Indicative duration: about 6 months of regular practice minimum.

Exam content:

• Basic guards, footwork and strikes (punches, elbows, knees)
• Releases from simple grabs (wrist, clothing)
• Basics of distance management and evasion

Indicative duration: about 6 months after obtaining the yellow belt.

Exam content:

• Defenses against more complex grabs (chokes, holds from behind)
• Defenses against punches and kicks
• First stress-scenario training

Indicative duration: about 6 to 12 months after the orange belt.

Exam content:

• Defenses against simple weapons (knife, stick) in static situations
• Introduction to ground fighting
• More advanced technical combinations

Indicative duration: about 12 months after the green belt.

Exam content:

• Defenses against weapons in motion
• Defenses against multiple attackers
• Realistic scenario training under stress

Indicative duration: about 12 to 18 months after the blue belt.

Exam content:

• Refinement of the full technical curriculum
• Advanced ground and weapon defenses
• Ability to supervise and correct beginner practitioners

Indicative duration: several years of dedicated practice (often 4 to 5 years in total), examination before a federal panel. A minimum age generally applies (16 to 18 depending on the federation).

Exam content:

• Full mastery of the colored-belt technical curriculum
• Advanced scenario training and stress management
• Often a teaching component (ability to pass on knowledge)

Dan grades (black belt levels)

As in most martial arts, progression continues beyond the black belt through Dan grades (1st Dan, 2nd Dan, etc.). Each additional Dan generally requires a minimum delay since the previous one (often 2 to 3 years), as well as an evaluation by the federation covering technique, teaching experience, and involvement in the club and the discipline.

• 1st Dan: first black belt level.
• 2nd Dan: generally accessible 2 to 3 years after the 1st Dan.
• 3rd Dan and beyond: increasing delays between each Dan, often reserved for senior instructors.