How to Earn a Yellow Belt

The road to black belt has many stops along the way. In many of the martial arts, these stops come in the form of other belts. Each style has a different system of belts leading up to black belt. Yellow belt is often the first belt after white belt. Students that achieve yellow belt have learned the first set of techniques taught in their chosen martial art. Though specific requirements vary from style to style, it takes work, practice and dedication to earn a yellow belt.

Instructions

    • 1

      Register for classes at a martial arts school. Attend trial classes in as many schools as you can to help you narrow down which school and which style suits your needs. Choose a school, style and sensei (instructor) that you will enjoy. Avoid schools that you don't feel comfortable in.

    • 2

      Attend class regularly. The style you have chosen will have its own set of requirements for yellow belt, and you must be in class in order to learn them. You may have to learn a series of defenses, blocks, strikes, kicks, katas (choreographed sets of moves), sparring or board breaking before you are eligible to test. Keep an open mind and trust your sensei so that you can learn as quickly and efficiently as possible.

    • 3

      Practice at home. Class times are limited, and you can only perform a kata so many times in a class. Set aside 15 to 30 minutes each day to practice your techniques. You will notice a difference in your memory and ability to perform them, and so will your sensei.

    • 4

      Ask your sensei if you are ready to test. In many cases, instructors won't allow a student to participate in a belt exam unless they are certain that student can pass. Review your techniques with your sensei and decide if you are ready to test for your yellow belt at the next scheduled exam.

    • 5

      Train physically for your exam. You may be asked to demonstrate all of your techniques throughout the exam. There might also be an endurance portion requiring you to jog a set distance or do push-ups and sit-ups. Jog a few times each week, eat a healthy diet, practice your yellow belt techniques daily and get enough sleep to prepare yourself physically for the belt exam. Practice your techniques against a bag or with a sparring partner if you will be required to spar at the test.

    • 6

      Demonstrate your techniques to the best of your ability at your yellow belt exam. Don't be discouraged by mistakes. Simply keep going. Concentrate on the things you have already learned and how willingness to improve them even after you have earned your yellow belt.