Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Australian Shibu

DNBK Information and Application Forms

Click here to book your place in the
2026 Australian Shibu Taikai on 3rd October

While great effort has been put into the creation of this document, it is NOT the official policy of DNBK Honbu or DNBK ID USA. Rather, it is a collection of my personal journey, research, and study with DNBK. This is my best effort to address the questions that have dwelled in my mind—and likely in the minds of many of you. My goal is simply to help guide members, support you in achieving what you want from DNBK, and help us all grow together as martial artists.

Kevin Walsh

Why are there four different types of DNBK certification?

DNBK awards four types of certification: Rank certification, Dojo membership, Dojo titles, and Shōgō titles. The first two are easy to understand:

Rank Certification: Students require rank certification so they can demonstrate their progress and feel a sense of achievement.
Dojo Membership: Registering your dojo with DNBK is proof that you are aligned with a reputable organisation with roots in Japan.

Dojo and Shōgō titles require a bit more explanation, but once understood, they make perfect sense: Dojo titles are akin to job titles. In a dojo, you might have Senpai, Sensei, Shidoin, Shihan, and So-Shihan (if there are multiple locations). Those who teach there hold those titles. If the dojo closes, those positions no longer exist. It is just like a job title in a company (e.g., Manager, Department Head, CEO)—they describe what you do in a specific building or organisation, so the title disappears when you leave that role. Conversely, Shōgō titles are not tied to where you teach. They are formal qualifications conferred by an official governing authority, much like an academic degree from a university. A Shōgō title belongs to you personally and is recognised worldwide, regardless of what dojo you step into.

Types of Certification

These are the different types of titles used in Japanese martial arts (these are general guidelines and can vary between dojos):

Rank Certification (Shodan – Judan)
These are used to measure what a student knows. Certifications of Kyudan and Judan are awarded only in very exceptional circumstances.
Dojo Titles
These are titles used in the dojo to designate the hierarchy within the dojo. These are:
- Shidōin – Leading Instructor / Licensed Instructor
  - Authorised as a fully qualified, intermediate-level teacher.
  - Entrusted to lead general classes or direct a branch dojo independently.
  - Serves as an active bridge between senior master instructors and student practitioners.
  - Sandan or Yondan
- Shihan-Dai – Deputy master instructor of the dojo
  - Acts as the primary assistant or second-in-command to a full Shihan.
  - Authorised to lead senior training, manage branch locations, and step in as acting head instructor when the Shihan is absent.
  - Represents a senior candidate standing on the threshold of master instructor status.
  - Yondan or Godan
- Shihan – Master instructor / Teacher of Teachers
  - Holds full technical and instructional authority within a dojo or regional organisation.
  - Mentors, trains, and certifies lower-level instructors (such as Shidōin).
  - Authorised to evaluate students and award Dan ranks within organisational guidelines.
  - Embodies the standards, culture, and technical integrity of the style.
  - Godan and above
- So-Shihan – Master
  - Serves as the supreme technical authority over an entire multi-dojo organisation, federation, or style syllabus.
  - Oversees all other Shihan and Shidōin across all branch locations.
  - Responsible for preserving the lineage, approving core curriculum changes, and issuing highest-level teaching authorisations.
  - Shichidan or above.
Shōgō Titles (Title of Honour)
DNBK created these titles and was permitted by the Japanese Government to award them. Unlike Dan ranks (Yūdansha), which measure raw technical proficiency, Shōgō titles evaluate a teacher’s leadership, personal character, teaching contribution, and long-term dedication to the art.
- Renshi – Polished / Tempered Instructor
  - Demonstrated mastery of fundamental techniques and teaching methods.
  - Refined personal character, self-discipline, and mental fortitude.
  - Proven leadership within a local dojo or martial arts organisation.
  - Godan
- Kyoshi – Advanced Teacher / Master / Professor
- Hanshi – Model Master / Exemplary Teacher
Dojo Certification Dojo leaders certified by DNBK can have their dojo registered in Japan.

What is the examination process for Rank and Titles?

The examination process for rank and title is the same. This examination has been derived from my experiences of witnessing and being examined many times by the President of DNBK and panels of Japanese Sensei since 2004. The examinations have varied, but they always put the candidates under pressure. I have tried to stay true to the spirit of DNBK with this examination process.

There are many different styles of Aikido, Karatedo and Jujutsu, so it is not possible to examine each style in depth. You can, however, examine the effectiveness of their presentation of the style — which is what this examination attempts to do. This is done by implementing “pressure tests”. A treasured Japanese saying is, “Ichi-go ichi-e”, which means “One meeting, one chance”. The same is true of a fight: you only get one chance.

The examination duration is approximately 10 minutes and consists of two tests.

Waza (Technique) — Demonstration of your art
This test will be timed to 4-5 minutes. You need to condense and showcase your art within this time limit. Be careful to stay within the time limit; going outside the limit will negatively impact your overall grading regardless of the quality of the demonstration. All demonstrations in Japan are time-limited. Being able to distil your art and ability into 4-5 minutes is a test within itself.
Goshin-Jutsu (Self-defence)
- Jujutsu: Tanto defence from Seiza.
- Karatedo: Tanto defence from Shizentai.
- Aikido: Tanto defence from Shizentai.

Seiza
Kneeling on the floor with the tops of the feet flat on the mat. Keep your spine upright and back straight, with shoulders relaxed. Rest your hands flat on your thighs.
Shizentai
Standing upright in a relaxed, balanced and unforced stance. A state of natural readiness without physical tension or rigid preparation.

This test consists of multiple attacks each lasting about 30 seconds. The attack style will vary depending on the Rank/Title being attempted. The attacker could come from the front, back or side; could have one knife or two; could be two attackers. It is imperative to use techniques that demonstrate your chosen art during the self-defence segment. For example, when examining Karatedo or Aikido, do not use grappling techniques as you are trying to showcase your skill in Karatedo, not Judo or Jujutsu. You are not expected to win all rounds – perhaps no rounds. This can be dependent on the Uke you are against. What is expected is courage, strategy, techniques attempted and intestinal fortitude to persist. It is also important to realise that it is NOT a life and death battle, so care MUST be taken to not injure the Uke. Lack of control will fail.

This test is designed to highlight “Heroic Courage”, one of the defining principles of Bushido as defined by Nitobe Inazō in his book “BUSHIDO: The Soul of Japan”. It was first published in 1900 and is still in print today.

Heroic Courage (勇, yū) – A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is perilous. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.

Nitobe Inazō

Primary points relating to the examination

Techniques not representing art
For example, Osae Waza (Grappling) is not considered to be within the realm of Karatedo.
Mostly defensive
As the Tanto attacks are about 30sec in duration, there is no time to move away from the attacker to look for weakness or analyse the attack. You need to act quickly but not without thought. You need to have the courage to trust your years of training will prevail. You will find the opening in the heat of battle!
Little strategy
Being courageous does not mean blindly attacking; “heroic courage is intelligent and strong”. A common error is, “Repeatedly trying the same strategy and expecting a different result.”
Few varied techniques
You should try to vary the techniques you use. This will showcase the depth of your knowledge. You may win five rounds, but you may only show one technique. Winning is not the primary objective of the examination.
Not complete section
This examination is designed to put the candidates under physical and mental pressure. Do not cave into the mental pressure and quit before the section is complete (unless you are injured).
Lack of control
If the panel feels your techniques are dangerous or you use excessive force, the test will be terminated. You may or may not receive a warning before the test is terminated. This will result in failure.

Practice for Pressure Test
I will be running a session at the Australian Shibu Taikai in October for members attempting certification. We will cover both the standing and kneeling variations.

Eligibility and Conditions

It is common for members to receive a rank below their current dojo rank for their first certification.
DNBK membership for a minimum of 1 year.
There are NO certifications below Shodan.
Testing for Shodan to Rokudan is available via the process outlined above. Grade levels above Rokudan have additional requirements.
The minimum time between grading is to be equal to the current grade level.
e.g. attempting 5th Dan, 4 years since 4th Dan.

Notes for members that are NOT the head of their dojo

Certification will not exceed the current certification awarded by their dojo.
Member MUST have permission from their Sensei.
Complete “Applicant Form” only.

Notes for members that ARE the head of their dojo

Testing is available to one level above their current grade.
Complete “Dojo Leader Form” and “Applicant Form”.

General Information

Certification requests from the Australian Representative are forwarded to Japan, translated into Japanese and submitted to the Honbu Board of Directors for approval. If approved, the time duration to receive a certificate from Japan can be between 3 – 9 months (depending upon the meeting schedule of the Honbu board).
The fee must be submitted with the application.
The fee is refunded (minus bank fees) if the member does not pass the examination.

Rank & Title Fees

All DNBK fees are in US$ and are current for the year 2026; please factor this in when calculating costs. Make sure you use a bank’s exchange rate, not an exchange rate program. There are also fees for bank transfers. The market exchange rates can be volatile. If we agree to forward your application to DNBK for further ratification, we will send you an invoice for the Rank/Title in Australian dollars that will include any additional fees.

DNBK Rank Fees

Shodan	Nidan	Sandan	Yondan	Godan
US$100	US$120	US$140	US$220	US$270
Rokudan	Shichidan	Hachidan	Kyudan	Judan
US$400	US$700	US$1,000	US$2,000	N/A

DNBK Dojo Title Fees

Shidoin	Shihan-Dai	Shihan	So-Shihan
US$245	US$400	US$500	US$700

DNBK Shōgō Title Fees

Renshi	Kyoshi	Hanshi-Ho	Hanshi
US$500	US$700	US$900	US$1,800 (Deduct US$900 if Hanshi-Ho)

A small note about Hanshi-Ho
There is some confusion about a rank with the suffix of “Ho” (補). The common Western thought is that it means “Probationary”. This implies you will receive the grade after a period of time or that it may be taken away with improper behaviour. Japanese budō teachers often prefer “candidate” because it better matches the cultural meaning: “someone who has entered the formal pathway toward the rank but has not yet received it.” Thus, from a Japanese budō cultural perspective, the term for Hanshi-Ho means “Candidate for Hanshi”. This makes much more sense than “Probationary Hanshi”.

Application Forms

NOTE: Please read the Rank & Title Application section carefully

Rank & Title Application (Green buttons):
This application is in two parts. One form for the Dojo Leader to formally recommend the applicant. The other form is for the applicant to provide their grading history and profile.

Dojo Membership Form (Blue Button):
This formally requests DNBK accept the applicant’s dojo as an official DNBK dojo.

New Member Form (Red Button):
The new member can be either a member of your dojo or a fellow martial artist from another dojo. At the beginning of the form, you must read the requirements for DNBK membership. It is essential to have a good understanding of DNBK requirements before inviting members to join.