The examination custom differs from dōjō to dōjō. Hatsumi sensei did not set any specific exam requirements, leaving it up to the discretion of the instructors. Bujinkan is very liberal in this respect. There are places where it is donated, and there are places where the number of completed trainings is linked to obtaining the next degree.
The white belt exam
This is the first stage, in several places this is considered a stageless state, i.e. mu kyu. The Seijin dōjō exam is stricter, before becoming a member of our dojo, there is the first exam, which proves the student's long-term commitment to ninjutsu. Obtaining the degree not only entitles you to wear the Gi, but from then on you are considered a full member of the dojo. You have the option of redeeming the Bujinkan membership, with which you can also take part in the training sessions at a discount.
Exam requirements:
- minimum 28 hours of participation
- learning the basic forms of evasions (ukemi, kaiten, sabaki kata)
- presenting a precise, determined attack
- theory
- in the exam, in addition to the knowledge of the predetermined techniques, we also evaluate the performance in the training sessions
9. kyu – green/red belt
During the examination, we use the shuhari principle, which basically means that the student copies the movements in the beginning. Then you steadily begin to understand the principles behind it, and then by practicing it, you really become a part of it. That's why we expect the students from the beginning to reach a level of understanding compared to themselves and not just copy empty techniques. Getting the 9th kyu usually requires 8-10 months of preparation, which is how long it takes to master the most basic katas (couple exercises) and principles.
8.-5. kyu
Entry to a higher level, advanced training sessions can be visited from here, expectations and obligations are high. In order to obtain this level, we expect our students not only to study at the Seijin dōjō, but also to attend at least one seminar per year and incorporate the knowledge gained there into their knowledge.
above 4 kyu
The last part of TenChiJin, the presentation of the techniques of the different schools, is the basic expectation. From now on, the use of weapons will also become an integral part of the exams.
Dans
In the Bujinkan, in addition to the kyu degrees, there are 15 master degrees, i.e. dan
They were actually created for us gaijin (foreigners). In old Japan, grades were not very strict. Once someone has learned all the techniques of that school, they are awarded Menkyo kaiden (免許皆伝- certificate of complete knowledge), so they have completed their school and are considered a ready warrior. Of course, this did not mean the end of his studies, since even after graduating from a university or any profession, further training is necessary in order to truly become a master of what he does.
To make the meaning of the degrees understandable, I use an analogy. The kyu grades can be seen as the nursery and kindergarten period. This is when the student acquires the basic skills that are essential for further studies. This body of knowledge was summarized in Ten Chi Jin Ryaku no Maki. The dan degrees can be further divided into three stations. Primary school lasts until the 5th grade, secondary school until the 10th grade, and then the university until the 15th grade.
It is often said in the Bujinkan that one becomes a true student only after obtaining the first dan. And I think so too. This is not only about acquiring a certain level of knowledge, but also about a master-disciple relationship.
The grade can be a very good feedback to the student about where he is on the way, but in my opinion, it should not be given too much importance. The most important thing is to have the desire to improve in our hearts and to constantly practice with this feeling. The rest will come naturally.
MARKING OF DEGREES
For the kyu grades, the Bujinkan emblem is white on a red background with a white border. After the 10th kyu, the color of the belts for students over the age of 14: green for boys, red for girls. Everyone under the age of 14 is uniformly yellow. Different belt colors can be found in some countries.
10. kyu - uniformly the white belt
9. kyu – green, red or yellow belt
8. kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 1 silver star
7. kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 2 silver stars
6. kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 3 silver stars
5. kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 4 silver stars
4th kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 1 gold star
3rd kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 2 gold stars
2nd kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 3 gold stars
1st kyu - green, red or yellow belt, 4 gold stars
Then come the exams for the master's degrees, starting with the 1st dan, then the 2nd, up to the 10th dan. The color of the belt is black from 1st dan and it doesn't change. The Bujinkan emblem is black on a red background with a black border. From the 5th dan, the emblem is black on a red background with a white border.
1st dan - black belt, black Bujinkan emblem on a red background
2nd dan - black belt, 1 silver star
3rd dan - black belt, 2 silver stars
4th dan - black belt, 3 silver stars
5th dan - black belt, black Bujinkan emblem on red background with white border
6th dan - black belt, 1 silver star
7th dan - black belt, 2 silver stars
8th dan - black belt, 3 silver stars
9th dan - black belt, 4 silver stars
10th dan - black belt, green Bujinkan emblem on a yellowish background
After that, there are 5 more grades in the Bujinkan. These degrees can only be bestowed by the Soke on his exceptional students. It is also called Dan, but it is more the embodiment of the five natural elements (chi-earth, sui-water, ka-fire, fu-wind, ku-universe). These grades are marked with a green emblem and border on an orange background. Above the Bujinkan emblem are 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 silver stars.
The emblem of Soke (now Masaaki Hatsumi) is a gold border and writing on a red background. Only the Soke can wear this.
ADDRESSES
Apprentice level training leader: Senpai (this title is not automatic, it is awarded by the teacher to the deserving student).
Master's training leader: Sensei. This address applies to all Budo masters, although it is used with varying frequency within the Bujinkan.
While Sensei is a general title for all masters, there are others that depend on the level of the degree, or "number of Dans" in Hungarian. These are more like titles, only a master who can teach officially has students.
From 1 to 4 Dan Shidoshi-ho.
From 5 to 9 Dan Shidoshi.
10. From Dan to Shihan.
The Grandmaster's title is Soke.
