Grading

Belt Ranking in the Don Jitsu Ryu SystemIn 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.

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.

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.

Following is a chart showing the average training time it would take to achieve a belt in an authentic system.

Kyu ObiNovice or Boy White Belt0 to 3 Months Training
Jukyu10th Class White Belt1 to 3 Months Training
Kukyu9th Class Yellow Belt3 to 6 Months Training
Hachikyu8 Class Orange Belt6 to 9 Months Training
Nankyu7 Class Green Belt9 to 12 Months Training
Rokukyu6 Class Blue Belt12 to 15 Months Training
Gokyu5 Class Purple Belt15 to 18 Months Training
Yonkyu4 Class Red Belt18 to 21 Months Training
Sankyu3 Class Brown Belt21 to 24 Months Training
Nikyu2 Class Brown Belt24 to 27 Months Training
Ikkyu1 Class Brown Belt27 to 30 Months Training

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, they are 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.