The Black Belt Club

The black belt club is a three year course that leads to the eventual attainment of your black belt in To-Shin-Do. You are eligible to join the black belt club after six months of training in our Fundamentals of Self Protection program. Eligibility is based on your understanding of both physical and mental aspects of the training. We want to see that you are applying your training (including the "Three Qualities of a Black Belt") to all aspects of your life. Our younger students are asked to have recommendations from both their parents and a teacher at school showing us of their mental development. You are also required to have the recommendation of at least one of our instructors to continue your training in this course.

Water - Blue Belt
You begin your journey in the black belt club with the Water realm. Water is our defensive posture and is characterized by a scientific approach. You are aware of the situation and take time to analyze it before returning with your revelations. Again, as with all of our techniques, the kata's are based on realistic attacks and are done at safe speeds with a training partner.

A non-physical example of the water attitude would be:

You and a friend are having a debate. Your friend presents you with a new idea that you had not thought of before. You take a step back to consider this idea. After realizing that you are indeed correct you come crashing back in with your rebuttal ending the debate.

This realm covers blue/white, blue, and blue/black belts.

Fire - Red Belt
The next step in your journey to black belt is the Fire realm. Fire is our offensive posture and is very committed. The second a conflict presents itself you move in and take over. This is not to be misunderstood with mindless violence or rage. You are very much in control of what happens and lead the situation to a rapid close.

A non-physical example of the fire attitude would be:

You and a friend are about to have a debate. Before your friend can speak you tell him your opinion and ending the debate leaving him overwhelmed.

This realm covers red/white, red, and red/black belts.

Wind - Green Belt
The next step in your journey to black belt is the Wind realm. Wind is characterized by evasive circular movement and attitude. You are untouchable and light as air. Your opponents efforts to attack you are wasted as you blend in with his movements and return his energy back to him.

A non-physical example of the wind attitude would be:

You and a friend are having a debate. Instead of actively arguing with him you go around the point leaving him confused. You do not have time to waste making him realize he is wrong. You quickly blend in with his argument and disappear at the first opportunity.

This realm covers green/white, green, and green/black belts.

Void/Creative Potential - Brown Belt
The final step before black belt is the void. In the void you learn to manipulate through the elements without staying in any one realm. The conflict is changeable and you are prepared for whatever may happen. You change attitude without thought, merely reflecting what is best for the situation at hand.

This realm covers brown/white, brown, and brown/black belts.