All children (under age 18) have an established curriculum for their studies at the Modern Bujutsu Center.  The belt ranking system (white - yellow - green - purple  - brown) is subdivided into various levels for each colored belt, often referred to as slashes.  Belts under black belt are referred to as 'kyu rank'. For each belt rank, there are four subdivisions of rank.  This enables the student to carefully progress towards the next belt level while also having a sense of accomplishment and perspective as to where they are in their progress.  When a student begins their studies, they will wear a white belt.  After learning basic skills - such as stances, punches, and kicks - they will test for their first slash.  Their next three slash tests reflect additional skills that they have learned, and they are then tested on all of their slash requirements when it is time for their yellow belt test.

Testing requirements are slightly modified based on the age of the student.   A student age 12 may have some additional skills required when they test for their yellow belt than a student of 6 might have.  Testing requirements at slash levels reflect what they have learned since their previous slash test.  More formalized testing is done for each new colored belt rank, and will include:

        kata for rank     self-defense for rank      sparring for rank      breaking for rank

 Students perform their test before a board of certified black belt instructors for both slash and colored belt examinations.  Tests begin with the student performing their kata (forms).  They then perform self-defense techniques against one or more opponents who may be unarmed or have a weapon.  The students then demonstrate their karate knowledge by sparring several rounds against one or more opponents.  The final requirement is breaking, where the student demonstrates their punching or kicking technique and karate spirit by breaking wooden boards.  Upon completion of these requirements, the student is awarded the appropriate slash or belt,  along with a certification of their achievement by Grandmaster Manuel.

Older students will also have a written exam to be completed prior to their testing date.