The syllabus has 7 kyu grades with each grade introducing a variety of new techniques and difficulty. Defences to attacks start at beginner level with simple to learn wrist and lapel grabs. As students progress through the grades, the attacks increase in difficulty and range.
The techniques in each syllabus are organised in such a way that each technique is either a progression or alternative to the previous technique, depending on the dynamic, angle or type of the attack. In this way there is an obvious learning progression that helps students understand the principles of each technique rather that learning lists of techniques without context.
Kata's are introduces later in the syllabus with the first kata, tanto dori (knife taking) kata at 3rd kyu. At black belt students are encouraged to perform this with a live blade.
Gradings are bases on performance and can be taken at a 4 month interval if the student trains regularly. 2nd to 1st kyu is a minimum of six months and brown to black is a minimum of one year.
The average time from beginner to black belt including various interruptions is 6 years.
- White Belt 7th Kyu
- Yellow Belt 6th Kyu
- Orange Belt 5th Kyu
- Green Belt 4th Kyu
- Blue Belt 3rd Kyu
- Purple Belt 2nd Kyu
- Brown Belt 1st Kyu
- Shodan (black belt 1st dan)
- Nidan
- Sandan
- Yondan
- Godan
- Complete syllabus