Red Belt 7th Kyu
BLOOD PLEDGE
KIRIKAME: PLEDGE.
7th KYU: RED BELT.
The first ranking of red belt, is the pledge of blood and symbolises birth into the Ryu ha. This can only occur if Breathing, posture and movement are learnt. Such a pledge allows for the student to learn Shodan Ge Ichi; the first technique of immobilisation. Some basic arm locking technniques are learnt and an introduction to the sword is provided.
Orange Belt 6th Kyu
SUN IN THE DAY TIME.
SHOMOKURO: APPRENTICE
6th KYU; ORANGE BELT.
The second ranking of Orange belt, is the apprenticeship into the Ryu Ha. Here Ki is introduced, Shodan is completed and Nidan Ge, the second technique of immobilisation is introduced. So Jo (Spear) and Jo (4ft Staff) Kihon (Basics) and Kata (Form) are introduced. Basic Sword postures and techniques of Batto Jutsu (Drawing and cutting) are introduced.
Green Belt 5th Kyu
FIELD IN THE DAY TIME
SHODEN: FIRST INITIATION.
5th KYU: GREEN BELT.
The third ranking of Green belt, is the first initiation into the Ryu Ha. Here Shodan Ge is revised, Nidan Ge is extended and Sandan Ge is introduced along with some variants on wrist locks. The principle of MuTo is introduced (this serves as the initiation into Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu) and the Ko Kami No Kata Shodan is introduced (the initiation into Hakuda Ryu Kempo). The Ken Jutsu Kata is introduced, this involves twirling techniques, suggsting an influence of Bu No Mai (Martial Dance). This the First initiation, 5th kyu Green belt, symbolises the field of initiation into the following aspects of our art:
Mu To (Tuite)
Ko Kami No Kata (Kempo Jutsu)
Sword Kata (Kobu Jutsu)
Blue Belt 4th Kyu
SKY IN THE DAY TIME
CHUDEN; MIDDLE INITIATION.
4th KYU: BLUE BELT.
The fourth ranking of Blue belt is the middle Initiation into the Ryu ha. Here the principle of Shodan Ge (Pledge and apprenticeship), Nidan Ge (apprenticeship and first initiation) are revised. Mu To Okuden is introduced (entrance into secrets of Muto). Another sword kata is introduced.
Purple Belt 3rd Kyu
SUN SETTING IN THE EVENING SKY
IRIMI OKUDEN: DEEP INITIATION.
3rd KYU: PURLE BELT.
The fifth ranking of Purple belt, is the deep initiation into the Ryu ha. Here projections are introduced and diligently studied. The Ko Kami No Kata Nidan level is introduced.
The divine Kata Izanami No Natsu Kata (Moon setting in the summer), which involves using the sword to cut in a circular motion, is introduced.
Brown Belt 2nd Kyu
DUSK: THE DAWN OF NIGHT
OKUDEN: FULL INITIATION
2nd KYU: BROWN BELT.
The sixth ranking of Brown belt, is the level of full initiation into the Ryu ha. Here the principle of MuTo Okuden is extended into immobilisations: Shodan to Sandan Ge and projections. Yama Arashi, storming the mountain is introduced. These techniques are all performed against weapons attacks. Jo Jutsu is taught and practised. The first two sword Kata are revised and another two taught and practised. The So Jo Kata is taught as a Ken Jutsu Kata. The full initiation of Kaiden Symbolised by the 2nd Kyu and Brown belt, which represents dusk, provides opportunity to study the following teachings:
Mu To Okuden .
Yama Arashi .
Jo Jutsu
So Jutsu
Ken Jutsu
Brown Belt 1st Kyu:
THE FIELD AT NIGHT.
KAIDEN: LICENSED INITIATION.
1st KYU: BROWN BELT.
The seventh ranking of Brown belt, is the level of licensed initiate into the Ryu ha. The Ko Kami No Kata Sandan version, that contains many of the basic principles of Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu and Hakuda Ryu is taught and practised. At the same time Koshiki No Mawara (Around the loins), which had been incorporated into the Goshin Jutsu, Osae Komi Waza (holding down techniques)and Sutemi Waza (sacrificing oneself) are introduced, it is these types of techniques characterise modern Japanese and non Japanese styles of Ju Jutsu, which have at least part of their origins in Judo.
