RANK REQUIREMENTS MATRIX AFTER SHODAN

Refer to the "Adult Rank Requirements Matrix Through Shodan" for proficiency maintenance through the subsequent dan ranks. Proficiency in all previously taught techniques will have to improve over time, and will be tested thoroughly with each rank promotion.

Mr. Cook will personally test individuals considered for the ranks nidan and above; subordinate instructors will not be authorized to test/promote their students above shodan. Any Wabujitsu rank certificate above shodan will not be valid without my authenticating signature.

The following are general minimum time in grade requirements for promotion to nidan through godan:

Nidan: 2 years as shodan

Sandan: 2 years as nidan

Yondan: 3 years as sandan

Godan: 4 years as yondan.

Mr. Cook will remain flexible concerning the above minimum time in grade requirements. If a student demonstrates exceptional accomplishments Mr. Cook may decide to test sooner than normal; the opposite is true as well. The above is listed only as a general guideline.

DAN REQUIREMENTS

The practitioner will be required to demonstrate the applied principles of all basic techniques in the eleven waza categories listed in the "Adult Rank Requirements Matrix Through Shodan." The minimum requirement will be a certain number of realistically demonstrated applied techniques utilizing each basic technique in each waza category. Applications and basic techniques may be mixed in each demonstrated series. The number of applied techniques will depend on what rank the practitioner is being tested for.

For nidan: Three realistically demonstrated applied techniques utilizing each technique in each waza category. One uke/nage attacking. Incorporate 5 defenses against an attacker armed with a knife, 5 defenses against an attacker armed with a stick/club into your routine. For sandan: Four realistically demonstrated applied techniques utilizing each technique in each waza category. One uke/nage attacking. Incorporate 6 defenses against an attacker armed with a knife, 6 defenses against an attacker armed with a stick/club into your routine.

For yondan: Five realistically demonstrated applied techniques utilizing each technique in each waza category. Two uke/nage attacking. Incorporate 8 defenses against an attacker armed with a knife, 8 defenses against an attacker armed with a stick/club into your routine.

For godan: Six realistically demonstrated applied techniques utilizing each technique in each waza category. Two uke/nage attacking. Incorporate 10 defenses against an attacker armed with a knife, 10 defenses against an attacker armed with a stick/club into your routine.

During testing, the practitioner will be expected to explain on demand the principles at work in any given series and the subtle "unseen" components that are integral to the successful application of the techniques.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

* Become CaneMaster-qualified by Master Mark Shuey at nidan level, before advancement to higher rank.

* KATA: Nidan - Empi Sho, Bassai Dai; Sandan - Naihanchi, Jion; Yondan - Kusanku; Godan - Sai form #1, Sword form #1, cane form of your own design.

* Become marksmanship qualified at yondan level by completing an NRA firearms safety course, presenting a DD Form 214 showing marksmanship qualification, or providing documentation of law enforcement/armed security certification.

These are minimum requirements, and this is a "working document" - requirements may change as procedures evolve. Individual circumstances of the practitioner will be taken into account before testing. Other requirements at testing could include jiyu kumite/randori with other practitioners. And as always, practitioners are being tested every day they step into the dojo, and are judged by their actions outside the dojo. Nobody will be tested who has not earned the right to be tested.