to angles, posture, and leverage

Personal Development:

• Consistency- I show up ready to learn and practice.

• Self-Discipline- I focus my mind and body in training and life.

• Patience- I trust the process and keep going.

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🟨 Yellow Belt (6th Kyu)

Stances:

• Back Stance (Kokutsu Dachi)

Techniques:

• Knife Hand Strike (Shuto Uchi)

Kicks:

• Double Side Kick

• Double Roundhouse Kick

• Hook Round Kick

Kata:

• Heian Shodan (First Peace Kata)

• Shihohai (Four Directions Kata)

• Bunkai- Application of movements

Sparring:

• Five-Step Sparring (Go Hon Kumite)

Self-Defense Focus:

• Escape from front choke

• Break Falls (Ukemi- forward, backward, side)

• Defend against straight punch

• Self-Defense Techniques 1-3

Personal Development:

• Resilience- I bounce back stronger from setbacks.

• Reflection- I learn by thinking about my actions.

• Discipline- I stay focused and accountable.

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🟧 Orange Belt (5th Kyu)

Kicks:

• Rear Leg Side Kick

• Rear Leg Roundhouse Kick

• Rear Leg Hook Kick

Kata:

• Heian Nidan (Second Peace Kata)

• Heian Sandan (Third Peace Kata)

• Bunkai- Application of movements

Sparring:

• Five-Step Sparring (Go Hon Kumite)

• Free Sparring (Jiyu Kumite- light contact)

Self-Defense Focus:

• Escape from rear choke

• Bear Hug Defense (arms pinned/free)

• Self-Defense Techniques 4-6

Personal Development:

• Leadership- I take responsibility and set an example.

• Positive Communication- I speak kindly and clearly.

• Embracing Challenges- I see obstacles as opportunities.

⸻

🟩 Green Belt (4th Kyu)

Techniques:

• Spin Side Kick (Tensho Geri)

• Spin Hook Kick

• Spin Back Kick

Kata:

• Seisan (13-Step Kata- balance, focus, strength)

• Bunkai- Application of movements

Sparring:

• Three-Step Sparring (San Bon Kumite)

• Free Sparring (Jiyu Kumite- light contact)

Self-Defense Focus:

• Wrist Locks 1-4

• Arm Control & Takedown

Personal Development:

• Emotional Control- I stay calm under pressure.

• Empathy- I understand others’ feelings.

• Accountability- I take responsibility for my actions.

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🔵 Blue Belt (3rd Kyu)

Kicks:

• Jump Front Kick (Tobi Mae Geri)

• Pump Jump Front Kick (Ren Tobi Mae Geri)

• Jump Side Kick (Tobi Yoko Geri)

• Jump Spin Hook Kick

• Flying Side Kick

Kata:

• Heian Yondan

• Heian Godan

• Bunkai- Application of movements

Sparring:

• Free Sparring (Jiyu Kumite- increased intensity)

• One-Step Sparring (Ippon Kumite)

Self-Defense Focus:

• Personal 12 Self-Defense Techniques

• Advanced Street Defense

• Ground Defense

Leadership Requirement: Assist in classes minimum 25 classes before advancing.

Personal Development:

• Discipline-I give my best effort every time.

• Lead by Example- I inspire others through my actions.

• Long-Term Growth- I commit to steady improvement.

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🟤 Brown Belt (2nd Kyu)

Techniques:

• Advanced Wrist Locks & Joint Manipulation

• Advanced Kicks (rear leg, spin, hook, round)

• Defensive Maneuvers

Kata:

• Tekki Shodan (Iron Horse Kata)

• Bassai (To Penetrate a Fortress)

• Bunkai-Application of movements

Sparring:

• Free Sparring

• One-Step Sparring

• 2-on-1 Sparring

Self-Defense Focus:

• Multiple attacker scenarios

• Scenario-based drills & live response

Leadership Requirement: Assist in classes minimum 50 classes before advancing.

Personal Development:

• Authentic Leadership- I guide others by sharing what I’ve learned.

• Humility- I stay open to learning and improvement.

• Mentorship- I support and encourage junior students.

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🟤 Brown Belt with Stripe (1st Kyu)

Purpose: Final preparation for Black Belt

Curriculum Focus:

• Full curriculum review (all techniques, kata, sparring, self-defense)

• Pre-tests & evaluations

• Teaching portions of class independently

• Advanced situational sparring

• Optional Bo Staff

Leadership Requirement: Assist in classes at least once per week regularly

Personal Development:

• Confidence- I stand tall and believe in myself.

• Empowering Leadership- I help others grow stronger and more confident.

• Mindfulness- I stay present and focused in training and life.

⸻

⚫ Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Kata:

• Neisei Shisho (Four Parts of Life)

• Chinto (The Peaceful East)

• Chuksan (The Mountain)

• Tokimno no Kun (The Way of the Warrior)

Self-Defense & Sparring:

• Full refinement of all techniques and katas

• Advanced free sparring with timing, distance, and control

Teaching & Leadership:

• Weekly class assistance and teaching

• Positive role model and inclusive environment

Personal Development:

• Purpose- I live by my values and legacy.

• Advanced Leadership- I guide and inspire others.

• Community- I serve my dojo and community with respect.

• Integrity- I keep my word and live with honour.