Updated White Belt Grading

Over the past few years, our instructors have noticed a couple of areas within our grading system that could be improved. As a teaching team, we are always reflecting, learning and asking how we can better support the students in our care. 

After much time, discussion and practical experience in the dojo, we are excited to introduce an updated grading pathway designed entirely for the benefit and development of our youngest students.

Introducing Our Extended White Belt Journey

Previously, our younger members progressed through three black stripes before moving into the coloured (kyu) belt system. While this worked well, we recognised that many children between the ages of 5–8 benefit from smaller, more achievable milestones along the way.

Our new system expands this journey to seven coloured stripes, all earned while remaining a white belt. 

Each stripe represents a clear step along the wider kyu grade journey, helping children understand that progress in karate is built steadily, one achievement at a time.

Why We’ve Made This Change

1. More Achievable Milestones

Young children thrive on momentum. By introducing additional stripes, students experience more regular moments of success. These smaller steps help maintain motivation, build confidence and reinforce the idea that consistent effort leads to progress.

2. Stronger Foundations

At this age, physical coordination, focus and listening skills are still developing. The extended stripe system allows us to break down core techniques into manageable stages, ensuring students truly understand and perform basics with quality before progressing.

Rather than rushing toward a coloured belt, we are prioritising:

• Strong stances

• Clear basic techniques

• Balance and coordination

• Respect, focus and dojo etiquette

These foundations will serve them for years to come.

3. Age-Appropriate Learning

Some traditional syllabus elements are better suited to slightly older students. This extended white belt syllabus gives our younger members time to mature physically and mentally before moving into the full coloured belt curriculum.

When they do transition, they will not only be ready, they will be confident and capable.

4. A Clearer Sense of the Journey Ahead

Each stripe colour mirrors the progression of the kyu grades. Even at white belt level, students can see the path unfolding in front of them. It helps them understand that karate is a journey, not a race and that every stage matters.

5. Building Resilience and Pride

Regular gradings with meaningful progression help children develop:

• Patience

• Goal setting skills

• Healthy perseverance

• Pride in earned achievement

These are lessons that extend far beyond karate.

Preparing for the Coloured Belt System

By the time a student completes the white belt stripe journey, they will have:

• Developed strong technical basics

• Built confidence performing in front of instructors

• Gained experience with structured gradings

• Understood what steady improvement looks like

This ensures that when they move into the coloured belt system, they do so fully prepared, not overwhelmed.

At the heart of this update is one simple goal: to serve our students better.

We are proud of the supportive, positive community we have built, and this evolution of our grading system reflects our commitment to thoughtful teaching and long-term development. We want every child to feel capable, encouraged and excited about their progress.

Karate is a lifelong journey. These new steps simply make that journey clearer, more supportive and more rewarding for our youngest members.