Shinpi Izumi Dojo - Grading System
The system of our school is much like any modern Budo school in that not only does it include titles and grades from Shodan but that it also has a system of coloured belts as a basis of the system. It also uses the titles of Tashi, Renshi, Shidoshi Shihan and Hanshi well as Gempai, Sempai and Sensei.
It encourages the student to include not only the study of the physical techniques of the art they are studying but aspects of academic study with regard to history, philosophy, the warrior myth and mysticism in the form of short essays and lectures in keeping with their training.
0 : White Purity - Soul of heaven
1 : Red Blood - Birth in Matter
2 : Yellow Light - Learning about life
3 : Orange Blossom - Realisation of Ignorance
4 : Green Trees and grass - Appreciation of Knowledge
5 : Blue Water - Reflection on past
6 : Brown Earth - Contemplation of Future Title Sempai
7 : Black Death - Reunion with Creator Title Sempai
6 : Shodan Oki - iri - Entrance to Secrets Title Sensei
5 : Nidan Moki/Roku - Catalogued Title Sensei
4 : Sandan Shioshi-ho/Menkyo Title Tashi
3 : Yondan Licenced probationary teacher of the warrior arts Title Renshi
2 : Godan Shidoshi Kaiden teacher of the warrior arts Title Shidoshi
1 : Rokudan Everything Passed Title Shihan
0 : Sichidan Full Circle, Menkio Kaiden Title Hanshi
GRADING EXAMINATIONS AND TESTS
Many subjects exist that require some sort of test ability. Whilst the grading examination of the Shinpi Izumi should contain such tests, they should also contain elements of philosophy, psychology, reflecting our curriculum much more fully and having a deeper meaning for the student.
This action of including these subjects enables us to make sure the grading becomes an initiation or rite of passage. For such were the ritual selection tests for aspiring members of the warrior caste.
The ‘lesson of the belts’ should be explained and demonstrated showing how all grades within the system, from the highest to the lowest are connected to one another. This also teaches the student the importance we place upon fraternal love and support, as well as our disregard for ego and pride in our degree of learning,
-