–KYU OR FUNDAMENTAL LEVELS–
Advancement is dependent on the individual’s character and proficiency of skills. Children take longer than adults to progress through the levels. For example: a child who is training from 2 ½ years of age may be eligible for the rank of black belt apprentice by the age of 10 to 12, while an adult may take 4 years. Realistically, goals must be set based on the abilities of each individual.
We follow our system of grading via three categories and standard kyu/dan system. Each of the weapon systems follow a similar fashion of Shokyu, Chukyu and Jokyu.
Mudansha (Shonin, Chunin and Jonin volumes – all kyu levels must be completed before black belt.
SHONIN NINJA
Ju Rohkkyu/16th level——————————Solid white belt/first 12 weeks of Ninpo
Ju Gohkyu/15th level————————-White belt/yellow stripe/12 weeks of Ninpo
Ju Yonkyu/14th level————————-White belt/orange stripe/12 weeks of Ninpo
Ju Sankyu/13th level—————————White belt/black stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Ju Nikyu/12th level—————————Yellow belt/white stripe/12 weeks of Ninpo
Ju Ichikyu/11th level————————–Yellow belt/black stripe/12 weeks of Ninpo
Mukyu/10th level—————————-Orange belt/white stripe/12 weeks of Ninpo
Kyukyu/9th level——————————Orange belt/black stripe/12 weeks of Ninpo
CHUNIN NINJA
Hachikyu/8th level—————————-Green belt/white stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Nanakyu/7th level—————————-Green belt/white stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Rohkkyu/6th level——————————-Blue belt/white stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Gohkyu/5th level——————————–Blue belt/black stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
JONIN NINJA
Yonkyu/4th level—————————–Purple belt/white stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Sankyu/3rd level——————————Purple belt/black stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Nikyu/2nd level———————————–Red belt/black stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
Ikkyu/1st level———————————Brown belt/black stripe/15 weeks of Ninpo
PHASING*———————————-Black belt/white striped/20 weeks phasing of Ninpo
*Phasing is transition period to research Mudansha once all requirements are completed and prepare for the black belt apprentice test.
“THERE IS NO FIRST ATTACK; THE ULTIMATE AIM OF MARTIAL ARTS LIES NOT IN VICTORY OR DEFEAT BUT IN THE PERFECTION OF THE SELF.”
******************************************************************************
–DAN OR MASTER LEVELS–
YUUDANSHA
Shodan (Sempai/senior student/apprentice-eligible)
Black Belt 1st degree is achieved after 1 year training in black belt patterns.
Nidan (Assistant Sensei-eligible)
Black Belt 2nd degree after 1 ½ to 2 years of achieving Shodan.
Sandan (Sensei-eligible) master of weapons
Black Belt 3rd degree after an additional 1 ½ to 2 years after achieving Nidan.
Yondan (Renshi-eligible)
Black Belt 4th degree (master apprentice); after an additional 1 ½ to 2 years
after Sandan.
KOUDANSHA
Godan (Kyoshi-eligible)
Black Belt 5th degree (mastership-eligible); an additional 2 years after Yondan.
Rohkudan (Kyoshi-eligible)
Black Belt 6th degree (full master); after an additional 1 to 2 years after Godan.
Nanadan (Shihan-eligible)
Black Belt 7th degree (Doctor apprentice/master-teacher); after 2 years of Rohkudan.
Hachidan (Shihan-eligible)
Black Belt 8th degree (Doctor/master –teacher/co-creator); after 30 years of service.
Kudan (Hanshi-eligible)
Black Belt 9th degree (Lead Master –Teacher/next in line as grandmaster/head of system)
Judan (Shihan Cho/Saiko Hanshi/grandmaster-eligible)
Black Belt 10th degree (an honorary degree bestowed as the inheritor of the tradition)
Soshi/Soke/O’Sensei
No degrees are awarded, for it is reserved only for one grandmaster upon the death of
another, for a life time of work.
Kancho (usually reserved for the Soke)
President/Head of the family or tradition; overseer in charge of preserving the tradition.
All ranking is a measure of the person’s character, skills and a life-time of devotion to our tradition.