As martial arts students advance in their training they receive different color belts from their "Sensei". To move from one rank to another, there are periodic examinations given in which the student must perform basic techniques relevant to their level. This method is used to evaluate the student's progress, understanding, and techniques is known as the belt system. With the different belt colors, one achieves different levels or "belt rank." The requirements for each belt rank vary in each martial art style and in each dojo. At the earliest stages basic blocks and strikes such as punches and kicks are required on the test. The student's knowledge and execution of effective combination of techniques is demonstrated. Further, a student's performance of the kata at their rank is evaluated. Finally, sparring is required as demonstration of the student's full potential and abilities. As one advancesin rank, good form, power, speed, and accuracy all become mandatory for continuing advancements.

For black belt, free sparring as well as a thorough knowledge of kata and basics are mandatory. Some styles insist on elements such as breaking for rank advancement especially at the black belt level. Also many styles judge an aspiring black belt on his character, spirit, confidence, and ability to fully control all his movements. This include stopping all of his techniques just inches from its intended target.

The color of the belt or "obi" indicates the rank of the student. Students prior to reaching the black belt are under the "Kyu" system while black belts are under the "Dan" system. Beginner students begin at 10th Kyu and advance their way to 1st Kyu where they will be candidates for their black belt test. Once a student successfully completes their black belt test, they fall under the dan system as 1st Dan. The Dan ranks progress from 1st to 10th Dan, the highest level in most styles.

All beginners are known as white belts. The student will progress from the white belt to green, then purple, and brown with various intermediate levels at each colored rank.

First degree black belts usually train a minimum of three years. There are six levels in belt-ranking in the Chinese Goju System. There are also eight degrees of black belt and two degrees of red belt. The first and second degrees of black belt denote that you are a serious student.

The third degree black belt is a qualified teacher; below the third degree is considered an instructor (there is an important difference between an instructor and a teacher).

In traditional Japanese styles the black belts have special titles which denote levels of achievement. The third degree (sandan in Japanese) is called "Sensei" and the Sensei is the head of the Dojo (school). It generally takes about six or seven years to reach the third degree level.

The fourth and fifth degrees are master levels, whose position is that of "Renshi". The color of the Renshi belt is red and white. The fourth degree wears the belt with the red facing down, the fifth degree wears the belt with the red facing up. Fifth Dans are entitled to the honorific name of "Godan Renshi." Most reach the rank of fifth degree in about fifteen years and have several black belts that train under them.

The sixth degrees wear black belts with a red line down the middle. The seventh, and eighth degrees wear a red belt with a thin black line on the outer edges. These levels are known as Kyoshi, which means "Professor" in Japanese. This title is reserved for the very few masters that have dedicated their lives to the teaching of martial arts.

A solid red belt is worn by the highest grandmasters. Those who reach the level of ninth and tenth degree. The ninth and tenth degrees are the founders of the system. The tenth degree is the "Grandmaster," the head of the system. This tenth degree is known as "Hanshi" or "Shidoshi" (Grandmaster).