Belt Classes – Your Path to Mastery
At Next Level Karate, our Belt Classes guide students through a structured journey—from their very first martial arts steps to achieving the esteemed rank of Black Belt. This progression is based on the traditional Tang Soo Do ranking system, emphasizing personal growth, discipline, and mastery.
Start Your Journey with Age-Appropriate Programs
Students begin with one of our three age-appropriate programs:
- Little Ninjas (ages 4–6) – introductory belt system designed for younger learners
- Little Dragons (ages 7–9) – follow the Gup belt system and build foundational skills
- Youth & Adult Karate (ages 10+) – begin or continue the Gup belt system while developing advanced skills
Each stage is carefully structured to build confidence, discipline, focus, and respect, creating a strong foundation for lifelong growth in Tang Soo Do.
Gup Program – Building Foundations
The Gup Program includes all color belt ranks leading up to Black Belt. Students advance through levels as they deepen technical skills, forms, sparring, and self-defense, while also building discipline and confidence.
Key Features of the Gup Program:
- Structured Belt Progression – clear requirements for each belt level
- Regular Testing – opportunities to demonstrate skills and advance ranks
- Comprehensive Training – includes forms (Hyung), sparring (Dae Ryun), self-defense (Ho Sin Sol),board breaking (Kyuck Pa), and weapons.
Black Belt Program – The Journey of Mastery
Earning a Black Belt represents more than technical proficiency; it is a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. Students enter the Dan system, where advanced training, leadership development, and mastery continue indefinitely.
Highlights of the Black Belt Program:
- Midnight Blue Belt – symbolizes maturity, calmness, and the ongoing pursuit of perfection The final color before Black Belt, symbolizing maturity, calmness, and the pursuit of perfection.
- Advanced Training – refine techniques and deepen martial arts knowledge
- Ongoing Development – a lifelong journey of growth, teaching, and leadership
For more details on the belt system and progression, please visit our Belt System page
A Clear Path from Beginner to Black Belt
From Little Ninjas to Little Dragons to Youth & Adult Karate, our programs provide a structured progression that guides students step by step. Each stage builds the skills, confidence, and character needed to advance, creating a natural path toward mastery and Black Belt achievement.