Yūdansha Ranking Requirements

Shōdan

Earning a black belt is a personal experience. As such, the head instructor may adjust these requirements as they see fit, for your maximum benefit. The shōdan exam will likely 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, which will including:
   • Defenses against multiple simultaneous opponents.
   • Opponents armed with clubs, knives, or pistols.
4. Demonstrate leadership ability, through the following:
   • Assist with dōjō upkeep maintenance.
   • Demonstrate the ability to run warm-ups.
   • Demonstrate the ability to lead and teach small groups of lower-ranked students.
5. Demonstrate ability to kumite at a black belt level, meaning:
   • Demonstrating a degree of intensity and ferocity which would command a universal respect.
   • You can adjust your intensity as needed to for the maximum benefit of students of various skill levels (i.e., to challenge juniors without overwhelming them.)
   • Being able to spar against multiple simultaneous opponents.
6. Perform any requested written exams.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of all previous qualifications.
8. Explain the legal and moral implications of acting in self-defense.
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

Nidan

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

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 sandan 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 Bō 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

Godan

Qualifications for Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)

1. Continuously train for at least five years after earning the rank of yodan.
2. Open a dōjō of your own, and have at least one student who has studied under you all the way from white belt to shōdan.
3. You will be judged solely by the quality of your students.
4. Be approved for your rank by the Goshin-Jutsu Karate Yudanshakai