When you first walk into our studio you may notice that various students wear different colored belts. Out of respect for our traditional martial arts heritage, we at DA SILVA TAE KWON DO   use colored belts to denote accomplishment and mastery of skill. As you move forward in your training, you, like thousands of students who have gone before you, will be allowed to wear a colored belt that symbolizes the level of your achievement.

Once your instructor feels that you have demonstrated reasonable proficiency of the basic skills you will be awarded your first belt, the White Belt. The time it takes to progress from belt to belt varies among individuals. Most people receive their White Belt in 4-8 weeks.

THE TESTING PROCEDURE: Each test has a specific number of techniques to learn and skills to achieve. Your instructor, upon watching your progress, will invite you to take a pre-test to see if you are ready for your next exam. If you do well on the pre-test you will be invited to the next exam. In the beginning, you will notice that your belt tests are scheduled closer together and are shorter in length. As you get further along and your knowledge and skill increases, your belt tests will be farther apart and will take longer to complete.

All tests are held in complete safety under the personal direction of your instructor and Master Da Silva. A minimal fee is charged for testing which covers the instructor's time for the pre-test and test, a new belt, certificate of promotion and boards if necessary. Private lessons are available prior to test dates to ensure your success.

BELT ACHIEVEMENT PERIODS: As mentioned above, the time it takes a person to progress through the ranks is totally individual and varies considerably. The following are approximate time periods designed to give you an idea of how the system works.

Gup Ranking                                Approximate Time to Complete                        Approximate # of Classes

No Belt To White Belt                               1-2 Months                                                                  10 Classes

White Belt To White/Stripe                       2-3 Months                                                                  15 Classes

White/Stripe To Yellow Belt                     2-3 Months                                                                  15 Classes

Yellow Belt To Orange Belt                      3-4 Months                                                                  25 Classes

Orange Belt To Green Belt                       3-4 Months                                                                  25 Classes

Green Belt To Purple Belt                        4-5 Months                                                                  35 Classes

Purple Belt To Blue Belt                          4-5 Months                                                                  35 Classes

Blue Belt To Brown Belt                          5-6 Months                                                                  45 Classes

Brown Belt To Red Belt                            5-6 Months                                                                  45 Classes

Red Belt To Poom                                     6-7 Months                                                                   120 Classes

Poom To BLACK BELT                          12 Months                                                                   200 Classes

Again, these are approximate numbers that the average person takes to complete the full course. People progress at different levels due to age and job/school commitments.