The technical [mat] requirements for promotion to yudansha [black belt] grades, as taught in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, are listed below. The Budoshin Yudanshakai Black Belt Handbook, which is available to qualified black belt candidates, contains all of the requirements for evaluation and promotion to the yudansha grades. The technical criteria below have been approved &/or accepted by the American Ju-Jitsu Association as well as numerous other national and international groups.
Thanks to Michael Langewisch, Yodan, for designing the layout for most of the material on this page. Thanks to Bruce Geyman, Nidan, for providing the impetus to get me to complete & post the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu kata references.
To quickly access each of the following sections on this page just click on the specific item below:
To purchase the Budoshin Jujitsu Student Handbook or Budoshin Jujitsu Black Belt Handbook [which would come free as a part of your BJJY membership package] just click HERE.
Black Belt Syllabus:
Below is a core list of techniques, in alphabetical order, required for dan grade advancement up through 5th dan [godan]. Please keep in mind that each kata and waza listed below may have several variations, some with similar or different names. The longer you study the more variations you will learn. Waza are freestyle techniques and should include a defensive response and/or loosening-up techniques, the actual kata, and a submission or comealong (as applicable).
Budoshin Ju-Jitsu References:
JB = Jujitsu: Basic Techniques of the Gentle Art [Expanded ed] JI = Jujitsu: Intermediate Techniques of the Gentle Art JN = Jujitsu Nerve Techniques BB = Budoshin Jujitsu [Big Book] V = Budoshin Jujitsu Black Belt Home Study Course [8-dvds or mp4 files] [1st number is volume #, 2nd number is technique # on dvd or mp4 file]
1. The techniques listed above and below are in alphabetical order, NOT necessarily the order in which they are taught. Refer to the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Student Handbook for the actual instructional sequence. 2. Techniques with grey brackgrounds are not specifically listed on the shodan exam but may serve as alternate techniques in some cases. 3. There may be examples of multiple variations of the same technique listed in the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu reference column [3rd column]. 4. References with an asterisk [*] are described only in the “Big Book”; not any other resource.
Nidan Kata:
Nawa No Ude Makikomi [Winding Arm Throw with Rope Bind]
BB-66
Kubi Shioku Yoko Nage/Atama Shioku [Nerve Attack Side Throw and Head Scissor Submission]
JN-130, BB-180, V7-1
Atemi Waza [Striking Technique]
BB-220
Hiji Tatake Kubi Nage [Elbow Strike Neck Throw]
BB-388
Ude Maki [Arm Wind]
BB-491
Hiki Guruma/Karada Tatake [Pulling Wheel Throw with Sternum/Chest Crush submission]
BB-475/584
Ushiro Nage [Leg Block Rear Throw]
BB-747, V7-7
Ushiro Nage [Leg-Lift Rear Throw]
BB-748, V7-8
Kubi Shimi Nage/Shimi Waza [Neck-Choke Throw]
BB-758
Kubi Shioku Waza [Neck Attack Rear Throw]
BB-799
Notes:
1. All techniques listed above can be found on the MP-4 video entitled Nidan & Sandan Kata at www.budoshin.com/dvdncd.htm 2. If a technique does not have a reference number you will not be tested on it.
Sadan Kata:
Hidari Nage [Wrist-Press Over the Shoulder Hair-Pull Throw]
BB-622
Tekubi Nage [Wristlock Spiral Throw]
BB-631
Karada Tatake Ushiro Nage [Body Strikes with Rear Throw]
BB-636*
Kao Tatake Ushiro Nage [Face Attack Rear Choking Throw]
BB-706
Ushiro Nage [Leg Lift Rear Throw]
BB-714
Ude Guruma Ushiro [Rear Armlock Takedown]
BB-720
Tekubi Shimi Waza [Wristlock/Armlock Comealong]
BB-721
Hiza Makikomi [Kneecap Winding Throw]
BB-723
Ushiro Nage [Leg-Block Rear Throw]
BB-726
Notes:
1. All techniques listed above with a reference number [except those with an asterisk *] can be found on the MP-4 video entitled Nidan & Sandan Kata at www.budoshin.com/dvdncd.htm
Yodan Kata:
Kubi Shimi Waza [Headlock Choke with Optional knee Drop]
BB-733
Ude Guruma [Rear-Throw Armbar]
BB-746
Koshi Nage/Tai Otoshi [Armlock Hip Throw/Drop Throw]
BB-754
Gyaku Koshi Nage [Reverse Hip Throw]
BB-759
Hiji Waza [Elbow-Wrist Bend]
BB-764
Karada Makikomi [Wristlock Body Winding Throw]
BB-767
Hiji Makikomi [Elbow Wind Takedown or Forward Throw]
BB-780
Sode Nage [Sleeve Pull Throw]
BB-787
Shimi Waza [Headlock Standing Submission]
BB-795*
Notes:
1. All techniques listed above with a reference number [except those with an asterisk *] can be found on the MP-4 video entitled Yodan & Godan Kata at www.budoshin.com/dvdncd.htm
Godan Kata:
Juji Te Hiki No Nage [Cross-Block Hand Pull Side Throw]
BB-356
Ude Hiki Otoshi [Arm Pull Throw]
BB-386, V5-6
Hidari Nage [Wrist-Press over the Shoulder Hair-Pull Throw]
BB-622
Tekubi Maki [Wrist Turn Reverse Ground Defense]
BB-806
Hana Shimi Waza [Nose Press]
BB-326 [variation], 816
Ude Shioku Waza [Forearm Nerve Attack]
BB-822
Ude Tatake Mae Ube Nage [Forward Thumb Throw]
BB-833
Ude Guruma Ushiro [Shoulderlock Rear Takedown]
BB-851
Gyaku Shioku Gatame [Reverse Headlock]
JN-145, BB-861
Notes:
1. All techniques listed above can be found on the MP-4 video entitled Yodan & Godan Kata at https://budoshin.com/store/seminars-2-5dan-videos/
Two-Man Carry (one grabbing feet/legs & the other grabbing wrists/arms)
Hit to Stomach (left or right, fist or backhand)
Attacks [any] While Seated in a Chair or on the Ground
Black Belt Syllabus — Other Areas of Measurement
In addition to the Kata & Waza portions of the mat exam competency in the following areas is required. Refer to the BJJY Black Belt Handbook for additional details..
Shodan
General Response to Optional Oral Questions Explanation of Techniques Freestyle Kata demonstration Defensive Tool Demonstration+
Shodan/Nidan Requirements [above] Ki Flow and Transitioning Demonstration Defensive Tool Demonstration [additional defensive tool]+
Yodan
Sandan Requirements [above] Body Kinetics Explanation & Demonstration Defensive Tool Demonstration [additional defensive tool]+ Completion of AJA Black Belt Self-Evaluation & submission to sensei or examining board for review
Godan
Yodan Requirements [above] Demonstration of Advanced Knowledge of the Art of Ju-Jitsu Defensive Tool Demonstration [different defensive tool]+ Completion of AJA Black Belt Self-Evaluation & Submission to the AJA National Standards & Certification Board
Rokudan-Judan
Godan Requirements [above] Demonstration of Advanced Knowledge of the Art of Ju-Jitsu Completion of AJA Black Belt Self-Evaluation & Submission of the Self-Evaluation to the AJA National Standards & Certification Board
Yudansha [Black] Belt & Honorary Title Formalities
Grade:
Approx Time in Grade:
Belt:
Title:
Misc:
Shodan – 1st dan
1-2 years
Black – 1 ½” red stripe optional
Sensei
The head instructor of a dojo should always be addressed as “sensei” unless another title is used, regardless of the rank or the honorary titles the sensei may hold.
Nidan – 2nd dan
2 years^
Black – 2 ½” red stripes
Sensei
^ instructor certification a prerequisite for promotion to nidan
Sandan – 3rd dan
3 years
Black – 3 ½” red stripes
Sensei
Yodan – 4th dan
4 years
Black – 4 ½” red stripes
Sensei
Godan – 5th dan
4 years^^
Black – 5 ½” red stripe
Sensei
^^ Honorary title of renshi [superior teacher] may optionally be presented at any time during this grade, but not before 3 years after promotion to godan.
Rokudan – 6th dan
honorary^^^ – refer to AJA NSCB criteria
Black belt with kanji rank embroidered in gold or red/white checkered belt with kanji rank embroidered in black
Sensei
^^^ Honorary title of renshi [superior teacher] may optionally be presented at any time during this grade or concurrently with promotion to rokudan.
Shichidan – 7th dan
honorary^^^ – refer to AJA NSCB criteria
Black belt with kanji rank embroidered in gold or red/white checkered belt with kanji rank embroidered in black
Professor
^^^^ Honorary title of kyoshi [master teacher] may optionally be presented at any time during this grade, but not before 3 years after promotion to shichidan.
Hachidan – 8th dan
honorary^^^ – refer to AJA NSCB criteria
Black belt with kanji rank embroidered in gold or red/white checkered belt with kanji rank embroidered in black
Professor
*Honorary title of kyoshi [master teacher] may optionally be presented at any time during this grade or concurrently with promotion to hachidan. °The honorary title of shihan may optionally be presented to a hachidan for being a person of high moral character, integrity, humility, and scholarly abilities in addition to being an exceptional sensei. The optional issuance of the title of shihan may not be made before the candidate has held the rank of hachidan for at least 3 years. If the honorary title of shihan is accepted, the title of kyoshi shall be terminated.
Kudan – 9th dan
honorary^^^ – refer to AJA NSCB criteria
Black belt with kanji rank embroidered in gold or red/white checkered belt with kanji rank embroidered in black
Professor
***Honorary title of shihan [model teacher] may optionally be presented at any time during this grade or concurrently with promotion to kudan. °The honorary title of hanshi may optionally be presented to a kudan, at any time, for being a person of high moral character, integrity, humility, and scholarly abilities in addition to being an exceptional sensei. If the honorary title of hanshi is accepted, the title of shihan shall be terminated.
Judan – 10th dan
honorary^^^ – refer to AJA NSCB criteria
Black belt with kanji rank embroidered in gold or red belt with optional kanji rank embroidered in black
Professor
***Honorary title of shihan [model teacher] may optionally be presented at any time during this grade or concurrently with promotion to judan. °The honorary title of hanshi may optionally be presented to a judan, at any time, for being a person of high moral character, integrity, humility and scholarly abilities in addition to being an exceptional sensei. If the honorary title of hanshi is accepted, the title of shihan shall be terminated.
Additional Notes & Requirements
Defensive Tool Demonstration:
A “defensive tool” demonstration involves the application of “empty hand” techniques to any traditional or modern defensive tool as a response to street attacks. The use of a prepared uke is preferred. You must demonstrate proficiency with a total of 4 defensive tools plus satisfactorily complete a gun safety course as part of your yudansha testing from shodan to godan; 1 defensive tool or the gun safety course at each belt level.
+Defensive Tool Demonstration/Gun Safety Course: You MUST satisfactorily complete a gun safety course and provide certification of such in place of a “defensive tool” demonstration as one of your rank requirements for any rank from shodan through godan. The reason this is required is to help you develop some familiarity of firearms. Most black belts have absolutely no idea how to handle a gun, what happens when it fires, or the respect and care with which a firearm must be treated. This does not require that you purchase or own a gun. Nor does this requirement infer that we’re advocating such. Most professionally conducted gun-safety courses will provide you with a sidearm for training purposes. This course should help you develop a greater sense of respect of guns and what they can do from a self-defense point of view – from either end of the barrel. Law-enforcement and some active-duty military personnel may be exempt from this requirement if they have appropriate certification.
Eyes Open!
Please be aware that there may be other sensei fraudulently claiming to hold yudansha grades in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu and there may be other organizations fraudulently issuing yudansha grades in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of anyone claiming to be a blackbelt in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, please email the BJJY. You will receive a prompt reply.
Where Can the Nidan-Godan Kata Be Found?
The kata for nidan/sandan [mp4 set] and yodan/godan [mp4 set] are available at the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Store by clicking HERE. All of the techniques can be found in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu: Densho [7th ed., a.k.a. the “Big Book”.] To purchase a copy of Budoshin Ju-jitsu: Densho click HERE.
To see the Budoshin Jujitsu kyu grade requirements please click HERE.
