Buckeye Tang Soo Do

As more and more people are exposed to martial arts at a younger age, it is fairly common that our students come to us with some previous training. When we evaluate students, we do not look at previous rank. As instructors and Martial Artists, we honor previous training. We teach the exact same concepts, theories and techniques to every student regardless of their rank. Just because a student is recognized as a white belt, that does not mean that they cannot benefit from more difficult techniques or combinations. When you are attacked (physically, mentally, etc.), the attacker does not care about your rank. We encourage everyone to come and train with us, have some fun and be a part of the group and worry about ranking later.

In the past, we've had many black belts from other arts join BTSD and start over as white belts. Many of them found that given time, they were respected for their skills and knowledge, regardless of the color of cloth around their waist.

Looking for a more concrete answer? Here's the WTSDA policy on the matter:

All Gup and Dan members enjoy the privilege of being able to transfer temporarily or permanently to any other member studio without restriction or discrimination. Also, if the student did not stop training for more than three months, full grade and rank will be honored by the accepting member studio.

Transfers from non-member studios or styles: Gup students from another non-member studio or style should start as a beginner white belt regardless of the student's experience. The student's gup grade will be determined at the next coming test to whatever grade the student deserves at the level of a World Tang Soo Do student.

Any prospective Dan member who is interested in joining our organization, upon approval of admittance, will be tested to determine the level of expertise and will issue a World Tang Soo Do Dan certificate upon passing.