The Black Belt in Kempo Ryu (like most styles) is the pinnacle of one's achievements in Karate training, however when one does achieve this grade he/she will begin to realise this is truly the beginning. 

Whilst Shodan is achieved the learning starts from the beginning where the new Shodan (Yudansha- Black Belt holder) begins to now refine and tailor the art from the beginning into a journey of perfecting the application.

It is not easy being a Black Belt, as being one throws the responsibility to person that every action is timed, thought of and practiced over a thousand of times - every action. When we mean every action we mean 'every' action including in the outside world, at work, at school, with friends, with family.

It is tough as a true Black Belt measures and refines constantly everything they do. This is NOT to say or give an illusion that Black Belts are not infallible, they are human and mistakes will always occur. It does mean that true Black Belts are constantly refining themself and constantly working on self improvement and that of others around them.

Time frames from grade to grade are as follows, depending on students attitude and determination in perfection of technique and character. Bear in mind these time frames are guidelines only and not set in policy, the truly important part is the learning and understanding of the martial art. Minimum time frames are:

Students who are under the age of 17 years can be graded up to the rank of  Shodan Ho, When they reach the age of 17 years they may attempt the rank of Shodan. This will distinguish the rank of junior Black Belts from the senior Black Belts (who become an instructor 1st Dan etc). 

Note: Students who are 14 years old and above will qualify to participate in a Shodan Ho grading, and when they achieve the age of 17 years old and above may attempt a Shodan (1st DAN) grading. Students under the age of 14 years can only achieve a Junior Shodan Ho (Black Belt with a white stripe) until they can qualify (14yrs plus) for a Shodan Ho grading. Maturity and experience plays a large role in wearing a Black Belt let alone wearing any shade of Black Belt being a Probationary Black Belt or a Full Black Belt.

Whilst our intention is to get as many of our students to the Black Belt level it must be understood a Black Belt is a special grade therefore, skill, age and maturity plays important side to this grade. At times people may witness individuals wearing a Black Belt and lacking is skill and/or age and/or maturity and in same cases all three are lacking. Our goal is to teach everyone that the standard of Black Belt cannot be reduced to accommodate the individual rather the individual needs to step to the mark to the standard of what a Black Belt is capable.

Black Belts will have the above grading periods as a minimum however in the Kempo Ryu organisation only one individual will hold the rank of Kancho and the other ranks of Hanchidan and below will keep their title of Shihan. When the Kancho of the organisation is promoted to a higher grade (i.e. Kyudan or Judan) the other Shihan(s) may be promoted to a higher rank of Hanchidan. Therefore, the rank of Judan will be awarded to the head of the organisation when the grade requirements have been met. This rank will be the only rank within the organisation and all other Black Belt holders will be eligible to achieve a rank up  to the Kyudan grade.

Eligibility for Dan grades involves continual training, skill, teaching and a supportive contribution to the Kempo Ryu Way and to that of the overall Martial Arts community.

Copyright 1999-2008
Kempo Ryu International Karate Organisation