At IBDA Shihan Van Donk offers a strategic standardized step-by-step learning and ranking system. This special system has been refined for over 20 years by Shihan Van Donk's some 50 trips to train with Soke Hatsumi, his owning every piece of his printed material,  several hundred published and non-published videos, personal training with Soke who answered all his questions, personal training with most all senior Japanese instructors, and instructing several thousand students to every level in the Bujinkan, including many students to high Judan levels with lots of them starting with the distant learning Ninjutsu BlackBelt course. Bottom Line our method works. The proof is in the students who's lives have been changed by our training. Yours will be too when you study with us.

Everyone who is affiliated with us will have studied this material or has proven to Shihan Van Donk that they indeed know the material presented in our courses. There is no exception and there will be no exception. We believe in our standard and recommend that all teachers do the same. We believe that the future of Ninjutsu will depend on this. Ranks just given without meaning or the student knowing what they have learned for the rank they where given is in our opinion unfair to the student. We prefer the University approach. You can learn anything you want in any order you want with us. Do what you love and the rank will come as you learn and can demonstrate the required material as outlined very clearly in our Kyu and Dan ranking curriculum. All of our ranks have always been and always will come through Soke Hatsumi in Japan. And that is a rank you can be sure will be recognized worldwide.

Below is a short overview of what you learn at each level.

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Ninpo Taijutsu Training

At this beginning level you will learn an overview of all the 9 schools and their weapons to prepare you for the deeper study of Budo Taijutsu and all the 9 schools wazas and principles.

Shodan Level Training

Ninpo Taijutsu training from 9th kyu to Shodan you learn a strategic systematized overview of the Ninjutsu 9 schools including foundations, postures, punches, kicks, weapon basics, history, stealth, chokes, grappling, throws, meditation, proper body movement and much, much more. Hundreds and hundreds of techniques. On the average our students spend 3 years of solid training on this level as it covers main aspects of Togakure Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Kukishinden Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu preparing you for a deeper focus of individual schools that you will study at succeeding dan levels.

Kyu Grades are divided into these levels. Once completed you become a Shodan and receive your BlackBelt.

• 9th Kyu (Kyukyu)
• 8th Kyu (Hachikyu)
• 7th Kyu (Nanakyu)
• 6th Kyu (Rokkyu)
• 5th Kyu (Gokyu)
• 4th Kyu (Yonkyu)
• 3rd Kyu (Sankyu)
• 2nd Kyu (Nikyu)
• 1st Kyu (Ikkyu)

 

Budo Taijutsu Training

After learning a very solid overview of the nine traditions that make up the teachings of the Bujinkan Dojo you will begin to explore the actual school (know as Ryu) material in a more in depth way by studying the deeper principles and partner exchange forms called waza. Unlike a Kata which is performed by oneself to perfection. Wazas are interactive drills that are done with at least 2 persons both in a formal way and with many variations so that the principles of the school can also be learned. Wazas also help you learn timing, distancing, and eventually true budo protection methods. Each of the 9 schools have their own focuses and attributes and may favor certain weapons.

Nidan Level Training 
2nd degree Black Belt training includes Kosshijutsu study of the principles and Gyokko ryu wazas of Jo Ryaku no maki, Churaku no maki and Geryaku/Mutodori gedan plus 29 Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, Shoden/Chuden/Okuden level wazas. 

Sandan Level Training  
3rd degree Black Belt training includes principles and wazas of Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu, Ten & Chi No Maki, Shizen Shikoku No Kata Jutaijutsu, Shoden Gata/Juroku Gata/Chuden/Okuden levels and from Kukishinden Ryu: Rokushakubojutsu - Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Kuden levels 

Yondan Level Training
4th degree Black Belt training includes principles and wazas of Takagi Yoshin Jutaijutsu including Shoden No Kata/Chuden No Sabakigata/Chuden No Tai No Gata/Okuden No Kata levels and Eri Shimegata, Moguri levels. 
Kukishinden Ryu: Yari Jutsu, Kodachi, Muto Dori 

Godan Level Training

5th Degree Blackbelt training includes principles and wazas of Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
Shoden -Chuden-Okuden - Hekuto No Kata. Daishosabaki - Bokuden Ryu

Shiken Gata Shodan thru Kudan levels

At this time all 5th degree (Godan) tests must be taken in Japan with Soke Masaaki Hatsumi or by Shihan Van Donk in Soke's presence.

Rokudan Level Training
6th degree Black Belt training includes principles and wazas of Kukishinden Ryu

Dakentaijutsu including the Shoden / Chuden / Sabaki Gata / Okuden No Kata / Shirabe Moguri Gata levels. Weapon is Naginata and Roikumiuchi.

Nanadan Level Training
7th degree Black Belt training includes principles and wazas of Togakure Ryu Happo Hiken Kenpo- Itto giri / Kakushi Iai Sanpo / Ukemi gata / Shinobi Iai Happo Sabaki  Happo Bikenjutsu Level 1. Specialties / Ninpo

Hachidan Level Training
8th degree Black Belt training is Juppo Sessho and includes wazas of Kukishinden Jojutsu - Shoden Koshiki Gata - Kjui no ho, Kutsu no ho (Joruku gata) Happo Bikenjutsu Level 2
plus Jutte and Bisento -

Kudan Level Training
9th degree Black Belt training includes the basic understanding of Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu principles / Jutaijutsu Jodan No Kurai Tehodoki and Taihodoki  Kukishinden Ryu:
Tessen Jutsu  Happo Bikenjutsu level 3  Budo Taijutsu Weapons Ura Waza

Judan Level Training
10th degree Black Belt training includes the understanding of Budo Taijutsu Ura Waza  principles Happo Bikenjutsu Level 4 and a personal choice of a deep spiritual practice. Take a look at Gyokushin Ryu principles.

This top Shihan ranking will take the signatures of Shihan Van Donk and at least 2 other Judans plus the final agreement of Soke Hatsumi.

Judan has 5 Grade levels

• 10th Dan Judan
• 10th Dan Judan Chigyo Happo Biken
• 10th Dan Judan Suigyo Happo Biken
• 10th Dan Judan Kagyo Happo Biken
• 10th Dan Judan Fugyo Happo Biken
• 10th Dan Judan Kugyo Happo Biken

The 5 advanced levels of Judan are awarded by Soke Hatsumi at his discretion.

While really incorrect they are often referred to 11th to 15th dan, even by Soke Hatsumi as it became easier to say.

IBDATM ranking and study structure goes all the way to 10th degree. There is a lifetime of learning available and we can help you travel the journey as far as you want to go.