Rank is awarded as recognition of personal achievement. Many factors are evaluated in determining if a promotion is to be recommended including skill in execution, strength of character, attitude toward the dojo, the instructor, and to fellow students, creativeness, desire to succeed and progress, and attendance. TBKD instructors test student's knowledge and skills in every class. More strenuous official testing is provided a minimum of three times a year. Official testing involves a mix of endurance in physical conditioning skills, excellence in the performance of kata both before and after the physical testing, demonstration of will and determination to succeed when faced with multiple opponents. Attitude of "never quit" is evaluated throughout the testing period.

As promotions are awarded, the level of expectation increases. Promotions from tenth kyu (white belt) through first kyu (brown belt) are recommended by the local instructor for recognition in Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK). TBKD does not independently test or recognize black belt ranks. All students are tested and recognized by DNBK for Shodan (1st degree black belt) and above. TBKD recognizes the rank of all DNBK certified black belts in good standing.

An individual can be awarded the rank of "Shodan" (first level black belt) in as little as two years dependent, of course, on skill level, conditioning, in-depth knowledge and correct execution of the many kata, attendance at the local dojo as well as the many clinics and special training sessions provided at Old Dominion University and Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia.