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 As with many Martial Arts, Dynamic Self Defense incorporates a progressive step by step ranking system using different color belts to indicate one's rank and skill level. To achieve each belt, students learn a standard set of skills called "Belt Assignments," and once their instructor decides that proficiency is achieved, they go before a certified examiner to demonstrate their skills. This process is called "Promotional Testing." Belt Assignments are taught in class and furnished in writing to students. Below Brown belt, students can expect to test about every 2 months with regular training and practice. In the upper belt levels (Brown to Black) students typically wait for 4 months between tests, and there is a mandatory 6 month wait from the first Black Belt (Probationary) Black Belt before certifying for the 1st Degree Black belt. The entire process from White Belt to 1st Degree Black usually takes about 3 years.

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While basic self defense proficiency and skills can be achieved within about 4-6 months of training, it takes until the advanced levels for the skills to become deeply ingrained. The 1st Degree Black Belt can be compared to an Associate’s Degree in college, with the 2nd Degree Black Belt and on compared to going for the Bachelors, Master’s , Ph.D. and Doctorate degrees. 4th and 5th Degree Black Belt is considered Master level, but is only reserved for those who have interned for at least 10 years as an Assistant and later Chief Instructor. The 6th Degree is the highest in this art, currently reserved for the Art’s Founders.

 

​Testing Criteria is different for children, and individual differences in age, disability and other factors are taken into consideration for advancement.

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The belt rank  system instills goal setting and positive rewards for hard work and discipline. In Dynamic Self Defense, belts are not simply granted or bought, they must be earned based on each student performing to the best of his/her ability.