Hakkoryu grading

Good news, I got my 3^rd degree black belt in Hakkoryu jujutsu last night. I think some of my contemporaries in Australia are wondering how I have been able to climb the ladder so quickly. I will take this opportunity to explain the grading system as it is quite different from most contemporary martial arts.

There are only four black belts grades, and no coloured belts or kyu grades in Hakkoryu. The only exception is the Soke sensei (grandmaster), who holds a fifth dan. After obtaining your fourth dan, it is possible to test for shihan (master) status. There are three levels of shihan, and all wear a purple, not black, belt. Purple is the colour of the emperor, and although the connections are not clear to me, Hakkoryu jujutsu and its counterpart Koho Shiatsu have connections to Japanese royalty.

Each grade has its own syllabus of approximately 20 techniques, and the grading system ensures that Hakkoryu practitioners learn these in the optimal order. Each technique represents a principle rather than just a single movement and therefore has infinite variations. Regardless of whether it takes weeks or years, once a student has `mastered` the entire syllabus and can demonstrate an ability to apply the principles within the technique they are ready to grade.

One shihan at the honbu (headquarters) obtained got his purple belt in half a year, but it usually takes several years, especially for students not training at the honbu. That shihan had a long history of training in Aikido, which fast-tracked his progress. I am hoping that my own martial art background will enable me to achieve the same goal within one year. This would give me at least a further six months of training in the shihan levels before returning to Australia. As mentioned below, important teachings are only revealed to shihan.

Students are taught a maximum of only three techniques in each lesson. Once they have practiced these techniques to a certain level of competency, they can learn the next three. While practicing each new technique it is important to review all other techniques learned before it and applying the newly learned principles to other techniques. As mentioned above the order of the syllabus is paramount and provides a great foundation. For example, shodan focuses on (amongst other things) posture, balance and datsuryoku (see blog Hakkoryu 3). Each grade has a theme. Students are not allowed to even view techniques above their grade, as it is considered essential that the student focuses on obtaining a strong foundation and it gives the instructors a chance to test the character of the student before revealing the hidden learnings. Each grade adds to what is learned before it in a highly structured and systematic layered approach.

All learning and practice is conducted one-on-one with a shihan. Each shihan will introduce different variations to the basic technique and will provide different levels of resistance. In any training session, you may train with up to four or five shihan, which can be confusing when each has a different approach, but allows great depth of learning.

The black belt grading tests are relatively easy. You need to demonstrate six perfectly executed techniques, three from a seated position and three standing. The grading itself might take just 15 minutes. You will not be allowed to grade if you are not ready, so most of the grading requirements are observed during regular training.

The shihan test is different. I am yet to experience it, but the grading is held over four or five days. Candidates live at the honbu with the Soke sensei and train several sessions per day learning the finer technical points and demonstrating their ability and character. It is also necessary to learn and commit to a strict set of rules, which I am currently translating into English. I will report more on the shihan test when I have first-hand knowledge.

The grading tests are not cheap. Black belt tests cost several hundred dollars, while shihan candidates will pay several thousand dollars. Successful candidates are then awarded the title of shihan, a makimono (scroll), certificates in English and Japanese permitting them to teach Hakkoryu and use the patented name, a montsuki kimono (Japanese formal dress), hakama (pleated split pants worn over a kimono or gi) and embroidered belt. Importantly, it is when you achieve shihan status that you are admitted to learn the hidden techniques, or secrets of Hakkoryu and are able to train directly with the Soke sensei.

Currently I am debating whether or not the investment into grading for shihan is financially viable, as the same money could set up a dojo or pay for my family to move back to Australia. I will keep you posted on this one, but I have fallen in love with Hakkoryu and am prepared to make sacrifices to learn the entire system.