Introduction
The rank of Shodan may be given at one year if the total hours and technical requirements are met. The following recommended hours per week, if followed, will result in the total hours needed at the recommended time in grade and the total time in the art.
No person shall be deprived of a rank when the total hours and technical requirements are met, regardless of how long it takes to meet those hours. Not everyone can practice 3 to 4.5 hours per week. A student may be required to demonstrate all prior rank requirements if it is deemed necessary. This should only be used in the case of a person who has been absent from the art for a considerable length of time.
Time Requirements
| Rank | Belt | Total Hours | Minimum Age | Time in Grade | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yonkyu | Green | 20 | 18 | 2 months | 3 months |
| Sankyu | Brown | 40 | 18 | 2 months | 5 months |
| Nikyu | Brown | 60 | 18 | 2 months | 8 months |
| Ikkyu | Brown/Black | 80 | 18 | 2 months | 10 months |
| Shodan | Black | 100 | 18 | 2 months | 1 year |
| Nidan | Black | 200 | 18 | 1 years | 2 years |
| Sandan | Black | 400 | 20 | 2 years | 4 years |
| Yondan | Black | 600 | 22 | 2 years | 6 years |
| Godan | Black | 800 | 25 | 2 years | 8 years |
| Rokudan | Red & White | 1100 | 29 | 3 years | 11 years |
Technical Requirements
Yonkyu (Green belt)
- Warm-up exercises; vocabulary & commands; first 6 kihon
Sankyu (Brown belt)
All of the requirements for yonkyu, plus the following:
- All 12 kihon
Nikyu (Brown belt)
All of the requirements for sankyu, plus the following:
- All 12 kihon in solo and paired forms
- 1st & 2nd kata
Ikkyu (Brown/black belt)
All of the requirements for nikyu, plus the following:
- 1, 2, 4 & 6 kata using both sword and jo
- Basic teaching skills
Shodan (Black belt)
All of the requirements for ikkyu, plus the following:
- Increased skills, ability & teaching skills
Nidan (Black belt)
All of the requirements for shodan, plus the following:
- Advanced skills in all areas
- First 8 kata; both sword and jo
Sandan (Black belt)
All of the requirements for nidan, plus the following:
- Advancement of all skills especially in the areas of teaching and the application of the principles of our system and of jodo
- Kata movements 1 through 10 inclusive using both sword and jo
Yondan (Black belt)
All of the requirements for previous ranks, plus the following:
- This is a Ph.D level rank and the candidate must demonstrate extra-ordinary knowledge of all jodo principles, kata (1-12 inclusive) and technique
Godan (Black belt)
All of the requirements for previous ranks, plus the following:
- Assistant professor, advancement of all skills
Rokudan (Red/White belt)
All of the requirements for previous ranks, plus the following:
- Full professor, extraordinary teaching and leadership skill