The Killing Spirit Test in Japan

Everyone who wishes to earn their Senior Instructor rating in the International Bujinkan Dojo organization must first pass the Sakki (pronounced: “sack-kee”) test.

The “Sakki” (or loosely translated: “Killing Spirit” test) marks one’s transition to the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan or 5th Dan), and one must first possess a 4th Dan (4th degree Black Belt) in order to be invited to sit the test.

This test is only administered in Japan by the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Nunjutsu: Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.

In 1995, Donald Munro passed the Sakki test and earned his Godan at the Tokyo Budokan.

As a member of the Martial Arts University, we will begin training you to earn this rank from the first moment you enter into the school onward.

This test is often considered a metaphor for being able to sense the intentions of others without the usual senses of sight, hearing, touch, or smell. Humans, like many animals on the planet are able to sense danger, fear, and anger through other senses that are not yet fully understood.

We will begin teaching you to explore and unleash these natural powers that you already possess – from your first day with onward with us. You will learn to predict danger and sense the intentions of others.

The Bujinkan Shidoshi (Senior Teacher)

Instructor Certificate granted upon

successful completion of the Sakki Test