Budoshin Ju-Jitsu
Belt Rank Requirements



I would like to personally thank Sensei Tony Damigo [Godan], past head instructor of the Kern Valley Defensive Arts Dojo, for creating the format for the Individual Belt Rank Requirements below. Also, thanks to Senseis George Cushinan [Yodan], Chris Wright-Martell [Shodan] & Robert Rogers [Shodan], and Watkins Gray for updating the Mudansha Syllabus.


General Belt Rank Requirements - updated 1/12

Belt Rank Guidelines
Below are basic guidelines for the attitude, general knowledge, and physical performance phase of the kyu grade examinations. This information is provided as an example of the candidates requirements. Actual requirements are listed in the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Student Handbook.

 
NEW STUDENT - WHITE BELT

Attitude
  • arrives to class early enough to help set up mats (if needed), and to take care of any other business
  • has good regular attendance
  • learns and follow safety rules
  • brings their student handbook to class
  • keep self clean and wears clean clothing to class [ Yellow Belts and up must ware the appropriate kiko gi (judo styled uniform) ]
  • begins to learn and applies proper etiquette in dealing with upper ranks
  • attempts to make-up for any absence by spending extra time on the mats, before or after class
  • remains after class to put away the mats (if needed), and any other materials
General Knowledge
  • None:
Physical Performance:
  • None:

 
ROKYU - [6th kyu] - GREEN BELT] *

Candidates must meet all White Belt requirements, plus:

Attitude
  • maintains a notebook of instructional materials, exams, and personal record
  • continues to learn proper etiquette in dealing with upper ranks
  • provides a proper example for lower ranked students to follow
  • helps White Belts learn how to ware the gi properly
  • serves willingly as a uke (partner ) for lower ranked students
  • participates in out-of-class activities [e.g., tournaments]
General Knowledge
  • Can tie the obi (belt) correctly.
  • Can show the proper "formal" way to roll the gi (uniform) for storage.
  • Can count from 1 to 10 in Japanese.
  • Knows the ten basic situations in which a student should bow.
  • Can define "Ju-Jitsu" very briefly.
Physical Performance:

 
GOKYU - [5th kyu] - BLUE BELT

Candidates must meet all Rokyu requirements, plus:

Attitude
  • participates in out-of-class activities [e.g., clinics, tournaments, demonstrations]
General Knowledge
  • is able to explain proper etiquette and behavior in dealing with higher ranks and Black Belts.
Physical Performance:

 
YONKYU - [4th kyu] - PURPLE BELT

Candidates must meet all Gokyu requirements, plus:
Attitude
  • helps lower ranking students learn techniques by giving individual help and encouragement
  • encourages lower ranked students to participate or assist in out-of-class activities
General Knowledge
  • Explain the general differences between Judo, Karate, Aikido, and Ju-Jitsu.
Physical Performance:

     
SANKYU - [3rd kyu] - BROWN BELT / GREEN STRIPE *

Candidates must meet all Shikyu requirements, plus:

Attitude
  • supervises setting up and removal of the mats (when applicable) as well as other material for the class
  • assumes some clerical or supervisory duties, [e.g. attendance]
General Knowledge
  • Show sensitive points and nerves on the human body.
  • Explain the relative advantages/disadvantages of Judo, Karate, Aikido, and Ju-Jitsu.
  • Define Ju-Jitsu (at length).
  • Explain the philosophy of Ju-Jitsu.
  • Explain Circle Theory.
  • Explain the use of Ki in Ju-Jitsu.
  • Explain the 5 steps of learning.
  • Explain your responsibility to a lower ranked classmates.
  • Explain how one develops agility and flexibility.
  • Explain the Tori's relationship to the Uke.
  • Know what 4 actions make up a complete Ju-Jitsu technique.
Physical Performance:
* Purple Belt / white stripe is sometimes awarded under special circumstances (in lieu of a Sankyu - Brown Belt)

     
NIKYU - BROWN BELT / with  BLACK STRIPE

Candidates must meet all Sankyu requirements, plus:
Attitude
  • See Attitude section for Sankyu Brown Belt
General Knowledge
  • See General Knowledge section for Sankyu Brown Belt
Physical Performance:

     
IKKYU - BROWN BELT / with  BLUE STRIPE

Candidates must meet all Sankyu and Nikyu requirements, plus:
Attitude
  • supervises and instructs small groups [or class] of lower ranked students
  • assumes some clerical or supervisory duties on a regular basis
  • attends regional meetings on a regular basis
  • secures certification as a tournament or mat referee
  • Also See: Attitude section for Sankyu Brown Belt
General Knowledge
  • Is certified as a mat referee
  • Explain to the best of the candidates knowledge:
        Aiki............    Budoshin........      Kiai............
        Kuzushi......    Mudansha......      Mushin.......
        Random.....    Saki Tanden....     Sutemi.......
        Yudansha...
Physical Performance:

     
SHODAN - BLACK BELT [1st Degree]
Candidates must must meet all Ikkyu requirements, plus:
  • SHODAN
    For specific belt rank requirements please refer to the current edition of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai Black Belt Handbook.
  • NIDAN [2nd degree] & HIGHER:
    Please refer to the current edition of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai Black Belt Handbook.

                                     
ROKUDAN [6th degree] & HIGHER
The optional 'masters belt' may be worn by Yudansha holding the rank of 6th degree Black Belt, or higher.
  • For specific belt rank requirements please see the current edition of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu Yudanshakai Black Belt Handboo or American Ju-Jitsu Association's Dojo Handbook

 

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KATA required For for kyu grade Students
Below is a CORE list of Forms needed for promotional advancement.  Please keep in mind that each Kata listed below will have several variations. The longer you study, the more variations you will learn.
 
KATA GREEN BLUE PURPLE    3rd BROWN 2nd BROWN 1st BROWN
Technique Sequence for in class training
"Bold text & italics indicate technique is required for testing"
Yoko Ukemi (Side Fall)            3   2   1
Ushiro Ukemi (Back Fall-remain on ground and up to ready position)            3   2   1
Mae Ukemi (Forward Roll Fall-remain on ground and up to ready position)            3   2   1
Koshi Nage (Basic Hip Throw) green to blue >>>>>          3   2   1
Tekubi Shimi Waza (Wrist Lock Takedown)            3   2   1
Te No Tatake (Blocking Hits)            3   2   1
Juji (Cross Blocking)            3   2   1
Te Tatake (Striking Technique)            3   2   1
Te Nage (Hand Throw)            3   2   1
Shioku Waza (Nerve Technique)            3   2   1
Ashi Tatake (Foot Strike and Lift)            3   2   1
Tai-Otoshi (Basic Drop Throw) green to blue >>>>>          3   2   1
Atama Makikomi (Head Winding Throw)            3   2   1
Shimi Waza with Heji Tatake            3   2   1
Ude Guruma Ushiro (Shoulderlock Rear Takedown)            3   2   1
Ube Shioku Waza (Thumb Tip Press)            3   2   1
Kubi Nage (Neck Throw with Scissor Choke Submission)            3   2   1
Kubi Shioku Waza (Side Neck Standing Submission)            3   2   1
Ashi Waza (Ankle Block)      3   2   1
Osoto Gari (Outer Sweeping Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Shioku Ashi Ushiro Nage (Nerve Attack Rear Circle Throw)            3   2   1
Tekubi Shimi Waza (Wrist Lock Takedown) blue to green   <<<<        3   2   1
Ude Guruma (Corkscrew)            3   2   1
Mae Yubi Nage (Forward Finger Throw)            3   2   1
Ude Guruma (Shoulder Lock Come Along)            3   2   1
Sode Otoshi (Sleve-Hold Knee Drop Throw)            3   2   1
Tai-Otoshi with Te Tatake (Drop Throw with Cheek Strike)            3   2   1
Shioku Waza (Nerve Attack Wheel)            3   2   1
Hiji Waza (Elbow-Roll Takedown) blue to green   <<<<        3   2   1
Ude Guruma Makikomi (Arm Bar Winding Throw)            3   2   1
Ude Guruma Makikomi with Hasami            3   2   1
Ippon Seoi Nage (One-Arm Hip Throw)            3   2   1
Ube Shioku Waza (Thumb Tip Press) blue to green   <<<<        3   2   1
Te Shimi Waza (Knuckle-Press Takedown)            3   2   1
Harai Goshi (Outer Sweeping Hip Throw)            3   2   1
Ude Guruma Ushiro with Ude Gatame (Arm Bar-Shoulder Lock Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Tomoe Nage with Eri Shimi Waza (Stomach Throw with Lapel Choke Submission)            3   2   1
Ude Guruma Makikomi (Armbar Winding Throw)            3   2   1
Te Nage (Hand Throw)            3   2   1
Tekubi Yoko Nage (Wrist Side Throw)      3   2   1
Ushiro Nage (Leg Lift Rear Throw)      3   2   1
Ouchi Gari (Inner Rear Sweeping Throw)            3   2   1
Hiki Yoko Nage (Sleeve Pivot Throw)            3   2   1
Ude Guruma (Shoulder Lock Come Along)            3   2   1
Uki Otoshi with Ude Guruma (Floating Drop Throw with Shoulder Lock Pin)            3   2   1
(Karada) Makikomi with Ude Guruma            3   2   1
Ube Makikomi (Thumb Winding Throw)            3   2   1
Hane Goshi with Hiza Tatake (Inner Sweeping Hip Throw with Knee Drop Submission)            3   2   1
Eri Nage/Juji Makikomi (Lapel Wheel Throw)            3   2   1
Tekubi Shimi Waza/Mae Yubi Nage (Wristlock Lift/Forward Finger Throw)            3   2   1
Hiki Waza/Mae Ushiro Nage (Pulling Technique-Forward Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Te Waza (Hand Throw)            3   2   1
Ude Makikomi (Winding Arm Bar Takedown)            3   2   1
Ouchi Gari (Inner Sweeping Rear Throw )            3   2   1
Tekubi Shimi Waza (Wrist Lock Come Along)            3   2   1
Ushiro Nage (Leg Lift Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Hiji Waza (Hand-Wind Forward Elbow Roll Takedown)            3   2   1
Hiji Waza (Elbow-Roll Takedown)            3   2   1
Ashi Yoko Nage (Foot-Twist Winding Throw)            3   2   1
Obi Nage            3   2   1
Mae Yubi Nage/with Yubi Shimi Waza (Forward Finger Throw with Finger Press Submission)            3   2   1
Atama Otoshi (Hair Grab Drop Throw)             3   2   1
Ura Nage (Rear Circle Throw)            3   2   1
Hiji Waza (Elbow-Lift Come Along or Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Eri Nage (Lapel Wheel Throw)            3   2   1
Shioku Waza (Rear Leg-Lift Throw)            3   2   1
Uki Otoshi (Reverse Throws-Floating Drop Throw)            3   2   1
Tekubi Shimi Waza/with Ude Guruma (Wristlock-Lift Come Along and Armlock Come Along)            3   2   1
Senaka Hiki Nage (Reverse Throws-Shoulder Pull Throw)            3   2   1
Ashi Tatake (Reverse Throws-Leg Strike Rear Takedown)            3   2   1
Ura Nage (Shoulder Grab Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Ude Guruma (Shoulder Lock Hip Throw)            3   2   1
Ura Harai (Outside Sweeping Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Ura Nage (Rear Throw)            3   2   1
Kao Tatake (Face Attack)            3   2   1
Hidari Te Nage (Left Hand Throw)            3   2   1
Te Waza (Hand Throw/Technique-Sutemi Waza)           2   1
Ude Makikomi (Winding Arm Bar Takedown-Sutemi Waza)           2   1
Tekubi Shimi Waza ((Wristlock Come Along-Sutemi Waza)           2   1
Hiji Waza (Hand-Wind Forward Elbow Roll Takedown)           2   1
Ashi Yoko Nage/with Ashi Guruma (Foot Twist Winding Throw-for foot stomp on ground)           2   1
Ura Nage (Kneelock Rear Throw-leg grab and pull)           2   1
Ago No Maki Shimi Waza (Chin Wind Reverse Pin-for headlock on ground)           2   1
Ashi Tatake (Reverse Throws-Leg Strike Rear Takedown)   2   1
Ude Guruma (Shoulderlock Pin-ground reverse for attempted fig. 4 lock)           2   1
Te Waza (Hand Throw/Technique-Sutemi Waza Optional)       1
Tekubi Shimi Waza (Wristlock Technique-Sutemi Waza Optional)             1
Mae Ude Maki (Forward Arm Wind Throw/Sutemi Waza)   1
Ude Guruma (Armbar Winding Throw-Sutemi Waza Optional)             1

 

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WAZA required for kyu grade Students
Below is a list of attacks that require Waza [self-defense techniques] needed for promotional advancement. These are freestyle techniques and should include a defensive response and/or loosening up technique, whatever actual kata [specific technique] you use, and a submission or comealong [where applicable.]
 
WAZA GREEN BLUE PURPLE 3rd BROWN 2nd BROWN 1st BROWN
Right or Left Straight Hit       3 2 1
Shirt Grab (front, single or double)       3 2 1
Release for a Wrist Grab (front, either one)       3 2 1
Release for a Body Grab (around waist from rear)       3 2 1
Release for a Headlock       3 2 1
Release for a Front Choke       3 2 1
Handshake       3 2 1
Wrist Grab (front, either one)       3 2 1
Body Grab       3 2 1
Headlock       3 2 1
Front Choke       3 2 1
Bear Hug (rear)      3 2 1
Rear Waist Grab     3 2 1
Hair Grab     3 2 1
Lapel grab     3 2 1
Wrist Grab (front, either one or both)     3 2 1
Rear Shoulder Grab     3 2 1
Clothing Grab     3 2 1
Overhead Club     3 2 1
Double Hit (left-right or right-left)   3 2 1
Lapel Grab & Hit   3 2 1
Rear Forearm Choke (one arm)   3 2 1
Kicks (2 or more defenses)   3 2 1
Knife Attacks (various – 2 or more defenses)   3 2 1
Rear Neck Grab   3 2 1
Rear Two-Handed Choke   3 2 1
Club Attack (right hand, any direction)   3 2 1
Double Wrist Grab (front or rear)   3 2 1
Hit to Stomach   3 2 1
Single Hit (left or right, high or low) 3 2 1
Mugging Attack (from rear: one hand over mouth, other arm pulled back) 3 2 1
Club Attack ( left or right, forehand or backhand) 3 2 1
Armlock 3 2 1
Reversing a Throw 3 2 1
Being Pulled (forward, backwards, sideways) 3 2 1
Football Tackle 3 2 1
Hair Grab (Various) 3 2 1
Lapel Grab (single or double) 3 2 1
Combination Hold and Attack (Various) 3 2 1
Multiple Attackers (Usually Two) 3 2 1
Bearhugs (arms free or pinned, above or below elbows) 3 2 1
Waist Grab (Various) 3 2 1
Rear Nelson 3 2 1
Knife Threat (front) 3 2 1
Choke (various: front, side, or rear) 3 2 1
Baton Attack (Various) 3 2 1
Reversing Opponent on Mat 3 2 1
Shoulder Grabs (Various) 3 2 1
Ground Defenses (apply standing techniques to ground situations) 3 2 1
Foot Stomp to Face, on ground 2 1
Leg Grab & Pull, on ground 2 1
Reverse for Headlock, on ground 2 1
Reverse for Attempted Fig.-4 Armbar, on ground 2 1
Baton Attacks (left, right, hit, thrust, push) 1
Knife Threat at Throat (front) 1
Knife Threat at Throat (arm around throat from rear) 1

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