Ordinarily, students will be required to meet the following minimum time-in-rank requirements 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 of the fact that if they skip a semester (including summers) they lose half their accumulated points from the previous semester. UNM Jujutsu is on a three semester schedule and includes fall, spring and summer.
Finally, it is important to note that time in rank is a minimal precondition and does not guarantee readiness for testing to a higher rank.