First Degree Black Belt

Note: Achievement of the Red-Black Belt is required prior to attempting the First Degree Black Belt test.

Requirements:

1. Proficiency in 12 routines randomly selected from White Belt to Red Belt.

2. Proficiency in 12 breaking techniques randomly selected from White Belt to Red Belt.

3. Proficiency in 12 joint-lock and self-defense techniques randomly selected from White Belt to Red Belt.

4. Proficiency in the body conditioning test for Red-Black Belt.

This requirement may be waived for members over 40 years of age or those requiring special accommodation.

Second Degree Black Belt

Note: Achievement of the First Degree black Belt is required prior to attempting the Second Degree Black Belt test.

Requirements:

1. Proficiency in applied techniques from 12 randomly selected belts (White Belt to Red Belt).

2. Proficiency in basic sparring techniques from 12 randomly selected belts (White Belt to Red Belt).

3. A minimum of 40 hours of verified teaching experience.

4. Proficiency in bare-hand and weapon sparring (dagger, staff, sword, and spear).

5. Demonstration of breaking techniques using hands, feet, and head that showcase power and martial effectiveness.

USAKFS Instructor Certification

Note: Achievement of the Second degree black Belt is required prior to attempting the Instructor Certification test.

Requirements:

1. Curriculum Mastery

• Deep understanding of the full curriculum

• Ability to teach all components confidently

• Adherence to curriculum standards

2. Mastery of Stretches

• Proficiency in demonstrating and teaching all required stretches

• Knowledge of proper form and safety protocols

3. Educational Goals

• Clear understanding of the program’s educational objectives

• Ability to align teaching methods with learning outcomes

• Skill in setting and tracking student progress

• Effective communication of goals to students and/or parents

• Contribution to long-term student development

• Support for inclusive and differentiated instruction

• Regular evaluation of teaching effectiveness

• Alignment with institutional or organizational goals

Third Degree Black Belt – Master Level

Note: Completion of the Certified Instructor test is required prior to attempting the Third Degree Black Belt test.

Requirements:

1. Proficiency in:

 ◦ Ten (10) additional joint-lock techniques

◦ Ten (10) additional takedown techniques

◦ Ten (10) ground fighting techniques

◦ Ten (10) effective pressure point attacks

2.Free sparring (bare-handed) against armed opponents

3.Proficiency in more than ten (10) bare-hand routines and ten (10) weapon routines

4. Experience as a judge in national and/or international martial arts events

5. Published contributions to the martial arts field (books, magazine/journal articles, videos, or audio recordings)

6.A minimum of 10 years of teaching experience

7.Exception Clause: A qualified Second Degree Black Belt may be exempted from the above requirements and awarded Third

Degree Black Belt status if they have achieved national recognition as a free sparring champion.