black belt program
It is said that receiving your black belt means that you have a solid understanding of the basics. Our extensive black belt curriculum contains material to challenge the black belt to achieve a level of training not experienced at the lower ranks.
adult black belts (age 18 and older)
The first 4 black belt ranks are Shodan, Nidan, Sandan and Yondan. In Hakkoryu Jujutsu, the ranks beyond Yondan are considered Shihan Ranks. At these ranks , the student wears a purple belt.
| Shodan | 1st degree black belt | ![]() |
| Nidan | 2nd degree black belt | |
| Sandan | 3rd degree black belt | |
| Yondan | 4th degree black belt | |
| Shihan | 5th degree equivalent | |
| Renshi Shihan | 6th degree equivalent | |
| Menkyo Kaiden Shihan | 7th degree equivalent | |
| Menkyo Kaiden Shihan Sandai Kichu | 8th degree equivalent |
junior black belts (age 12 - 17)
At Suigetsu Dojo, we have a curriculum specifically designed to challenge our young adults. At the junior level, students are expected first to acquire all adult kyu techniques (not included in the junior curriculum) before beginning the actual black belt curriculum. Once the student reaches the age of 18, he or she must have mastered the entire kyu level curriculum and be able to demonstrate it with adult precision. At that time, the next rank will be the adult rank equivalent to the student's current path.
Jr Shodan |
1st degree black belt (junior) |
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Jr Nidan |
2nd degree black belt (junior) |
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Jr Sandan |
3rd degree black belt (junior) |


