Qualifications

Black belts are are not given out just for turning up, you are expected to train hard, with dedication and self motivation, you are also graded for having a solid future plan for starting and running your own club and not for just wanting a certificate on the wall!

Due to the lack of an actual or real National Martial Art Qualification being available Zen –Shin –Budo -Kai have formulated and authenticated a new Grading and Registration and Certification System.

Existing qualified and approved instructors can apply to become accredited members of the prestigious National Association of Martial Art Instructors. as approved by The National Centre for Martial Arts Training.

New students will be awarded the certification on successful completion of their training. Their achievements will be recorded and verified as proof of their instructor status at Z.S.B.K.

Please note: There are no formally recognised governing bodies for Martial Arts. There are many self imposed, governing bodies, therefore all grades awarded by Zen -Shin -Budo -Kai or any of its branches, are given as a mark of respect and in formal recognition of the student’s ability and skill.

The grades awarded represent the standards required within the Zen -Shin -Budo -Kai system, which maintain the highest standards. These standards may not be recognised elsewhere as each martial art style has its own criteria for grading advancement.

Training Methods

What is FAST TRACK? or WHY YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TRAIN FOR YEARS TO ACHIEVE YOUR INITIAL GOAL!!!!?

The rank system is a 20th Century invention, first introduced by JIGARO KANO, the Father of modern Judo. This system was later adopted by GUNJI KOIZUMI and eventually established as a modern practice by GICHIN FUNIKOSHI, the founder of Shotokan Karate. This was to satisfy the Western need for recognition of exactly where students are on the tuition ladder. Gradings were totally foreign to all genuine martial arts until the start of the 20th Century. There were certificates awarded at various levels, but in classical martial art, the belt is underneath the HAKAMA for example. However, it can take a lifetime using this system to reach any realistic rank. Ranks were initially done on a time scale i.e. you could not be a 5th Dan until you were 35 years of age, 7th Dan until you were 55, 9th Dan until you were 65 and 10th Dan, any length of time after that but at least 80 years old. The final certificate of achievement was MENKYO-KAIDAN, the ultimate attainment.

So, to say that one could achieve 1st Dan Black Belt level is quite realistic on a weekend or weekday course with your chosen instructor, as there is a very, very long way to go after that. 1st Dan, is the barest minimum standard in most martial arts and of little importance in reality. 1st Dan, despite the title, is the lowest on a 1-10 scale, so you should have every expectation of being able to achieve your 1st Dan in your chosen Arts and start that long and lonely path that so many have travelled before you, to your final rank attainment. So, all you need to do, is to dedicate the next 50 years of your life to your chosen art, quite simple really !!!!!.

Zen -Shin -Budo –Kai Training Standards

Ø All students will be welcome. They will be greeted and treated with respect. Every consideration will be given to any special requirements they may need.

Ø We have a structured syllabus for each of the courses and each student will be given this syllabus, on arrival, to study and work through with Sensei during their stay.

Ø We will build on the skills and knowledge that each student arrives with.

Ø We will avoid any exercises or repetitious training that is not necessary for the efficient performance of the discipline i.e. bunny jumping, running barefoot, painting fences, sanding floors, press-ups etc.

Ø We will attempt to develop a rapport, which will enable the student to achieve their chosen goals and maximize their full potential.

Ø We will deliver the training in a mostly hands on method. This will not involve any physical abuse, conditioning, violent or unnecessarily aggressive tuition.

Ø The above training will be backed up with personal mentoring, support and guidance, throughout the training period.

Ø As a follow up to the course we will, if requested, provide back up, support and advise on how and when to start a club with details of premises, insurance, child protection procedures, health and safety procedures, supply of safe and tested equipment as related to becoming an instructor in a club.

Ø You will receive costs on application and no further hidden training costs will be incurred during your training.

Grading Standards

Ø The student will be observed during their period of training.

Ø The student’s progress, absorption and performance of technical skill and knowledge, will be used to assess the level of certification.

Ø Where a student’s expectation is not fully realised, an explanation will be given to the student, together with an action plan for the development of the required skill.

In all cases, please do remember, that you will need to do a minimum of 2 days per subject to get a grading at black belt level. You could do an additional one-day course in preparation for a future grading in another chosen art. On a one-day course you could possibly achieve up to second KYU Blue Belt but not Black Belt rank. All courses are covered by our Martial Art Qualification certification. This qualification will enable you to start instructing on attaining your 1st Dan and will enable you to acquire professional indemnity insurance, which is essential before forming a club.

Our final word on Fast Track is to assure anyone who wants to attain a recognised grade, that we give our utmost personal attention to detail and to the unique needs of each individual student. We have found that many of our students are experienced Martial Artists and have been training unrecognised for years by the enforced Western grading system.

We remind you that you can return within the year for further gradings.