After completing the Kyu (Coloured) Belt System, the dedicated student must now commence training on the most difficult of paths, the Black Belt.

In order to qualify for First Dan (Shodan) Black Belt the student must overcome a number of hurdles: 

First   The student must have completed a minimum of one years training at Brown Belt (minimum of 3 years total), and must have attended their Club for training at least 48 times since their last Grading.

Second  Each practitioner must pass a Level 5 Weapons Kata Assessment, on the basic 5 weapons in the Jikishin Ju Jitsu Style (Nun Chaku, Sai, Bo, Tonfa, and Katana).

Third; the student must revise and study the Kyu (Coloured Belt) Grade work completed so far.  The student will have to successfully pass an Pre-Grading examination showing that he or she has learned and mastered all of the Kyu Grade (Coloured Belt) techniques.

Fourth; the Student must pass an Anatomy Examination – this is a written test with both multiple choice and open questions.

Finally: the student must complete the Shodan Black Belt Syllabus, in an examination by senior members of the Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association, and overseen by a British Ju Jitsu Association Grading Officer.

For all subsequent grades of Black Belt, a similar regime is in place.  In all cases the student must pass further Grades in Weapons, Anatomy, and minimum time periods between the grades are in place for each grade.  In addition the Black Belt must show that they have contributed something to the Association during the period since their last grading.

The minimum study time for a Second Dan is 2 years, Third Dan is 3 years and Fourth Dan is 4 years, and so on.  Up to Fourth Dan, the student will indicate to their Sensei (Instructor) that they have completed the requirements for the next Dan grading, and may request that they are graded at the next opportunity.  Dan Gradings are held twice a year.  To improve from Fourth Dan to Fifth Dan, Grading is by invitation of the head of the Association, and subsequent Gradings beyond Fifth Dan are also by invitation only.