← Back to martial art

General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Koto-ryu Koppojutsu (Knocking Down Tiger School), one of the 9 traditional koryu schools preserved in Bujinkan and Genbukan, specializes in bone-breaking and joint dislocation. Its 5-license structure (Shoden to Menkyo Kaiden) evaluates rapid Koppo-ken knuckle strikes, quick kicks, and cross-stepping evasion.

Shoden Densho (Basic Koppojutsu)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Kamae stances, Koppo-ken knuckle strikes to bone structures.

Symbolism & Meaning

Tiger Knocking Down School from 16th century (Bujinkan/Takamatsu lineage).

Chuden Densho (Middle Transmission)

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Hidden strikes to joint connections, shoulder/wrist dislocations, Yoko Geri kicks.

Symbolism & Meaning

Shifting center of gravity and snapping skeletal frame in a millisecond.

Okuden Densho (Deep Secret Scroll)

Typical gap since previous grade: 36 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Kodachi short sword applications, Metsubushi blinding powders, and emergency escapes.

Symbolism & Meaning

Uncompromising Ninjutsu and Taijutsu survival methods from Iga province.

Menkyo (Teaching License)

Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Complete mastery of the full Koto-ryu Densho scroll & instructing advanced students.

Symbolism & Meaning

Licensure authorizing transmission of traditional Koto-ryu bone breaking.

Menkyo Kaiden (Full Transmission)

免許皆伝Rank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 72 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Highest koryu scroll. Full mastery in Takamatsu/Hatsumi lineage awarded.

Symbolism & Meaning

Menkyo Kaiden = Soke / Grandmaster of the Koto-ryu Koppojutsu tradition.