One of the most common questions we hear is:

"How do I earn my next belt?"

Great question!

At Milton Academy of Martial Arts, earning a new belt isn't simply about attending classes. Each promotion recognizes your technical skill, knowledge, attitude, and commitment to your training.

The grading process is designed to help you set goals and track your progress every step of the way.

Your Belt Journey

Step 1 - Attend the Required Classes

Each belt level requires a minimum number of classes before you can be considered for promotion. The required number of classes increases as you progress through the ranks.

We recommend that students attend at least two classes per week.

Students who train consistently can generally expect:

• Junior ranks: approximately 6 months between gradings.

• Senior ranks: approximately 1 year between gradings.

Training less than twice per week will usually increase the amount of time required before you are technically ready to grade, even if you have attended the minimum number of classes.

Remember: The minimum class requirement is only one part of the grading process. Meeting the attendance requirement does not automatically mean you are ready to test.

Related Article: Minimum Class Requirements

Step 2 - Check Your Ready Status

Once you've attended enough classes, log into the Student Portal and select the Promotion tab.

Click on your current rank to view your promotion status.

Your status may show:

Not Ready

• You have not yet attended the minimum number of required classes.

• Your current class count will be displayed.

Almost Ready

• You are approaching the attendance requirement.

• Begin preparing your written requirements.

Ready

• You have met the attendance requirement and are eligible to continue through the grading process.

Related Article: How to Check Your Ready Status

Step 3 - Complete Your Written Requirements

Once your status reaches Almost Ready, complete your written requirements.

Please read the instructions at the top of the Written Requirements page before submitting your work.

You may submit your written requirements by:

• Email, or

• Creating a + New Support Ticket and attaching your completed documents.

Parents

Parents are welcome to help younger students with:

• Reading

• Research

• Spelling

• Typing

However, the final answers should always reflect the student's own thoughts and understanding.

Students Under 16

Students under the age of 16 must also submit a completed Family Checklist, signed by a parent or guardian.

Please do not submit your written requirements before your status reaches "Almost Ready."

Related Articles:

• Written Requirements- Teens / Adults

• Written Requirements - Kids / Youth

• Family Checklist

Step 4 - Instructor Review

Submitting your written requirements lets the instructor team know that you would like to be considered for your next grading.

At this stage we will:

• Verify your attendance requirements.

• Review your written requirements.

• Evaluate your physical techniques during class.

• Discuss your progress with the instructor team.

This review process takes time.

Please submit your written requirements well before the monthly grading date.

If you submit everything during grading week, your examination may need to be postponed until the following month.

Step 5 - Receive Your Grading Invitation

Once all of your requirements have been verified, you will be added to our grading invitation list.

You will receive an RSVP email inviting you to your belt examination.

Use the RSVP link in that email to reserve your grading date.

Step 6 - Attend Your Belt Examination

Your grading is an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, techniques, and attitude expected for your next rank.

Come prepared, do your best, and remember that your instructors want you to succeed.

Good luck!

Step 7 - Belt Presentation

After successfully completing your grading, you will be invited to our next Belt Presentation, where you'll receive your new belt and certificate.

Belt presentations are typically held approximately one month after the examination. However you will receive an email with details once the results are tallied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many classes do I need before I can test?

Each belt level has a different minimum attendance requirement.

Related Article: Minimum Class Requirements

How do I check my Ready Status?

Log into the Student Portal, open the Promotion tab, and click on your current belt.

Related Article: How to Check Your Ready Status

Where do I find my written requirements?

Your written requirements are available in the Help Desk and are different for every rank.

Related Articles:

• Written Requirements - Adults / Teens belts

• Written Requirements - Kids / Youth belts

• Family Checklist

When should I submit my written requirements?

Wait until your status shows Almost Ready before submitting your written requirements.

Submitting them earlier may delay the review process because your attendance requirements have not yet been met.

Can my parents help me?

Yes.

Parents may help with reading, spelling, typing, and researching answers, but the final responses should always be written in the student's own words.

Why haven't I received a grading invitation yet?

Receiving an invitation requires more than simply attending enough classes.

Before an invitation can be sent, we must verify:

• Minimum class attendance

• Written requirements

• Family Checklist (if required)

• Technical ability

• Instructor approval

When are gradings held?

Gradings are typically held once per month.

Please submit your written requirements well before the grading date to allow time for instructor review.

Related Article: Upcoming Grading Dates

When do I receive my new belt?

Students who successfully complete their grading will receive their new belt at the next Belt Presentation Ceremony, usually about one month after the examination.