Levels and Testing

Levels:
The belts in the Raku Kai system are as follows:
    White
    Yellow
    Orange
    Green
    Blue
    Brown
    Black

With each belt level you will learn new Katas (Forms), new self defense moves, new 1-Step sparring moves and more.

Testing:
Testing is based on experience and ability, not how many classes you have attended. If your instructor does not believe you are ready to take the test then you are not ready to take the test. Premature testing can result in false perceptions of your true abilities and can also cause injury, to yourself, do to lack of conditioning especially as you progress to the higher ranks. You will not be tested until you are truly ready to be tested. Before taking the black belt test, you will be required to participate in at least one special workout.

Requirements from Level to Level
	White to Yellow	Yellow to Orange	Orange to Green	Green to Blue	Blue to Brown	Brown to Black
Push-Ups	25	35	45	55	75	150
Floor Exercises	Basic blocks and strikes	Increase use of feet	On command	Increase in combining blocks, strikes and kicks	15 minutes full power ground and air	20 Minutes Full Power
Self Defense Moves	Basic hand and trap releases	Additional grab releases	On the ground	Complex and on the ground	Free Form	Standing, sitting and on the ground
Stick Defense	2 moves	3 moves	4 moves	5 moves	Free form	Free form
Knife Defense	Basic moves	Basic moves	Complex and on the ground	Free form	Free form	Free form
1-Step Sparring Moves	12	24	50 on command	65	75	Over 100
Katas (Forms)	First Hein form	First 2 Hein forms	First 3 Hein forms	First 4 Hein forms	First 5 Hein forms	First 5 Hein forms & also free forms (Usually Tekki)
Heavy Bag Rounds*	3	6	10	12	15	15 Rounds (5 Hands, 5 Feet, 5 Mixed)
Mandatory Break	Punch & Kick through 1 board	High side kick through 2 boards	Punch through a patio block & shin kick through 1 board	Jumping double kick through 3 boards	Side kick through 5 boards	Strike though 1 to 2 boards with 3 fingers & Punch through 4 boards
Control Move	Punch & kick	High side kick	Round kick to head	Inside to outside crescent kick to head	Inside to outside crescent kick credit card out of a persons mouth	Jump back spinning crescent kick knocking a credit card out of a persons mouth
Consecutive Sparing	Instructor	Instructor	Instructor	Instructor	Different student every 2 minutes up to 5 different students	Different student every 2 minutes up to 15 different students
Multiple Person Free Sparing	Not at this level	Not at this level	Two opponents at once	Three opponents at once	Four opponents at once	Five opponents at once
Special Notes:						Please note that the black belt test can be over three hours non-stop. The only break is the one-minute between rounds, and the time to put on sparring equipment.

* - 1 Round is 3 minutes long. There is a 1 minute rest between rounds.