Your Black Belt Degree

“Some of the most dangerous men and women you could ever meet in the world of martial arts and covert operations don’t always look the part – many look more like George Costanza.”

– Donald Munro

What is a

Black Belt?

A Black Belt in the martial arts is similar to a University Bachelor’s Degree. It is symbolic in that it means you have achieved proficiency in a broad cross-section of skills inherent in the art. In Ninjutsu and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, it means that you have mastered the basics and are ready to progress even further in the discipline. You can recognize danger, predict attacks, control multiple opponents, utilize many weapons proficiently, and defend yourself in many different situations, as well as come to the aid of others in distress. You are also able to render First Aid & CPR, as well as utilize Emergency Oxygen and Automated External Defibrillators.

Who Can Earn a

Black Belt?

Anyone at all can earn their Black Belt Degree. We have had members in their teens and members in their 70’s earn the Black Belt and wear it with pride. Male or female, young or old – it simply does not matter. Many people worry that you need to be in good physical condition to earn a Black Belt. This may be so in some arts that are sport-based, but not in this art. Although being in good condition is helpful in any activity that you undertake, it simply is not necessary here. When worrying about being in shape before you start training, please refer to the quote at the top of this page.

Levels of

Training & Belts

We have a regular repeating curriculum for all five levels of training (Entry, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior, and Masters). This means that no matter when you begin your training or when earn a new rank – you will never be behind the other students. All training repeats at regular intervals.

You may attend classes conducted at your current level, and all other classes conducted below your level as well.

Training &

Attendance

There is no minimum or maximum attendance required at the University. We recognize that everyone has challenges in life and many of us have multiple activities and time restraints.

Most of our members attend class between 1 and 2 sessions per week. This level of attendance is more than enough to progress quickly toward the Black Belt Degree. It is not how often you train, but how focused you are when you do train.

Beyond Your

Black Belt

Beyond the First Degree Black Belt (the equivalent of a Bachelors Degree), there exist 14 more levels of Black Belt. In our system it takes approximately one year to progress upward each degree or ‘Dan’. At these higher levels of Black Belt, we begin to train the member in all areas of each individual martial school. We can issue up to a 4th Degree Black Belt right here in the school!

Combat Specialist &

Weapons Programs

Combat Specialist programs expose our members to many specialized areas that are not covered in our regular curriculum. They are optional for our members to attend, but as one moves up toward the Black Belt and beyond, a certain number of these programs must be completed. Please refer to the SPECIALIST TRAINING web page for details. People from outside of our school are also welcome, but our members receive a substantial discount on these Diploma programs.

Weapons training is an integral part of our training from White Belt onward. Weapons Specialist programs take the participant deeper into the use of each weapon, as well as training them in weapons not normally covered until higher ranks are reached. From traditional weapons like swords – to modern weapons like firearms, there is little not covered in our programs. You will require some of these additional programs by the time you wish to earn your Black Belt.

Enhanced Private Training &

Executive Black Belt Programs

The University also offers ENHANCED PRIVATE TRAINING and the EXECUTIVE BLACK BELT Club for those who require a very flexible schedule and / or wish to progress more quickly than they normally would.

In addition to Private Training and Private Grading, Enhanced Private Members join the Executive Black Belt Club at the school, and are allowed to attend (at no extra charge) unlimited Training Sessions, unlimited Grading Sessions, and unlimited Combat Specialist and Weapons Programs. Please speak with us for more information.

An excerpt from the Martial Arts University Black Belt Degree Training Manual – showing rank progression, training levels, and requirements for grading.

Our Black Belt Degree members earn ranks that are recognized throughout the world.

What Leads Up to the

Black Belt?

In the Martial Arts University we utilize an easily identifiable system of coloured belts that lead up to the Black Belt. Some Bujinkan schools don’t use a coloured belt system, and instead elect to use a system of small stars that are sewn onto the chest of the uniform (this is the Japanese system of showing rank). Some also use a system of stripes that are placed on the belt. The actual ranks we utilize in the school are the same as those utilized in Japan, although we find that the coloured belts make identifying the rank that a student has attained easier to recognize for their fellow students.

How Long Does it Take

to Earn a Black Belt?

As the University training is OBJECTIVE-based and not TIME-based, we have had members take anywhere from 8 months to 2 years in earning their Black Belts, although in the average – a Black belt Degree takes approximately 18 months to earn with regular attendance.

Grading

Seminars

Grading Seminars are conducted monthly, so you do not have to wait many months or weeks to increase your rank. As we utilize Objective-Based Training, and not Time-Based Training, we do have recommended time requirements between ranks. However, when you feel that you are ready, just attend a Pre-Grading Session with our Assistant Instructors, and they will let you know if you are ready to Grade.

In this manner, you’ll know you are ready to succeed at the Grading before you even arrive. You can even invite family and friends to watch your successful grading. It takes less than an hour to complete in most cases.

An example of a Black Belt Rank Certificate issued by the Bujinkan Headquarters in Japan. Note that the graduate’s name (written vertically on the right) is often written in Japanese by Masaaki Hatsumi

An example of the Martial Arts University Diploma issued in conjunction with the equivalent Japanese Rank Certificate.

Recognition

From 10th Kyu through 1st Kyu, you will be issued a Martial Arts University Diploma for your rank. This is less expensive than the Japanese certificate, and although you may order the Japanese version through us, they take many weeks to arrive – and most members wait until they earn the Black Belt Degree. At Black Belt and above, you will receive both the University Diploma and the Japanese Dan Grade Certificate.

THE BLACK BELT DEGREE MANUAL

When you enroll with us, you will receive a comprehensive training manual outlining your progression through to Black Belt. This also includes a Training Logbook so that you can keep track of your pprogress and set your goals with our Training Team.