Students now have the basic skills needed to begin learning Tae Kwon Do. Their skill level increases as new techniques are introduced through a belt ranking system. One must achieve the required skills and knowledge required for each rank before promotion to the next level. Through martial arts, students learn the skills of self-defense while building their personal character, respect of others and responsibility to their family and community. A recent study showed that children in martial arts have an increased sense of responsibility, a decrease in the willingness to take foolish rishks and a higher self-esteem.