In the early 20^th century, Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, created the now-famous rank belt system which has pervaded almost all martial arts. In keeping with this tradition, the OLV Martial Arts Club uses the following belt system:

	White Belt
	Yellow Belt
	Green Belt
	Blue Belt
	High Blue Belt
	Brown Belt
	High Brown Belt
	Red Belt
	Half Black Belt
	Black Belt

Additionally, there are nine degrees (called dan) of black belt. Progress from white belt to 1^st dan black belt at the OLV Martial Arts Club is roughly expected to take three years. Students with previous similar training may be allowed to cross-over rank from their last school if they begin training at OLV.