ZEN SHIN DO KENJUTSU KAI Grading

The SAMURAI or BUSHI class was based on a system of rank or grade. Initially the rank was based upon a hereditary position granted through the loyalty, courage and skill demonstrated on the battle field. Particularly brave men were rewarded with lands won in victory or honoured with titles befitting their skill. The lowest of the SAMURAI class was the ASHIGARU or the foot soldier then the GOKENIN or house hold retainer. Above these came the HATAMOTO or banner men who answered to the DAIMYO or provincial lords.

Tokugawa Hidetada the second Shogun of all Japan drew up the BUKE SHOHATTO of 1615, in which thirteen laws were written for the BUKE or military leaders. The thirteenth law recommends the merits and demerits of SAMURAI are acknowledged and rewarded accordingly.

As SAMURAI sort to improve or maintain their level of skill in times of peace they would seek out SENSEI that had refined their skill on the battle field or who belonged to excellent martial art RYU HA or school. These SENSEI would award student with DENSHO or a hand written scroll as a mark of achievement or grade. The grades given were from SHODEN up-to MENKYO KAIDEN or total transmission. There were no standards and grades could take a few months to several years to attain.

Dr. Jingoro Kano was the first sensei to introduce a grading of coloured belts in his new KODOKAN JUDO RYU, with the idea of motivating students to achieving goals. He created ten DAN or black belt grades believing if anyone achieved higher than tenth dan they would transcend coloured belts and restart with white thus completing the full cycle.

Since the introduction of coloured belts into JUDO they were quickly adapted by other styles of martial arts including KARATE and KENDO.

The ZEN SHIN DO KENJUTSU KAI grading syllabus has be carefully implemented by Alexander SENSEI and has to-date, SHODAN grade and above have been awarded, based on personal tuition of candidates.

This is a list of minimum skill requirement for each grade. The candidate will also have to be able to demonstrate the correct level of KATA or form, JUTSU or technique, SHIN or heart and KI or energy required for each grade.

Green belt, third kyu – Kata 1, 2 and 3 to reasonable standard.

Blue belt, second kyu – Kata 1, 2, 3 and 4 to reasonable standard.

Brown belt, first kyu – Kata 1, 2, 3 and 4 to a high standard.

Black belt, first dan – Kata 1, 2, 3, 4, to a high standard and Kata 5 to a reasonable standard.

Black belt, second dan – Kata 1-5 to a high standard and Kata 6 and 7 to a reasonable standard.

Black belt, third dan – Kata 1-6 to a high standard and Kata 7 and 8 to a reasonable standard

Black belt, fourth dan – Kata 1-8 to a high standard and Kata 9 and 10 to a reasonable standard.