The ATA belt rank system makes use of nine "grade" categories and nine "degree" categories. "Grades" are proficiency levels below Black Belt; "Degrees" are levels within the Black Belt category. Belt colors within the grade category are, in ascending order:

• White
• Orange
• Yellow
• Camouflage (Camo)
• Green
• Purple
• Blue
• Brown
• Red

As the rank of the beginning student, the Ninth Grade White Belt (and its recommended and decided designations) is the only grade assigned without a formal testing.

All ranks within the colored belt grades (as well as first- and second-degree black belt) have a letter designation "R" (recommended) or "D" (decided) that appears after the numeric rank indication. These letter designations are given as a result of the student’s testing scores and are part of the rank; they may be compared to "Good" (recommended) and "Excellent" (decided).

All black belt ranks awarded on a "recommended" basis are temporary ranks. Students receiving such recommended black belt ranks must test for a "decided" result within six months after receiving the "recommended" result. Students who fail to receive the decided result within the allotted time will be demoted to the next lower rank. (Extensions may be considered on an individual case basis; a student wishing an extension must ask his instructor to make a written request to the President.)

The system allows two different rank designations within each belt color, giving the instructor greater flexibility to motivate and encourage the students. It also encourages advanced students to continue training after receiving the First or Second Degree Black Belt rank, as the rank is not permanent until the student successfully passes the second test.