RANK REQUIREMENTS OF SEIYO SHORIN-RYU

Testing & rank are important in martial arts as they provide a measure of progress. Tests are designed to give the instructor an opportunity to examine the student’s technique and provide opportunities to assist in improvement of techniques. This should be a time of education and for building self-confidence. A student should not take an exam if it is possible that the student will fail. In Seiyo Shorin-Ryu, we are here to build self-confidence, self-respect and respect for others.

The instructor needs to be aware of the student’s abilities and judge that student individually based on his/hers abilities rather than making comparisons to others. We all have seen students built like cats with natural innate ability, balance and prowess. Perfection would be expected of these individuals. Others are not as gifted physically, but many put in as much effort to progress if not more. Thus the student should be judged against his/her own abilities and strides to progress. Rank tests should vary in difficulty depending on the level of rank. In no case should a student be allowed to jump in rank.

The more important attributes of martial arts are respect, traditions and honor. Any student taking a test should show the highest possible respect. Tests should be designed to be challenging and build self-confidence. The black belt test, in particular, should be challenging. For each consecutive rank, tests should show a measurable increase in the student’s abilities and martial arts knowledge. By the time of the Shodan exam, the student will show extraordinary focus, power, reflex, speed and at the same time artistic movement, softness, and beauty. At this point, the kata should be like a mystical dance, and bunkai should be powerful and devastating. At every level, the student should set a very high goal and standard to achieve. The goal should be to a life-long goal and reach a high-level black belt instructor or master instructor. Never set a goal to get a black belt! Our goals are life-long goals!

One of the important characteristics of martial arts, and also a contribution to the mystique of the arts is the obi or belt. These are deemed to be almost sacred and should be a measure of one’s sweat, blood and tears. They are earned and can not be bought at any price. They represent a badge of one’s dedication and spirit to the martial arts. They provide incentives and goals for achievement. Martial arts training and 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 the lower ranks. This is not much of a problem, as long as the student understands the kyu levels. At one time, all kyu levels wore a white belt. Kyu literally means boy. As we progress and grow in the martial arts we then reach the black belt level, or dan level. Dan translates as man. So we essentially grow from a youth to an adult. In this evolution, some Zen philosophy begins to infiltrate. The thought is that we start out our evolution 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 begins to wear off as we again become white belts as we start to realize that we have spent a lifetime in the martial arts, but we are just beginning. In the early systems, the belts were only white (kyu) and black (dan), a sybolism of In/Yo.

It is extremely important not to make Shodan (1st degree) black belt your goal. Setting this as an affirmation for most people is like building a stop sign for your goals. All instructors have seen many dozens of martial artists set this as a goal. When it is achieved, those who set this goal quit training almost immediately. Watch in your own dojo and see if this happens. You will see at least 50% of people reaching the black belt level disappear over the next few weeks or few months. SET YOUR GOALS MUCH HIGHER!!!

Kyu. Kyu ranks (colored obi) vary from style to style. When the modern ranking system was created by Jigiro Kano, it was initially limited to white, brown and black. Through the years, other 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. Demonstrate all 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 5 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

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 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 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 eligible for samurai certification.