Rank Progression in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu
Growth in technical knowledge, effective self-defense techniques, and rank progression in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu is based on 1] your cumulative knowledge and improvements in performance of kata [forms & techniques] such as hip throw, drop throw, hand throw, wristlock takedown, nerve attacks, shoulderlock takedown, etc., and 2] your ability to apply your learned skills to waza [self-defense] against attacks such as hits, chokes, body/wrist grabs, and weapon attacks. Previously learned forms and techniques are reviewed and applied to different self-defense situations as you progress in the art.
Your goal in going through this process is to 1] develop technique proficiency adequate to meet various rank/belt requirements and 2] to develop a personalized self-defense system based upon the skills you have learned and your physical capabilities.
You are not expected to be perfect in the execution of every technique taught even as you progress in rank, but you will improve in your overall technical proficiency regardless. You will get better as you progress in the art and you will find certain techniques that are more suited to your physical capabilities. You are also not expected to respond to street attacks in the exact same manner as any other student as your technical background, expertise, and training experience will help determine what you actually do in a random attack situation
The specific belt rank requirements for each rank are specified in the Student Handbook [kyu grades 7-1] and the Black Belt Handbook [dan grades 1-10]. These handbooks are included for free as part of your Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai or Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Dojo membership or they may be purchased on this website by clicking here.
Generally you will be evaluated for promotion in two areas, your mat skills and your knowledge/practice of appropriate rules of conduct for a person of the rank level you are aspiring to. In addition, the mat exam is broken down into two areas [kata and waza] as described in the first paragraph. Again, all of this information is in the Student and Black Belt Handbooks.
Kyu Grade Promotions
As you progress through the kyu grades [below black belt] you will acquire the following skills:
Belt Rank |
Kata Taught |
Kata/Waza Tested-On |
7 – White Belt [new] |
0 [new student] |
0/0 |
6 – Green Belt |
14 kata or techniques |
9/5 |
5 – Blue Belt |
13 + review |
10/13 |
4 – Purple Belt |
13 + review |
14/14 |
3 – 3rd Brown Belt |
10 + review |
10 random kata chosen out of 24 random waza chosen out of 25 |
2 – 2nd Brown Belt |
9 [in addition to 27] |
Same as above |
1 – 1st Brown Belt |
2 [in addition to 36] |
Same as above |
Also, be aware that from 7th-4th kyu [white thru purple belt] you are essentially learning new techniques and some variations of those basic techniques. From 3rd-1st kyu [brown belt levels] you’re essentially smoothing out your technical skills and performance with only few new techniques and variations added.
For complete kyu grade [below black belt] requirements please refer to the Budoshin Jujitsu Student Handbook which can be obtained by clicking HERE and scrolling down towards the bottom of the page. If you become a BJJY member you will receive a free copy of the Student Handbook as part of your membership package. To secure your BJJY membership click HERE!
Dan Grade Promotions
For 1st degree Black Belt [Shodan] you will be expected to effectively demonstrate 5 or more randomly selected kata [forms] out of 25 listed kata and and 2 or more of each selected 5 or more [out of 33] waza [defensive responses] from the kata and waza lists in the Black Belt Handbook, which is based upon the kata & waza in the Student Handbook. There are additional mat and non-mat requirements for each dan grade specified in the Black Belt Handbook. Check the Black Belt Handbook for complete details and requirements.
2nd-5th degree Black Belt exams each require proficiency in 10 additional kata, up to 5 of which may be selected for demonstration in addition to lower belt requirements as stated in the Black Belt Handbook.
6th-10th degree Black Belt promotions are baaed upon continuous growth in jujitsu and what you have “given back” to the martial arts community. The criteria for such promotions are the same as the criteria used by the American Jujitsu Association for 6th-10th degree promotions. These criteria are also found in the Black Belt Handbook.
If you would like to obtain a copy of the Budoshin Jujitsu Yudanshakai Black Belt Handbook, please click HERE and scroll down toward the bottom of the page. If you are a BJJY member you will receive a free copy once you reach 1st or 2nd kyu or if you have applied for the cross-certification program. If you’d like to get your BJJY membership click HERE!
Black Belt grades [1st-10th dan] are essentially teaching grades in Budoshin Jujitsu as well as most other traditional styles of Japanese jujitsu. As Jack Seki, my sensei, said when he promoted me to shodan, “Now that you have been promoted to shodan you are ready to start learning the art!” Although you will continue to grow in your knowledge and proficiency in the art, it is also hoped that you will acquire the skills necessary to help others learn and advance in the art of Budoshin Jujitsu
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