Belt Rank In the Don Jitsu Ryu Do- Grading
In the Don Jitsu Ryu we make every effort to maintain the integrity of the original belt ranking system, for students and instructors. Belt ranking system and ability work hand in hand. However, for most martial arts business owners, the discussion of money and rank comes before the level of skills and knowledge. Skills and knowledge must be the most important and interesting topic of the Martial Artist
That’s why the authentic martial arts business person should market well to expose the truth to the innocent and uninformed public; the crooks are doing the best marketing and are doing well for themselves financially.
Long ago the question of interest was "How hard am I expected to TRAIN and STUDY to receive the prestigious Black Belt skills and knowledge?" These days, shortcuts, fabrications, martial arts piracy, collection of money and issuing of high ranks under false pretence, sometimes take precedence over quality in most schools.
Long ago, no student could receive a correspondent course (via CD, Video, or over the internet) and a Belt ranking Certification without appropriate hands-on training, from an imminently qualified and certified Sensei.
People have a misconception of what a Martial Arts rank is. The majority of people think all Black Belts are Masters of their particular martial arts, but in reality, this is not true! The majority of people think that all Black Belts are qualified to teach others. This is also a misconception.
Many people mistakenly call all Black Belts "Sensei" - this is incorrect. Many people believe if someone is a Black Belt in one (Ryu) style, he is automatically a Black Belt in many other styles. This too is not true.
Every time someone wants to change styles, they should start as a White Belt, and work their way to the Black Belt level putting in the time in that new Ryu (style). Most students like to keep their black belt from their original style, but not the patch of the original style.
The training from the previous style will help the student to progress in a shorter time, through the Ten (10) Kyu Belts, then onto further training towards the Black Belt. No one style can guarantee that they know the philosophy forms, fighting styles and the general discipline of another Ryu.
Because of ego, many people promote themselves, or accept or exchange certificates or black belt ranks from styles that they know nothing or very little about, so they never complete the syllabus in their present style.
It is my hope that this will help the parents, students and instructors of Don Jitsu Ryu to understand the proper syllabus to become qualified and certified. Avoid getting confused about those organizations that are giving up the rank of Black Belts in the martial arts for purely business and avoiding the proper Do (way). We will assist you, and those you know, in selecting a proper martial arts programme and guide you through the proper Do.
| Name | Degree | Color | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyu Obi | Novice or Boy White Belt |  |
0 to 3 Months |
| Jukyu | 10th Class White Belt | |
1 to 3 Months |
| Kukyu | 9th Class Yellow Belt |  |
3 to 6 Months |
| Hachikyu | 8th Class Orange Belt |  |
6 to 9 Months |
| Nankyu | 7th Class Green Belt |  |
9 to 12 Months |
| Rokukyu | 6th Class Blue Belt |  |
12 to 15 Months |
| Gokyu | 5th Class Purple Belt |  |
15 to 18 Months |
| Yonkyu | 4th Class Red Belt |  |
18 to 21 Months |
| Sankyu | 3rd Class Brown Belt |  |
21 to 24 Months |
| Nikyu | 2nd Class Brown Belt | |
24 to 27 Months |
| Ikkyu | 1st Class Brown Belt | |
27 to 30 Months |
| Sho-Dan Ho | Black Belt Apprentice |  |
2 ½ years |
| Sho-Dan | 1st Grade Black Belt: |  |
2 ½ to 3 years |
| Ni-Dan | 2nd Grade Black Belt |  |
4 to 7 years |
| San-Dan | 3rd Grade Black Belt |  |
8 to 11 years |
| Yo-Dan | 4th Grade Black Belt |  |
11 to 15 years |
| Go-Dan | 5th Grade Black Belt |  |
15 to 20 years |
| Roku-Dan | 6th Grade Black Belt |  |
20 to 25 years |
| Nanadan | 7th Grade Black Belt |  |
25 to 30 years |
| Hachidan | 8th Grade Black Belt |  |
30 to 36 years |
| Kudan | 9th Grade Black Belt |  |
36+ years |
| Judan | 10th Grade Black Belt | Entire life dedicated to training |