General overview of grades
This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.
6th Kyu – Rokkyu
Basic stance, Ukemi breakfalls, body wave movement (Onde), and parries.
Comprehensive martial system created by Minoru Mochizuki in 1931 in Shizuoka.
5th Kyu – Gokyu
Ate-waza striking (punches/kicks), Ikkyo/Nikyo wrist locks, and Judo throws.
Synthesizing Karate striking, Judo throws, and Aikido locks in one flow.
4th Kyu – Yonkyu
Sutemi-waza sacrifice throws, chokes, armbars, and Mochizuki staff drills.
Utilizing full-body wave energy to sacrifice balance and throw the opponent.
3rd Kyu – Sankyu
Mochizuki-ryu Iaijutsu sword forms, knife disarms, and full Randori sparring.
Integrating Katori Shinto-ryu swordplay with unarmed Yoseikan Aikido.
2nd Kyu – Nikyu
Jiyuwaza multiple attacker defense, throw counters, and weapon sparring.
High adaptability to any form of attack regardless of distance.
1st Kyu – Ikkyu
Pre-master rank. Complete Yoseikan Budo Kata mastery and Shodan exam prep.
Pre-master maturity across all 4 core pillars of Yoseikan Budo.
1st Dan – Shodan
Full master rank. Official instructor certified by Yoseikan World Federation.
Shodan = Black belt confirming mastery of Minoru Mochizuki's synthesis.
2nd Dan – Nidan
Full-speed applied techniques, examination judging, and dojo leadership.
Deepening dynamic power in realistic self-defense application.
3rd Dan – Sandan
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Riot Squad training & high tactical coordination.
Sandan = Instructor with certified riot police training background.
4th Dan – Yondan
Senior teacher rank. Directing regional associations and international seminars.
Mastery maturity in technique and philosophy of Mochizuki.
5th Dan – Godan (Shihan)
Senior Shihan title. Training national instructors and WYMO representation.
Shihan = Living guarantor of Hiroo Mochizuki's Yoseikan Budo synthesis.
