SBIF Grading and Rank Structure

SBIF USA degree examinations (2019)

In Seibukan Budo – International Seibukan Budo Federation [SBIF], the scheduling and organization of examinations is carried out through the country’s official structure (Branch Country), in accordance with the procedures established by SBIF.

The selection and preparation of candidates is generally based on criteria inherent to martial arts training: time devoted to study and practice, attendance and continuity, technical progression, and attitude (discipline, respect, and commitment). The examination is regarded as a relevant part of the training process, within the technical and administrative framework of SBIF. Ranks are never awarded as a reward or as encouragement, and they are valid only as long as students remain active members of Seibukan Budo [SBIF].

The purpose of the examination is to assess the practitioner’s level at a given time, providing an objective reference of their development and establishing guidance for their continued practice of the martial art.

Examination Board

In accordance with SBIF organizational regulations, each country must have a duly constituted examination board, responsible for coordinating and supervising examinations. This board is composed of a Chief Examiner and two examiners, and it supervises examinations convened by the country’s management (Branch Director) at least once per year.

Likewise, each Branch Country is authorized to hold examinations (as well as congresses, seminars, and demonstrations), preferably under the guidance of the SBIF structure.

SBIF keikogi

Ranks and Belts

SBIF certifies a practitioner’s progress through a ranking system (a structured pathway of learning and evaluation). The details regarding belt usage may vary depending on the dojo/club and the martial section, while the official certification from 1st dan onward is governed by the procedures and requirements established by SBIF.

SBIF uses the system of colored belts (white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, black, white-and-red, red) and “dan” ranks (from 1st dan to 10th dan) originally conceived for Judo by Master Jigoro Kano and later adopted by other martial arts.

In the case of practitioners who have passed the examination in Yoseikan style Aikido or Jujutsu, the belt features a red stripe along its center (Mochizuki Minoru, founder of the Yoseikan school, introduced this feature in the 1950s to distinguish members certified by his school).

The training uniform is called a keikogi (not a kimono). The keikogi used for Nihon Taijutsu and Nihon Jujutsu is the “rice-grain weave” type, in white or black. In Aikido, the uniform is also white, and a black hakama is worn. In the practice of Nihon Kobudō, the uniform color is white (Aikijujutsu), black (Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu), and indigo blue (Jojutsu).