07/10/2025
Understanding Bujinkan Grading
The Bujinkan ranking system has long been a topic of debate and misunderstanding. Having been a member for over 35 years, I’ve encountered countless theories, opinions, and misconceptions about its purpose and meaning. However, rather than dwelling on the confusion, I believe it is far more valuable to understand the evolution and intent behind the ranking system. It’s important to recognize that this misunderstanding is not unique to the Bujinkan — it exists in martial arts and organizations worldwide. My intention in writing this is to offer insight and guidance to the younger generation, in the hope that it will help you navigate your journey more clearly and avoid some of the common pitfalls along the way.
Hatsumi Sensei began training with Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu Sensei in 1957, when he was 26 years old. At the time, he had already achieved high grades in various modern Budo and had studied some Ko Ryu arts under Ueno Takashi Sensei. It was Ueno Takashi that paved the path to meet Takamatsu Sensei. Takamatsu Sensei formally appointed Hatsumi as his successor in 1972, just before his passing, entrusting him with the responsibility of preserving and spreading the ancient warrior arts.During the 1960s and 1970s, Japan experienced rapid economic growth, modernization, and urbanization, which significantly reshaped its cultural landscape. During this time, modern Budo such as Karate, Kendo, and Judo gained widespread popularity across the nation, while interest in Ko-ryu (classical martial arts) steadily declined as Japan moved further away from its traditional warrior heritage.
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility to preserve and pass on the ancient martial traditions he had inherited from his teacher, Tosh*tsugu Takamatsu, Hatsumi Sensei founded the Bujinkan Dojo in 1972. His aim was not only to transmit the techniques of these arts but to instill a profound understanding of Budo — emphasizing survival, compassion, and the deeper principles of martial arts — while adapting them to meet the needs of the modern world. In essence this transition would be the solution to bridge the old and the new while maintaining its essence.
In the early years, the Bujinkan combined modern Dan grades with traditional menkyo (licensing), allowing students to progress within a structured ranking system while still preserving the essence of classical martial traditions. Throughout the 1970s, word of Hatsumi Sensei’s teachings began to spread, and gradually, foreign students started traveling to Japan to train under him. With the group still relatively small, maintaining quality control was naturally easier. However, in the late 1970s to early 1980s, Hatsumi Sensei faced a serious illness that lasted for five years, significantly impacting his physical condition. Despite this setback, he continued his training, adapting his methods to accommodate his health and ultimately overcoming his illness. This period of physical limitation profoundly shifted Sensei’s perspective on martial arts, inspiring him to place greater emphasis on natural movement, intuitive response, and adaptability, which would later influence the core approach of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
In 1983, at the request of some of his students, Hatsumi Sensei introduced the Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki as a structured training syllabus to help guide practitioners in their study of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. This marked a shift in training approach, as it provided a clear foundation for students to follow. However, it is important to understand that in Japanese culture, when a teacher accepts a student, their relationship is built on trust. Once that trust is established, it is not uncommon for a teacher to bestow ranks or titles prematurely — not as a measure of actual skill, but as a form of encouragement and a symbolic promise that through dedication and continued practice, the student would eventually reach the level of ability represented by the rank. During the late 1980s and 1990s, the Bujinkan experienced rapid global expansion, with membership peaking at over 500,000 practitioners worldwide. However, this unprecedented growth, combined with cultural differences, and varying interpretations of the art, inevitably led to an erosion of overall quality. During the late 90’s and 2000’s Sensei begun outlining the importance of quality controls and requested his seniors across the globe led by his domestic seniors to take the lead. Much of his messages he conveyed during his classes in Japan, international Taikai’s, Daikomyosai’s and various publications. Yet despite the size he maintained a one on one approach with those of us who were fortunate.
The Bujinkan main stream grading system consists of kyu (pre black belt) ranks and dan (black belt) ranks. The kyu ranks generally start from 9th kyu (for beginners) and advance to 1st kyu before achieving shodan (1st-degree black belt). The dan ranks begin from shodan and progress up to 15th dan. There is also a special titles to mark various stages of milestone developments. In addition in special circumstances Sensei would issue Menkyo Kaiden in various areas. The journey from beginner to advanced ranks in the Bujinkan is not purely based on technical proficiency but on the development of one’s character. Sensei also gave teachers the freedom to design their own grading syllabus.
Once a student been training consistently for approx 10-15 years and demonstrated the right technical proficiency and temperaments they would be ready to undertake the Godan test (5th dan test). This test, often called the Sakki test, was administered mainly by Hatsumi Sensei while he was actively teaching.
The purpose of this test is not merely to measure physical skill, but to assess one intuitive ability to sense danger. Passing the Godan test marks a significant milestone in a practitioner’s journey, signifying that they have begun to understand the essence of Budo. It also marks the practitioner as a Shidoshi (licensed instructor) capable of teaching others.
Ranks from 6th dan to 10th dan focus heavily on the practitioner’s ability to move beyond technique and their teachers requirements.
The higher ranks (11th to 15th dan) are considered leadership levels. Practitioners who reach these levels are expected to be guiding lights for their students and to embody the principles of Soke teachings. Hatsumi Sensei often speaks about transcending form and embracing non-form (Muto Dori) at these levels.
Hatsumi Sensei has repeatedly emphasized that ranks are not about superiority but about responsibility. Higher ranks mean a greater responsibility to protect, teach, and embody the true spirit of Budo. Those who focus solely on the number of dan ranks miss the deeper point of training in the Bujinkan.
In the Bujinkan, grading is not only a reward for technical skill but a reflection of personal growth along the path of Budo. Progression is measured not by perfecting techniques but by refining the self, cultivating qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and adaptability that extend beyond combat into everyday life. Hatsumi Sensei emphasized that the true value of rank lies not in the belt itself but in the heart that one develops. His approach to the Bujinkan was never solely about creating warriors but about forging complete human beings capable of navigating conflict and life with grace, humility, and clarity.. He often said:
“True Budo is not about defeating others. It is about avoiding conflict and protecting life. The ultimate martial artist is one who can walk away from conflict unharmed, without harming anyone else.”
While there is a lot of glory to be had I urge you to view your journey as a life long learning walking modest path for self improvement.
Seiryu
青龍
