Yūdansha Ranking Requirements

Qualifications for Shōdan (1st Degree Black Belt)

Earning your black belt is a personal experience. As such, the head instructor may adjust the curriculum as they sees fit, to your maximum benefit. This exam will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

1. Train consistently in the art of Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō for a minimum of three years.
2. Demonstrate the required kata (Kishu Tatsu Geki, Dwai Gun Do).

3. Perform 100 self-defense techniques; including defenses against clubs, knives, pistols, and/or multiple opponents. 4. Demonstrate leadership ability: • Assist in teaching lower-ranked students. • Assist in dōjō maintenance. • Demonstrate the ability to run warm-ups. • Demonstrate the ability to lead small groups of students. 5. Demonstrate ability to kumite at a black belt level against opponents of various different skill levels, and against multiple opponents. 6. Perform any requested written exam. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of all previous qualifications. 8. Identify the legal/moral implications of self-defense (appropriate levels of aggression). 9. Be approved for your rank by the Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō Yudanshakai. ________________________________________ Grappling Fundamentals Rear mount Mount Guard Side mount Shrimp Bridge

Blocks Wedge technique

Manipulations and Takedowns Harai goshi sweeping hip throw Tsukkomi-jime poke choke “thrusting-strangle” Sankaku-jime triangle choke

Kata

Qualifications for Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)

After receiving a black belt, further progress is not determined by what one learns, but by how the lessons are understood. As such, after this point training is now defined by the persistent polishing and refining of previously-learned techniques, and as a reward for great efforts to advance and promote the art of Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō. As such, the promotion criteria for the rank of nidan are subjective, and there are no formal tests. However, the following will definitely be asked of you:

1. Continuously train for a minimum of two years after earning the rank of shōdan.
2. Serve as an assistant instructor in your dōjō.
3. Participate in the black bet division of a shiai, and perform reasonably well.
4. Learn the required kata (Godan]], Katachi no Hajimete no Kama, Tsuken Shitahaku no Sai).
5. Demonstrate ability in kumite.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of all previous qualifications.
7. Receive the approval of the Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō Yudanshakai

Sandan

Qualifications for Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt)

After receiving a black belt, further progress is not determined by what one learns, but by how the lessons are understood. As such, after this point training is now defined by the persistent polishing and refining of previously-learned techniques, and as a reward for great efforts to advance and promote the art of Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō. As such, the promotion criteria for the rank of nidan are subjective, and there are no formal tests. However, the following will definitely be asked of you:

1. Continuously train for at least three years after earning the rank of nidan.
2. Assist in teaching classes and running the dōjō.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of all previous qualifications.
4. Be approved for your rank by the Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō Yudanshakai
5. Learn as many of the listed kata as possible:
   • Sanchin
   • Harimau Juru
   • Gopeishō
   • Naihanchi Shōdan
   • Asato no Eku
   • Gojūshihō
   • Aruku Koto Ryu
   • Sanjūichi no Jō
   • Two-Man Short Bo kata

Yodan

Progression to 4th-degree black belt is determined through demonstrating a mastery of all previous requirements. For these reasons, the criteria for promotion are somewhat subjective. However, the following will be asked of you:

1. Continuously train for at least four years after earning the rank of sandan.
2. Open a dōjō of your own.
3. Know all of the advanced kata listed in the requirements for sandan.
4. Demonstrate mastery of all previous qualifications.
5. Be approved for your rank by the Goshin-Jutsu Karatedō Yudanshakai