Promotion Schedule In Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu

v2.1, 4/2010

Rank And Normal Promotion Schedule In Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu,
with Relevant Commentary

Ordinarily, students will be required to meet the following minimum time requirements in rank before testing for their next promotion. Students holding rank in other martial arts may, however, be able to advance at a faster pace. Holders of advanced black belt rank (Nidan or higher) in other recognized classical jujutsu systems may be considered for an entry level black belt rank (Shodan or Nidan depending on their rank in their own jujutsu system) in Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu if they fully satisfy FIVE conditions:
1. They will be required to study for at least SIX months with a recognized Wa Shin Ryu black belt Sensei holding the rank of
4th Dan, or higher, and a Chuden Menkyo Teaching License. SIX months is the minimum acceptable time. However, if the Sensei feels that the newcomer should have more time then he/she may require it at his/her discretion without receiving approval from the Soke.
2. They must agree to switch their allegiance and loyalty to Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu and the current Soke of the system.
3. They have been involved in continuous study in their own jujutsu system for at least 15 years.
4. It is the opinion of the Wa Shin Ryu Sensei recommending such a promotion that it is in the best interest of the system.
5. Recommendation must be counter-signed by the Soke of Wa Shin Ryu. These are "minimum requirements" for someone to be even considered for an entry level black belt rank in WSRJJ. However, there are no guarantees even for someone who meets all the "objective criteria". The larger question that both the recommending Sensei and Soke must address is: "Is such a promotion in the best interest of Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu"? And, that is a final decision that only the current Soke of Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu can make.
Rank and Normal Promotion Schedule (Minimum Requirements)

NOTE: Time in rank implies cumulative continuous active participation in scheduled jujutsu workouts under the direction of an authorized Wa Shin Ryu black belt. Private workouts with friends, in the absence of an authorized black belt, may be considered if a student keeps a detailed log of dates and activities. However, such workouts must be over and above the minimum number required to qualify for testing. Students should be aware that time in rank is a minimal precondition and does not guarantee readiness for testing for a higher rank.

To Rokkyu (Yellow):15 weeks in a beginning jujutsu course or 26 scheduled workouts

To Gokkyu (Orange):15 weeks in a beginning jujutsu course or 28 scheduled workouts

To Yonkyu (Green): 15 weeks in jujutsu or 32 scheduled workouts

To Sankyu (Brown): 15 weeks in jujutsu or 36 scheduled workouts

To Nikyu (Brown): 20 weeks in rank as a registered Sankyu or approx. 42 scheduled workouts

To Ikkyu (Brown): 30 weeks in rank as registered Nikyu or approx. 72 scheduled workouts

To Shodan (Black): One year in rank (3 semesters) as a registered Ikkyu or approx. 100 scheduled workouts

To Nidan (Black): Approx. 2 yrs (range 1.5-3 yrs) as a registered Shodan (Advanced Student) or approx. 220 workouts

To Sandan (Black): Approx. 3 years (range 2-4 yrs) as a registered Nidan (Advanced Student) or approx. 360 workouts

To Yodan (Red and Black): RENSHI: Approx 4 years (range 3-5 yrs) as a registered Sandan (Skilled Technician)

To Godan (Red and Black): RENSHI: Approx. 5 years (range 4-6 yrs) as a registered Yodan (Advanced Skilled Technician)

To Rokudan (Red and White): KYOSHI: Approx. 6 years (range 5-7 yrs) as a registered Godan (Teacher)

To Shichidan (Red and White): KYOSHI: Approx 7 years (range 6-8 yrs) as a registered Rokudan (Teacher)

To Hachidan (Red and White): HANSHI: Approx. 8 years (range 7-9 yrs) as a registered Shichidan (Master Teacher with a national reputation)

To Kudan (Red): HANSHI: Approx. 9 years (range 8-10 yrs) as a registered Hachidan (Master Teacher with a national/international reputation)

To Judan (White (silk) or Red): HANSHI: Approx. 10 years (range 9-11 years) as a registered Kudan (Master Teacher with an international reputation).

SOKE (Grand Master of the System).

The current Soke or Grand Master of the system must be at least a Rokudan in Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu. This is an honor bestowed by the existing Grand Master and noone else. In the event that the existing Grand Master passes away without appointing an heir, a new Grand Master will be voted upon by the three highest ranking members of the system.