Most martial arts, especially the traditional ones, make use of a ranking system to determine the skill level of a practitioner.

Belts

Often belts are used to indicate a practitioner’s rank, especially in the Japanese and Korean martial arts. In the Chinese martial arts a sash, instead of a belt, is often used. Usually a white belt indicates beginner-level, and a black belt advanced level. In between white and black belts there are a number of color belts. Once achieving black belt, most martial arts allow for further progression in higher ranking black belts. A black belt is usually referred to as a Dan; a practitioner with a first black belt is called a first Dan, someone with a second black belt is called a second Dan, and so forth.

Promotional testing

Progressing through ranks often requires official promotional tests (sometimes known as “gradings”). Promotional tests usually make use of a syllabus, with specific requirements at each belt level. The examination is conducted by someone with a senior rank, generally a high ranking black belt.

Promotional test often require candidates to performed basic techniques, self-defense demonstrations, form demonstration, sparring, and destruction techniques. The candidate may also be required to know some theory and show a certain level of fitness and flexibility.