The color of a students’ belt indicate their rank and their ability. Each step forward represents a further accumulation of skills and knowledge. IFSKA’s system of belt colors, is based on 23 steps. Ten for the preparatory grades 10th Kyu through 1st Kyu, three Pre-ShoDan levels, and ten levels for 1st Dan through 5th Dan black belt. IFSKA holds belt exams every 3 months for the preparatory and pre-shodan levels, and every 4 months for the black belt levels.