Academy Rank Requirements

The first three ranks in the Zimmerman Self-Defense System are Yellow Belt, Orange Belt, and Green Ranks.  These ranks represent the beginning curriculum.  The intermediate ranks are Blue Belt and Purple Ranks.  The advanced ranks are Brown and Red Ranks.  After training for a minimum of 4 years and being at least 16 years old, a student can test for Black Rank.

The system consists of seven colored ranks and seven degrees of black rank.  Students will progress through Yellow, Orange and Green Rank in the first year.  By the end of this period, the student will have a rudimentary grasp of self-defense and be capable of basic self-defense.

It normally takes another year to progress through Blue and Purple Ranks.  The students have a basic understanding of the system and know a handful of techniques well.

In the third year, the student progresses through Brown and Red Ranks.  The students will have a broad knowledge of many techniques and principle with deep knowledge of a few.

After four years of training, a student should be capable of demonstrating competency in self-defense.  Once the student has demonstrated competency, he or she will be awarded a 1st Degree Black Rank.  1^st Degree Black Ranks will have a deep understanding of the system, be able to demonstrate many techniques and have mastered a few.

Students are only eligible for higher Black Ranks if they are instructors.  Each Black Rank after 1^st Degree Black Rank has a teaching component.

2^nd Degree Black Ranks should be able to teach the system up to the rank of Blue Rank.  3^rd Degree Black Ranks should be able to teach the system up to the rank of Red Rank.  4^th Degree Black Ranks should be able to teach the system up to the rank of 1^st Degree Black Rank.

5^th Degree Black Ranks should be able to teach the system up to the rank of 2^nd Degree Black Rank.  6^th Degree Black Rank should be able to teach the system up to the rank of 3^rd Degree Black Rank.  The highest Black Rank is 7^th Degree Black Rank.  7^th Degree Black Ranks should be able to teach the system up to 4^th Degree Black Rank.

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