RONIN
DRAGON
KARATE
1250 O'Hara Ave. Oakley, CA 94561 (925) 625-7041
Belt Ranks and Meaning
WHITE- Beginning of our studies. This is where you learn the basics of our system, practicing what you learn is very critical at this stage, this is where good habits are formed and bad habits are broken.
ORANGE- You have learned most of our basic system and have shown that you are able to retain the information and practice regularly.
YELLOW- You have learned all of our basic system and now ready to start your intermediate training, this is where you start to become stronger in your strikes and kicks and are more confident in your training.
PURPLE- This is the stage where you learn most of your grab arts and other forms of self defense. You will also learn your first bo kata and katas and techniques become more complex.
BLUE- You are more solid and at the same time, fluent in your strikes, blocks, forms, sparring and are a guidance to lower ranks. You will continue your bo training and start to learn the single arnis weapon. You will begin to assist if needed and maturity starts to grow.
GREEN- The first steps of your advanced training and the most critical part of your studies. You will learn the double arnis and continue your bo training. This is where maturity really shows. You must be able to run the exercise classes and assist with teaching the lower belts with the Sempai or Sensei helping.
BROWN 1st year- This is where you have learned all of the above and are able to teach and run the classes with the Sempai or Sensei watching from the side. You have mastered the bo and arnis at this point and are ready for your new set of training. Katas are very crucial so building a solid "karate study book" up to this point is very important.
BROWN WITH BLACK STRIPE 2nd year-
(Advanced Brown Belt)- This is the transition phase and the hardest time in your martial arts training. You are now preparing for your black belt test and could be tested at any time during your 2nd year.
BLACK BELT "SHODANHO"-Reserved for ages under 16 years old (Probationary Black Belt) You have learned all of the above. You must be able to run and teach the class without the presence of a Sempai/ Sensei. You are matured into the system and have earned your spot in the family tree. You have an understanding of what it means to be a black belt and hold yourself to high standards showing respect not only to others but to yourself as well.
Q: What is a Karate Study Book?
A: Students are required to create a notebook containing all the information they learn during their training as a Ronin Dragon. For example, white belts learn basic drills, katas, stances, kicks, blocks, and strikes. They will also be given an introductory packet containing our dojo creed and presentation. All this material must be in their book and they are expected to have everything hand written in their own words describing the steps they learn. This is not only a tool for learning, it will be their guide as an instructor later on. To qualify for their black belt testing, their book will be reviewed by each black belt before it is then reviewed by Shihan Arnel Crescini.
Q: How do i qualify to test for my next belt rank?
A: Students are required to know everything from the beginning of your training as a Ronin Dragon, up to your current rank which includes ALL criteria at your current belt rank to be considered for testing. A handwritten book containing all your knowledge is required and should be kept current.You will be monitored frequently, without prior notice, by Shihan Arnel Crescini. So make sure you are practicing at home as well as in class! You are ALWAYS being watched by a black belt. If you are eligible, a proper date for testing will be coordinated and a proper ceremony will take place upon completion of your testing.
BLACK BELT "SHODAN/ NIDAN" -
1st and 2nd Dan (degree)
you become a "Sempai" and are now studying to become a Sensei, instructing classes, continuing to train and work hard. You are learning the operations of running a school, showing a professional demeanor at all times and know to always be a leader to the under belts.
BLACK BELT "SANDAN/ YONDAN"-
3rd and 4th Dan (degree)
you are now a "Sensei" and have now become a qualified black belt teacher. You are ready to run your own dojo. You understand the operations of owning and running a school. You have deep knowledge of the Ronin Dragon System.
BLACK BELT "GODAN"- 5th Dan (degree)
you are now a "Renshi"
(Polished Instructor and Senior Teacher.)
RED AND WHITE BELT- "ROKUDAN" 6th Dan (degree)
"Shihan"
Master Instructor and a Teacher of Teachers (Highest Rank in the Ronin Dragon System).