Nindo Ryu Gendai Ninjutsu Rank Structure

Apprentice Level

Shoden Mudansha This is the basic level in ranking. In this level, the student learns the foundation of our Ryu. In the Shoden level we use the Kyu rank system, which consists of 9 Kyu, ranks, starting from Kukyu (9th Kyu) white belt to ichikyu (1st Kyu) Brown belt w/ black stripe. The student does not start at Kukyu from day one. They start from Mukyu (no rank), also known in Nindo Ryu as ecla. This rank has no belt. The student has to earn the white and may request to be tested for white belt at any time.

Okuden Yudansha After becoming proficient in the basic techniques of the Ryu, the student is awarded black belt. At this point the student begins his or her advanced training and is also considered an assistant instructor. The first levels of Yudansha are Shodan (1st degree), Nidan (2nd degree) and Sandan (3rd degree). Anyone under 17 who reaches Yudansha Sho will hold the rank of Shodan Ho (Conditional Black Belt) and wear a black belt with a white stripe in the middle. They will have to test for Shodan once they reach age17.

Instructors Level Yondan (4th degree) In this level, the practitioner is considered a skilled technician and is ready to teach others and perform administrative duties within the Ryu. This rank is not an automatic license. Those who hold Menkyo (license), wear a red and white belt (white side up). Those who dont hold a Menkyo, wear a black belt with a red stripe through the middle. This is the highest rank that can be achieved without holding a Menkyo. Godan (5th degree) At this point, the practitioner is a Sensei (teacher) and might perform administrative duties assigned by Dai Shihan Carlos Febres. Those holding a Godan, wear a red and white belt (red side up). Rokudan (6th degree) In this level, the practitioner is considered a master technician and a leader within the Ryu. At this point, the practitioner is a seasoned teacher and is also assigned Shibu Cho (regional leadership). Rokudan holders wear a red and black paneled belt to symbolize their master instructor status.

Nanadan (7th degree) Master instructor usually in command of a region and holding the position of Shibu Cho (regional director). Nanadan holders wear a red and white paneled belt to symbolize the status as a master instructor. Hachidan (8th degree) Master instructor usually in command of all operations within a larger region or a particular division within the Ryu. He or she reports to the Soke or directly to the Dai Shihan. Hachidan rank holders wear a red and black belt with black outwards to symbolize their status as a master instructor. Kudan (9th degree) Grand Master instructor in command of all operations within a particular division. This is the heir to the system or division. The Kudan holder wears a red and black belt to with red outwards to symbolize his status as Grand Master. Judan (10th degree) Grand Master instructor in full command of the Ryu or division. There can be only 1 Judan in a particular division. This rank is currently held by the founder of the Ryu, Carlos Febres Dai Shihan. The Judan holder wears a red belt to symbolize his status as Grand Master.

Promotion Rights And Titles

Yudansha In this level, the practitioner is considered a senior student and is addressed as Sempai (assistant). Minimum time required: Shodan 4 years of training Nidan 1 to 2 years after attaining Shodan Sandan - 2 years after attaining Nidan

Instructors level
Dojo Cho Dojo leader. This is the school administrator in charge of a dojo. The Dojo Cho reports to the Shibu Cho within their respective region. He or She is usually a Yondan to Godan rank Holder. Yondan (4th degree) Up to and including Ikkyu (1st kyu brown belt with black stripe). Those who hold Menkyo (license) are addressed as Sensei (teacher) or Renshi (Polished teacher). A Yondan Renshi can promote up to Nidan if there is no Kyoshi if authorized by Dai Shihan Febres. Minimum time required is 3 years after Sandan promotion. Godan (5th degree) - Up to and including Shodan Ho (Black belt apprentice). Those who hold Menkyo (license) are addressed as Sensei (teacher) or Renshi (Polished teacher). A Godan Renshi can promote up to Sandan if authorized by Dai Shihan Febres. Minimum time required is 3 to 4 years after Yondan promotion. Yondan and Godan holders who are not running a Dojo, are usually performing administrative duties assigned by the Dai Shihan or Soke and are assigned the title of Tashi (administrator)

Masters level
Shibu Cho Regional leader. This is the active administrator and director of a region within their division. The Shibu Cho oversees all operations for his or her assigned region and reports to the head of the division or the Kai. The Shibu Cho is usually a Rokudan to Hachidan and holds the title of Kyoshi (Senior Teacher) Rokudan (6th degree) Up to and including Nidan (2nd degree). A Rokudan holder is usually assigned to a region and holds the title of Kyoshi (senior teacher). A Rokudan Kyoshi is usually in charge of running the rank evaluations, black belt classes and maintaining Dojo quality control. A Rokudan holder can promote up to Yondan if authorized by Dai Shihan Febres. Minimum time required is 4 to 5 years after Godan promotion.

Nanadan (7th degree) Up to and including Sandan (3rd degree). A Nanadan holder is usually assigned to a region and holds the title of Kyoshi (senior teacher). A Nanadan Kyoshi is usually in charge of running the rank evaluations, black belt classes and maintaining Dojo quality control. A Nanadan holder can promote up to Godan if authorized by Dai Shihan Febres. Minimum time required is 5 to 6 years after Rokudan promotion. Hachidan (8th degree) Up to and including Yondan (4th degree). A Hachidan holder usually runs administrative operations for a large region or a Ryu division and holds the title of Kyoshi (senior teacher). The Kyoshi reports to the Soke or to the Dai Shihan. A Hachidan can promote up to Rokudan under permission of the Dai Shihan. Minimum time required is 5 to 7 years after Nanadan promotion.

Grandmasters level
Kancho Head of the school. Since the Nindo Ryu is not one single art, Dai Shihan has assigned a senior administrative position for each division. This position is known as Kancho. This is the active senior administrator of a particular division of the Kai and is the chosen heir to a division. The Kancho oversees all operations within their division and holds the title of Renshi Shihan (Master Assistant) or Hanshi (Master Teacher). Upon Dai Shihans retirement, the Kancho will be awarded the title of Soke (Head of the family) and assume full authority to award Menkyo within their division. Kaicho Head of the Kai. This is the active senior administrator of the Nindo Ryu Bujutsu Kai. The Kaicho oversees all operations within the Kai. The Kaicho is the highest authority in the ryu and holds the title of Dai Shihan (headmaster). Theres only one Dai Shihan in the Ryu, and thats OSensei Carlos Febres. Upon OSenseis retirement from active duty, the title of Dai Shihan will not be used again. The next headmaster will be awarded the title of Dai Soke (head of the family) and will assume the position of Kaicho. Kudan (9th degree) Up to and including Nanadan (7th degree). The Kudan holder is the heir to the Ryu or division and holds the title of Hanshi (Master Teacher) or Renshi Shihan (Master Assistant). The Hanshi runs all aspects of his or her respective division with the exception of assigning Menkyo (license). Dai Shihan is the only one authorized to issue Menkyo and Menkyo Kaiden in the Ryu. Judan (10th degree) Up to and including Hachidan (8th degree). The Judan rank holder is the head of the Ryu or division and oversees all operations. The current Judan rank holder is Dai Shihan Carlos Febres. Upon Dai Shihan Febress retirement, the next Judan rank holder will assume the position of Kancho and will hold the title of Soke (head of the family).

Note: The difference between the Kancho and Kaicho is that the Kancho is the authorized to teach and promote within their division. The Kaicho is not bound by any particular division and can teach and promote in any division within the Ryu. The Kaicho is above rank and therefore can promote up to the rank of Judan (10th degree), in any division, if necessary. The Kancho is a Judan (10th degree) can only promote up to Hachidan (8th degree) It is recommended that Yondan promotions are done by Dai Shihan Carlos R. Febres. The reason for this is that Yondan is the introduction into instructors level. Currently, Dai Shihan Febres is the only one authorized to issue Menkyo license. Those testing for Yondan and Menkyo, have to be evaluated by Dai Shihan Febres. All promotions of Rokudan and above must be approved by Dai Shihan before they are issued.

Other Titles
Kaiden Shihan - Master of full knowledge. This title may be awarded to a Shihan who holds a Menkyo Kaiden (License of Full Transmission). Saiko Shihan Head Shihan. This title is not normally used in our Ryu, but it refers to a leader among masters. OSensei Great Teacher. Highly regarded or respected teacher. This is an honorific title spoken in reference of those held in high esteem. In the case of our Ryu, this title is used to refer to Dai Shihan Carlos Febres. Dai Sensei Head Instructor. This is also an honorific title which can be used in reference to the head of the Kai or division head.