RANK GUIDELINES OF SEIYO SHORIN-RYU KARATE & KOBUDO

The following rank certifications are eligible through the Hombu dojo. 

(1) Mudansha certifications for all kyu (color belt) ranks from 9th to 1st kyu. 

(2) Yudansha certifications (black belt) from 1st to 9th dan.

(3) Instructor and Master Instructor certifications for Sensei, Shihan, Kyoshi and Hanshi

(4) Kobudo (weapons) certifications for bo, hanbo, nitanbo, jujutsu, kioga, tsue (cane), kuwa (hoe), nunchuku, sai, kama (sickles), tonfa (batons), eku, manrikigusari (rope), yari (spear), naginata (halberd), katana (samurai sword), modern kobudo, and knife-gun defenses.  These are all separate certifications.

(5) SKI Samurai - this certication (see below) is a very special certification available for a handful of martial artists who reach a high level of training in some of our Japanese martial arts.

 

Testing & rank are important: they provide a measure of progress. Tests are designed to evaluate the student’s technique and provide opportunity to assist in improvement. This is a time of education and building self-confidence. Students should only take an exam if it is highly likely they will succeed.

 

During testing, the student is judged independently of others.  We all have seen students who are natually built like cats with innate ability, balance and prowess. Perfection would be expected of these individuals. Others are not as gifted, but may put in as much effort, if not more, and provide a much greater influence on the art. In no case should a student be allowed to jump in rank.

 

Important attributes of martial arts are respect, traditions and honor. Any student taking a test needs to show the highest respect. Tests should be challenging. For each consecutive rank, tests should show a measurable increase in ability & knowledge. By the time of Shodan exam, the student will show extraordinary focus, power, speed and at the same time artistic movement, softness & beauty. Kata should be a mystical dance, and bunkai should be powerful and devastating. At every level, the student should set a very high goal & standard. The goal should be life-long and to reach a high-level master instructor. Setting a goal for black belt will only lead to your termination of training at the end of reaching this goal. We have seen this happen too many times. It is extremely important not to make Shodan (1st degree black belt) a goal. Setting this as an affirmation is like building a stop sign. All instructors have seen students set this goal. When achieved, those who set this goal quit training almost immediately. SET YOUR GOALS MUCH HIGHER!!!

 

The obi or belt are deemed to be almost sacred and should be a measure of one’s sweat, blood and tears. They are earned through training. They represent a badge of one’s dedication and spirit to the martial arts. They provide incentives and goals for achievement. Martial arts training & instruction are unique in society in that setting goals and affirmations to achieve the obi and skills of that obi can develop positive attitudes and personalities unlike any other segment of society.

 

Few martial arts styles exhibit the same obi colors for lower (kyu) ranks. Kyu literally means boy. As one progresses & grows in the martial arts we reach the black belt level, or dan level. Dan translates as man. So we essentially grow from a youth to adult. The thought is that we start as a young white belt, we grow to a man (or woman) and reach the black belt level, but as time progresses, the black on the belt wears off as we again become white belts as we start to realize we have spent a lifetime in the martial arts, and we are just beginning to understand martial arts. Initially, belts were only white (kyu) and black (dan), a sybolism of In/Yo. Spend a lifetime of training with us.

 

 

Kyu. Kyu ranks (colored obi) vary from style to style. Through the years, some Soke found it necessary to provide more visual goals and introduce different colored belts. Today, some styles have as many as 12 or 13 kyu ranks – others as few as 2 to 5, but the average is probably around 8 to 9. I also trained in some Samurai arts that only had 2 or 3 kyu ranks, and some karate styles that typically had about 8 kyu ranks. For my art (Seiyo Shorin-Ryu), I found that 9 lower ranks work well. But the color of the belts may vary considerably. For example, while training in Kyokushinkai karate, 8th kyu was symbolized by a purple belt, in Wado Ryu, this was a blue belt, in Shotokan and Shorin-Ryu, it was a yellow belt. So when asking about one’s belt, one should inquire about kyu rank. Even so, many practitioners of sport karate do not understand this.

 

When one starts training, he/she wears a white belt. It is accepted that the white belt is a beginner and the belt symbolically exists to hold the pants up. It is also a symbol of a new beginning in Zen representing the in portion of in/yo. After training for a few months, the student may be asked to take an exam. It is important that the student is asked by the Sensei to take an exam, and not the other way around.

 

Exams are important as they are used to judge progress. This is typically the time that the Sensei has an opportunity to evaluate a student’s technique in detail. It is also a time that the Sensei looks to tweak many things in one’s technique, so it is recommended that the student have a notebook available to write down these hints given by the instructor. The only time a student will fail is if a student is not prepared for the test. This happens when a student requests to take an exam and more often than not, is not ready to test. The student and the Sensei must realize that we are in the business of building positive individuals with self-confidence, high self-esteem, but confidence that comes with humbleness and respect.

 

During a test, a student does not need to show perfection, only progress in technique, understanding of kata, kata bunkai, self-defense, Kobudo and traditions. Students who do not practice the traditions of the dojo and show respect for their Sensei and others in the dojo, should be dismissed from the dojo, or placed on a period of probation until they relent and show respect. Karate is an art of traditions - if one does not respect these traditions, then they can never learn the art. It is the traditions that set us apart from street fighters.

 

Not everyone is eligible to become a member of Seiyo No Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai – no one can buy membership in this organization. Only those who come with an open mind and show humble and non-aggressive attitude and willingness to learn are considered for membership. When accepted, the membership fee must be paid and necessary waivers signed prior to any training – we do not provide free training. Only those members who have a membership card from the central Hombu and Soke, are eligible to take exams in Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate & Kobudo and also to attend Seiyo Shorin-Ryu clinics at member’s fee.

 

Typically, it takes 3 to 5 months of constant training in each kyu rank prior to testing for the next level. No student shall take an exam without paying the Sensei for the exam. If the student passes, she/he will be awarded an appropriate rank certificate. Fees will be set by the individual Sensei and will probably vary from dojo to dojo.

 

MUDANSHA (Kyu Requirements) 

9th KYU (yellow belt w/1 stripe) KUKYU

Kihon (Basics)

 Basics (kihon) to include kicks, punches, blocks & stances

Kata (Forms)

 Demonstrate Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan & Sandan.

Bunkai (Applications)

Demonstrate bunkai (applications) of Taikyoku Sandan (TS1 through TS8 - see Bunkai). Must be demonstrated as ippon kumite (practical self-defense against an attacker).

Self Defense

 Demonstrate Self-Defense Applications

Traditions

 Demonstrate Dojo Ettiquitte, including an understanding of first dojo kun “Karate Ni Sente Nashi”

 

8th KYU (yellow belt w/2 stripes) HACHIKYU

Kihon

 Basics (kihon) to include kicks, punches, blocks & stances

Karate Kata

 Demonstrate Taikyoku Yodan and Pinan Shodan kata (you may also be asked to demonstrate Taikyoku 1, 2 and 3).

Bunkai

Demonstrate bunkai (applications) of techniques in Taikyoku Yodan and Pinan Shodan kata. Must be demonstrated as ippon kumite (practical self-defense against an attacker) (see Bunkai page).

Self Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

Traditions

 Dojo Ettiquitte, including understanding of dojo kun “Reigi o omonjiru koto”.

 

7th KYU (blue belt w/1stripe) SHICHIKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

KARATE KATA

 Pinan Nidan kata (you may be asked to demonstrate all previous kata and bunkai).

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) from Pinan Nidan (PN1-PN7) (see Bunkai Page).

SELF-DEFENSE

 Other Self-Defense Applications

TRADITIONS

 Dojo kun & martial arts traditions.

 

6th KYU (blue belt w/2 stripes) ROKKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

KARATE KATA

 Pinan Sandan kata (you may be asked to demonstrate all previous kata and bunkai).

BUNKAI

 Bunkai for Pinan Sandan PS-1, BP3-2, BP3-3, BP3-4, BP3-5, BP3-6 (see Bunkai).

KOBUDO

 Kobudo. Demonstrate Bo Kata and bunkai

KOBUDO BUNKAI

 Demonstrate Bunkai for Bo Kata.

TRADITIONS

 Dojo traditions and philosophy (Zen and Dojo Kun)

 Japanese dojo terminology (Dojo Terminology).

 

5th KYU (green belt w/1 stripe) GOKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

Karate Kata

 Pinan Yondan kata (you may be asked to demonstrate all previous kata and bunkai).

BUNKAI

 Bunkai for all techniques in Pinan Yodan kata as ippon kumite (see Bunkai).

Kobudo Kata

 Bo Kata & bunkai, plus one additional bo kata of choice (with Bunkai).

 Demonstrate a third kata with a different weapon (include Bunkai).

SELF DEFENSE

 Self-Defense Applications

TRADITIONS

 Dojo traditions and philosophy (Zen and Dojo Kun)

 Japanese dojo terminology (Dojo Terminology).

 

4th KYU (green belt w/2 stripes) YONKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

Karate Kata

 Pinan Godan (you may be asked to demonstrate all previous kata and bunkai).

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) for all techniques in Pinan Godan demonstrated as ippon kumite (see Bunkai).

Kobudo Kata

 Demonstrate 4 kobudo kata and bunkai for all kata.

SELF-DEFENSE

 Self-Defense Applications

 

3rd KYU (BROWN BELT w/1 stripe) SANKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

Karate Kata

 Naihanchi Shodan (you may be asked to demonstrate all previous kata and bunkai).

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) for all techniques in Naihanchi Shodan as ippon kumite (See Bunkai).

Kobudo Kata

 Demonstrate 5 kobudo kata and bunkai.

Self- Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

 

2nd KYU (BROWN BELT w/2 stripes) NIKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

Karate Kata

 Demonstrate Naihanchi Shodan + 2 Advanced Kata of Choice

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) all techniques the 2 Advanced Kata.

Kobudo Kata

 Demonstrate 7 kobudo kata and bunkai for all kata.

SELF-DEFENSE

 Self-Defense Applications

 

1st KYU (BROWN BELT w/3 stripes) IKKYU

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

Karate Kata

 Demonstrate Naihanchi Shodan + 4 Advanced Kata of Choice.

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) all techniques in two Advanced Kata selected by Sensei.

Kobudo Kata

 Demonstrate 8 kobudo kata and bunkai.

SELF-DEFENSE

 Self-Defense Applications

 

YUDANSHA (Dan Requirements)

All dan levels require an extraordinary leap in the understanding and technique. One must have excellent focus, power & acceleration in technique before being considered for this rank. The difference between Ikkyu (1st kyu) & Shodan (1st dan) should be very noticeable to the Sensei. All dan ranks above godan (5th dan) are only available by testing in front of the Soke. A certified Seiyo Shorin-Ryu instructor is eligible to grant ranks up to their current level only after receiving license from the Soke. Each level of black belt will add one additional red stripe to the belt tip, such that a shodan will have one red tip (stripe), nidan – 2 stripes, and so forth.

 

1st DAN (SHODAN)

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

KARATE KATA

 Demonstrate Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan, Sandan & Yondan.

 Demonstrate Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan & Godan.

 Demonstrate Naihanchi Shodan + 6 Advanced Kata of Choice.

BUNKAI

 The student is required to know all kata bunkai for all kata demonstrated. Depending on the time, the instructor will decide how many (and which) will be demonstrated.

KOBUDO KATA

 Need certification in 2 Kobudo Arts (see Below). However, depending on time, the Sensei may require demonstration of one of more Kobudo Kata.

SELF-DEFENSE

 Demonstrate Self-Defense Applications requested by Sensei.

 Demonstration Self-Defense against a stand-up boxer.

KUMITE

 Demonstrate kumite (sparring) with excellent focus and control.

TRADITIONS

 Dojo traditions and philosophy (Zen and Dojo Kun)

 Japanese dojo terminology (Dojo Terminology).

 

 

2nd DAN (NIDAN) (Should be Shodan for 1 year prior to testing)

Karate Kata

 8 Advanced Kata of Choice (you may be asked to demonstrate all previous kata - so be prepared).

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) all techniques in advanced kata.

Kobudo Kata

 Certification in 4 Kobudo Arts (you may be asked to demonstrate some kobudo kata)

Self Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

 Demonstration of Self-Defense techniques against a wrestler.

 

3rd DAN (SANDAN) SENSEI

This is the level of the traditional Sensei (teacher). Although in some cases, the Soke may grant a Sensei license at a lower yudansha level,

this is the rank that you are now considered as an instructor and will be granted a teaching license.

KIHON

 Basics to include kicks, punches, blocks, stances

KARATE KATA

 Demonstrate Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan, Sandan & Yondan.

 Demonstrate Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan & Godan.

 Demonstrate 10 Advanced Kata of Choice.

BUNKAI

 You will be asked to demonstrate Bunkai (applications) in 2 advanced kata that will be selected by your instructor.

Kobudo Kata

 Certification in 5 Kobudo Arts. Kobudo bunkai.

Self Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

 Demonstration of Self-Defense against a Knife.

TEACHING

 Demonstration of teaching abilities. Your instructor may set this test up in two sessions. One for all of the above requirements and a second day of evaluating your teaching ability when you

are asked to lead the class. This may occur before or after the initial test.

 

4th DAN (YONDAN) (Shihan-Dai).

Karate Kata

 12 Advanced Kata of Choice

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) in advanced kata.

Kobudo Kata

 Certification in 5 Kobudo Arts + Kobudo bunkai.

Self Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

 Demonstration of Self-Defense against a gun.

 

5th DAN (GODAN) (Shihan).

Karate Kata

 All basic kata

 14 Advanced Kata of Choice

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) all techniques in advanced kata.

Kobudo Kata

 Certification in 6 Kobudo Arts. Kobudo bunkai (you will be required to demonstrate several kobudo kata and bunkai).

Self Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

 Demonstration of Self-Defense against two attackers.

Creativity

 Develop & demonstrate a kobudo or empty hand kata.

 

6th DAN (ROKUDAN) (Dai-Shihan) (At the discretion of the Soke)

Karate Kata

 All basic kata

 16 Advanced Kata of Choice

BUNKAI

 Bunkai (applications) all techniques in advanced kata.

Kobudo Kata

 Certification in 7 Kobudo Arts. Kobudo bunkai.

Self Defense

 Self-Defense Applications

 Demonstration of Self-Defense against two attackers.

Creativity

 Develop & demonstrate fighting kata with a partner(s) - either empty hand or kobudo.

 

7th DAN (SHICHIDAN) (Kyoshi) (At the discretion of the Soke)

8th DAN (HACHIDAN) (Kyoju) (At the discretion of the Soke)

9th DAN (KUDAN) (At the discretion of the Soke)

10th DAN (JUDAN) (At the discretion of the Soke)

These will be at the discretion of the Soke and provided to those members who show outstanding dedication to the martial art.

 

SEIYO SHORIN-RYU KOBUDO REQUIREMENTS

(1) BOJUTSU

The following kata are practiced – Bo, Bojutsu shodan, Bojutsu nidan, Bojutsu sandan; Sho no kun, Sho ken no kun, Suuji no kun, Chown no kun Dai, Chown no kun sho, Dai Yoshin Bo-Katana, Yume Bo Kata. Demonstrate any 5 kata & applications of any kata (as well focused ippon kumite). Bo certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement. Yume Bo Kata was created by Ben Froidevaux and Jessica Ricks. Jessica Ricks dreamed of some of the techniques in this kata and Ben Froidevaux used them in a kata created for his Godan exam.

 

(2) HANBOJUTSU

Demonstrate Hanbo basics including 12 applications as ippon kumite against an attacker. Hanbo certification from a clinic can be substituted.

 

(3) TSUEJUTSU

Demonstrate basics including 10 applications as ippon kumite against an attacker. Tsue certification from a clinic can be substituted.

 

(4) NUNCHUKU

The following kata are practiced – Nunchuku Shodan, Nunchuku Nidan, Nunchuku Sandan, Nunchuku Yondan, Nunchuku Godan & Nunchuku Rokudan. Demonstrate any four kata & 15 bunkai. Nunchuku certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement. Nunchuku Yondan was created by Soke Hausel as many nunchuku applications were not included in other forms.

 

(5) TONFA

The following kata are practiced – Tonfa Shodan, Tonfa Nidan, Tonfa Sandan, Demonstrate all kata & demonstrate all applications from Tonfa Sandan kata (as well focused ippon kumite). Tonfa certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(6) KAMA

The following kata are practiced – Gama Shodan, Gama Nidan, Sai-Gama Sandan. Demonstrate all kata & demonstrate applications from Sai-Gama Sandan (as well focused ippon kumite). Kama certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement. Sai-gama Sandan was created by Soke to include a form with release strikes.

 

(7) SAI

The following kata are practiced – Sai Shodan, Sai Nidan, Sai Sandan, Sai Yodan, Sai Godan, Sai Rokudan and Sai Nanadan. Demonstrate 10 applications against katana or bo (as well-focused ippon kumite) and any 4 kata. Sai certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(8) MANRIKIGUSARI

Demonstrate basics including 10 applications as ippon kumite against attacker. Demonstrate 2 additional techniques using belt in place of manrikigusari. Demonstrate higa (rope-tying) restraint. Manrikigusari certification from a clinic can be substituted.

 

(9) KIOGA

Kioga is an expandable baton that is used by many law enforcement agencies in the US. Demonstrate kioga basics including 15 applications as ippon kumite against an attacker. Kioga certification from a clinic can be substituted.

 

(10) NITAN (ROTAN) BO

The following kata are practiced – Nitan Dai and Nitan Sho, Demonstrate both kata including 10 self-defense applications against a club. Nitan bo certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(11) KATANA JUTSU

18 katana kata are practiced – Demonstrate 10 katana kata & 4 blade taking techniques. Katana-jutsu certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(12) NAGINATA JUTSU

Naginata Kihon Kata, Naginata Kata, Naginata-katana kata. Demonstrate 10 bunkai against swordsman. Naginata-jutsu certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(13) YARI JUTSU

Yari, Yari-katana kata, Demonstrate 10 bunkai against swordsman.

Yari-jutsu certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(14) JUJUTSU

Demonstrate 12 Seiyo jujutsu waza against a empty hand attacker, 4 against knife attacks, 2 against club attacks, and 2 against a gun. Demonstrate 4 jujutsu techniques from the Seiyo karate katas. Demonstrate Randori (free-sparring). Seiyo-jujutsu certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(15) Kuwa

Demonstrate kuwa (garden hoe) kata and all applications from kata as ippon kumite against an attacker. Kuwa certification from a clinic can be substituted for this requirement.

 

(16) Modan Kobudo (Modern Kobudo)

Demonstrate the 20 bunkai using hammer, rake, broom, weed-digger or subsititute certification from clinic.

 

(17) Knife-Gun Defense Techniques

Demonstrate 10 gun and knife defenses. Can substitute Knife + Gun Defense Certifications from Clinics.

 

SEIYO – SAMURAI CERTIFICATION

Those members obtaining certification in katana, naginata, yari, hanbo, and jujustsu are automatically eligible for samurai certification.