Belts - Grade Requirements - Ninjutsu

The AKBAN belt system consists of five primary levels capped at black belt, with two additional transient states beyond. The black belt (Fifth Level) represents technical mastery and marks the end of the formal test progression and the start of mastery training. AKBAN practitioners typically test for black belt after an average of ten years of consistent training. Some gifted students who also work hard have achieved an AKBAN black belt in six years, some students, who still train, haven't achieved the black belt proficiency even though they have been training for 25, and more, years.

Core Principles

AKBAN's rank structure is based on:

• Technical competence over time-based advancement
• Limited number of ranks. No rank inflation.
• Focus on total skill development rather than a race to certification
• Testing intervals measured in years, not months

Rank System Structure

AKBAN uses five primary rank levels:

• First Level (Yellow Belt): Foundational stances and movement patterns
• Second Level (Orange Belt): Core defensive techniques
• Third Level (Green Belt): Intermediate striking and grappling
• Fourth Level (Blue/Brown Belt): Technical combinations and applications
• Fifth Level (Black Belt/1st Dan): System proficiency and teaching capability

Transient States Beyond Black Belt

Beyond the five permanent rank levels, AKBAN recognizes two transient levels:

Sixth Level Status

• Represents ongoing commitment to the community
• Maintained only through continuous active participation
• Returns to Fifth Level if participation ceases
• Requires regular attendance, mentorship, and community contribution
• Includes application of AKBAN's emotion regulation system

Seventh Level Status

• Recognizes leadership, teaching, and enrichment of the AKBAN community
• Requires active teaching or intellectual contribution through the Think Tank
• Involves continuous advancement and sharing of technical mastery
• Demands exemplary ethical standards in training and beyond
• Includes mentorship, event organization, and clear communication

Testing Standards

Rank examinations measure:

• Trust
• Technical precision
• Tactical application
• Physical conditioning
• Mental focus
• Knowledge of principles

Minimum Time Requirements

Our extended testing intervals ensure depth of skill development:

• First Level: Minimum one year of training
• Second Level: Additional two years
• Third Level: Additional 12-18 months
• Fourth Level: Additional 18-24 months
• Fifth Level (Black Belt): Average 10 years total training time

These timeframes represent minimum requirements, with practitioners sometimes taking longer to develop the necessary proficiency.

Outside Links

For the Hebrew syllabus - קטגוריה:אקבן - בחינות, דרישות דרגה לחגורות וטכניקות נינג'יטסו