In the United States the term Rank refers to a student's level of proficiency in the martial arts. In different styles it may be referred to by other names; for example in Korean (Tae Kwon Do) it is a gup or gyup for colored belts and dan for first degree and up.

In the American Martial Arts Institute there is a program called the Superkick Program for boys and girls under the age of 6. A Superkick Patch is earned by a testing but is not considered a rank. It is a stage half-way between a new student and an Orange belt. This level of proficiency helps young boys and girls to stay interested and increase their self confidence with an acquired level of success. The added level of demonstrating the skills of this program will allow the student to test for Superkick Plus. There is no test fee and the students are still 8th Rank - White Belts.

There are nine ranks in the colored belt levels of proficiency. One of these ranks, Orange Belt, is an intermediate stage for boys and girls under the age of 12 between the levels of White and Yellow Belt. Belts for young ladies and gentlemen under the age of 18 are tipped with a white band.

9th Rank - White Belt

The first level or beginner student.