How do students get the ranks?
Students are tested for the ranks, normally by a panel of instructors. Testing is designed to be a learning experience. Students learn where their weaknesses are. They learn that success doesn’t come easy but requires hard work and the need to keep trying. There is a minimal fee for testing (which depends on the rank) but helps to pay our organization membership dues and to purchase the belts and certificates for each rank. Kyu testing is done by local instructors. Dan testing is done by Sensei Demura. Progress depends on the skill of the student and how often and how hard they practice. Normally 9th kyu takes about 3 months to achieve. Sixth kyu takes about another 9 months. Third kyu normally takes another 15 – 18 months, with another 2-3 years to reach dan ranking. Five years to reach probationary shodan (called shodan-ho) is very good progress.
