American-Te® Requirements
Learning Center for Martial Arts and its system, American-Te® keeps a traditional Kenpo Belt/Ranking System. Each belt has certain properties that make it special. Below is a list of ranks at LCMA in which sub-ranks (or stripes) are noted:
Curriculum Summary
Beginner Ranks
- Learn basic block, strike, and movement techniques
- Learn block and strike combinations for self defense Kumite
- Learn holds and locks for self defense Grappling
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Heian One
- Learn sparring techniques from single strike attack
- Acquire 4 stripe levels before testing for next belt rank
- Learn block and strike combinations for self defense Kumite
- Learn holds, locks, and takedowns for self defense Grappling
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Heian Two
- Learn sparring techniques from inside attack
- Acquire 4 stripe levels before testing for next belt rank
- Learn block and strike combinations for self defense Kumite
- Learn holds, locks, and takedowns for self defense Grappling
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Heian Three
- Learn sparring techniques from 2-strike attack
- Acquire 4 stripe levels before testing for next belt rank
Intermediate Ranks
- Learn blocks and strikes with the Bo Staff
- Learn block and strike combinations for self defense Kumite
- Learn holds, locks, and takedowns for self defense Grappling
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Heian Four and Bo One
- Learn sparring techniques using leg strikes
- Acquire 4 stripe levels before testing for next belt rank
- Learn basic strikes and Long range self defense from Weapon Attacks
- Learn block and strike combinations for self defense Kumite
- Learn holds, locks, and takedowns for self defense Grappling
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Heian Five and Bo Two
- Learn sparring techniques using hand strike combinations
- Acquire 4 stripe levels before testing for next belt rank
- Learn techniques for Middle range self defense from Weapon Attacks
- Learn to integrate striking and grappling for self defense
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Bassai Dai and Combat Bo
- Learn sparring techniques using grappling techniques
- Acquire 4 stripe levels before testing for next belt rank
Advanced Ranks
- Learn techniques for Close range and Static self defense from Weapon Attacks
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Tekki One, Yonsu and Shushi No Kun Sho (Level 1)
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Tekki Two, Saifa and Circle of the Tiger (Level 2)
- Learn basic movements and application from kata Tekki Three, Wonsu and Cat Three (Level 3)
- Learn techniques for random self defense combinations
- Learn sparring techniques from random attacks
- Completion and proficiency required for stripe testing
- Students who demonstrate Completion and Proficiency in American-Te®
- Learn complete self defense progressions
- Learn basic movements and application from Black Belt Level kata
1st Degree Black Belt (17yrs +)
- Over 17yrs of age demonstrating Completion and Proficiency in American-Te®
- Learn complete self defense progressions
- Learn basic movements and application from Black Belt Level kata
- Completion and proficiency required for Black Belt Testing (minimum 2 years)
Advanced Black Belt Ranks
Black Belt (2nd Dan-4th Dan)
Master Black Belt (5th Dan & higher)
Belt & Testing Structure
Each belt from White Belt through Green Belt is split into 4 levels, which are represented by stripe ranks. When a student achieves their 4th Stripe, then they begin preparing for the next belt testing.
Belt testing is held each month for students who have 4 stripes and have received their test invitation. Students testing muss pass each rank proceeding and including their current rank.
Testing is held during the classes for White Belts, Yellow Belts, and Orange Belts at both the Mansfield Dojo and Norwood Dojo. Students testing for Purple Belt through Brown Belt must test at our monthly Sunday morning test, held at our Mansfield Dojo.
Please review the appropriate level for information on the belt requirements.