Eight belts, white to black

• Bowing in and bowing out

• A basic stance, feet set and knees bent

• Listening for the instructor's count

When the instructor sees the basics, at the next belt test.

• A front kick against a pad

• A first block, slow, with a partner

• Counting to ten in Japanese

When the instructor sees a steady stance and block, at a belt test.

• Moving forward and back in a stance

• A block and a kick joined in one count

• Taking turns on the pads

When the instructor sees the stance hold while moving, at a belt test.

• A first kata, a set pattern of moves

• Blocks to the left and to the right

• A round kick against a shield

When the instructor sees the kata from start to finish, at a belt test.

• A longer kata with turns

• Partner drills with a block and a reply

• Balance on one leg for a kick

When the instructor sees the kata and the partner drills, at a belt test.

• Two katas, one new and one familiar

• Partner drills at a steady count

• Showing a younger student a stance

When the instructor sees both katas, at a belt test.

• Three katas, each with its own rhythm

• Partner drills on pads, slow and exact

• Teaching one basic to a small group

When the instructor sees the basics set and smooth, at a belt test.