AIKI TE RYU MARTIAL ARTS CURRICULUM

Learning the martial arts at Budokan Dojo is not designed around the length of time one spends in classes nor around the color of the belt. Our system uses the belt colors to signify the current level of ability in terms of requirements met for a student. This system is known as the Kyu / Dan rank structure and all proper, as well as authentic, martial arts have this system.

The Kyu / Dan rank structure was first developed and utilized within Judo by Jigoro Kano Sensei who devised a method of both teaching martial arts as well as a hierarchy for University level students. Before this time rank was given out through the use of certificates called the Menkyo system. The Menkyo system basically stated a person as either a student, teacher or master level practitioner of the martial art. Some of the most famous masters in the martial arts still have their Menkyo license to this day. Franz Shihan holds the rank of Menkyo Kaiden, or complete transmission of knowledge, from his Sensei. He also holds a Menkyo Goden, or Master Teacher, level rank in Iaido.

Each belt is recognized by a Kyu level or Dan level. The Kyu levels begin at 10 and traverse backwards to 1. The Dan system begins at 1 and expands upward to 10. One could think of this basically like an education structure in learning where grades 12 to Kindergarten have been set with numbers and degrees from Associates to Doctorates are set as Dan numbers.

Each Kyu level requirement page list the minimal required skill set needed to be completed before a student will be permitted to request an examination for their next belt level. Please note that there are some requirements not listed here as well which are only given out by the Sensei to the student when the Sensei feels the student is ready to work on them. The requirements listed are simply the physical aspects of knowledge...to truly earn your Shodan rank you must also master the mental and spiritual levels associated with each Kyu rank as well.

The links to the left under the Curriculum header will give the student basic materials to help guide them in their studies. Please click on each kyu rank for that you wish to study. It is recommended that you read through all these links and begin to make a list of study materials for each class. If you find yourself needing outside class assistance we do offer private classes at a discount for our dojo students with Franz Shihan and the other black belts.