Rank Promotions

Students who meet all rank requirements are eligible to test and will be asked to demonstrate the techniques for one rank higher than the rank they are actually testing for.

Pee Wee Ranks  (Ages 4-6)

Pee Wee ranks are geared towards the special needs of young children. They are designed to encourage the child to learn basic concepts while offering the incentive of regular promotions. 

If a child earns their Brown Stripe before their 7th birthday, they can test for promotion to Yellow Belt after meeting the time-in-grade requirements, regardless of their age. 

If they turn 7 before they earn their Brown Stripe, they can test for promotion to Yellow Belt once they meet the time-in-grade requirements.

Junior Ranks  (Ages 7-16)

Although unusual, Mackey Sensei may, at her sole discretion, skip one or more ranks when promoting students of unusual ability and dedication.  At Mackey Sensei's discretion, juniors ages 14-16 may be promoted to senior rank. 

Senior Ranks  (Age 17 and up)

We award five ranks below black belt (orange belt, green belt and three ranks of brown belt). First degree brown belt is the highest rank below shodan (first degree black belt).  

Promotion Fees 

Students promoted to any rank below black belt pay us NOTHING for their promotion.  That's right. Zero. Nada. Nothing. Not one thin dime. Your promotion to a new rank is cause for celebration not a reason for us to charge you a fee.  

What Do The Other Stripes Mean?

Coup Stripe [white stripe on a colored belt or black stripe on a white belt]—A student is awarded one stripe for each tournament they have competed in since their last testing.  This comes from the practice among many Native American nations of awarding warriors eagle feathers for bravery—the bravest act being touching your enemy with your bare hands. 

Camouflage Stripe—This stripe recognizes a student’s hard work.  It is awarded at the instructor’s discretion.

Gold Stripe--This double wide stripe is awarded to students who competed in a national-level tournament within the last year.