Here’s the full story to put it in context:

This week, I have received several emails from people in Europe and the USA, concerning the giving of godan tests. Godan tests used to be given exclusively by Hatsumi Sensei, until a few years ago, when he had 15th dans giving the tests under his direct supervision. There were a few exceptions, where 15th dans received special permission to give tests. At that time, it was usually insisted by Sensei that a video was taken of the test to show him.

Those who contacted me had noticed that people were advertising seminars, saying that they had received permission to give tests. They asked me to help them understand what's going on. People’s concerns ranged from “Can I give tests too?” to “Am I EXPECTED to give tests too?” Some voiced concerns that the godan test that used to be the exclusive privilege of the Soke, is a ‘treasure’ of the Bujinkan, and that if it becomes too open, it may lose its value. The fear is that it may finish up as nothing but a ‘marketing tool’. I have to admit that I share these concerns myself.

I was not even sure about the situation myself....so… this morning, before going to Hatsumi Sensei’s training at the Honbu Dōjō, I put all this down on paper (in Japanese) and faxed it to Sōke. I’ve found that this is a good way to communicate with him, as he can read it and mull on it for a while. Then he usually discusses the matter with me at the dojo. I was sure to explain in detail about people’s confusions, doubts and concerns.

I didn’t make eye contact with him until he walked by me to bow in, at which point, he said “Thank you!... Thank you for the fax!” He didn’t mention it again until after bowing out. After bowing out, he said to everyone (with me translating), “Concerning godan tests… When giving the godan test, it is important to have at least three 15th dans present when testing (one giving the test, 2 judging). It is up to those 15th dans to make sure that the person receiving the test is physically and mentally up to taking the test, and that he/she is already a 4th dan.”

That wasn’t quite enough for me, so afterwards, I asked him to clarify things. We had a nice little chat about it standing in the dojo. I asked, “So basically, any 15th dan can test if they have 2 others present?” “Yes… as long as they let me know first!” was his response. He stressed again the responsibility that people are accepting if administering these tests. They must make sure that they thoroughly vet the person taking the test. They must know about how long the person has trained for, and under whom. He suggested they actually receive a written ‘budō-reki’ (a written record of the person’s martial arts history, including other arts studied… their teachers, etc.). That budō-reki should be part of judging if a person is qualified to even take the test. They should also physically SEE proof that the person holds a 4th dan.

I told him of my own concerns that this will become nothing but a marketing tool for some people. He agreed, but he said that now was the time when he can see if people have matured to the level he hopes they have. “If they mess up…”, he joked, “they’ll have to come to me and be re-tested by me!” He accepts that there is a ‘risk’ to this trust he is placing in people, but that it is a risk that is important for the growth of the Bujinkan. He is watching carefully how Bujinkan teachers react to this responsibility.

So, from my talk with Sensei, the following summary may help to understand the situation:

• The 15th dan wishing to administer tests should contact Hatsumi Sensei for permission BEFOREHAND. This can be done by mail, fax, or if a translator is available, by telephone.

• Don’t just accept people ‘at the door’ to take the test. Make some kind of application procedure. They should be able to prove to you that they have a 4th dan, and that they have trained suitably long. “My dog ate my certificate” is not acceptable! If there has been an admin problem preventing them from receiving a certificate, this must be cleared up BEFORE taking the test! Consider this like someone applying for a job. They have to have their résumé accepted to even reach the interview stage. Their budō-reki is their resume! Even to accept some kind of ‘thesis’ might be good too. Just to prove that they have some ‘substance’ to their budō-reki. (Personally, I will not be involved in any godan testing unless I physically see an ORIGINAL 4th dan certificate… I have seen too many fraudulent copies and doctored photos while helping out at the Honbu).

• Part of the ‘vetting’ process is to know that the person is healthy… physically AND mentally!!!

• After a person passes, full details should be immediately sent to the Honbu. Date and place of the test… names and signatures of the tester and judges, together with full details and photograph of the new 5th dan. This will be their record from then on, so their budō-reki might be a good thing to include too. In my opinion, the old idea of videoing the test and sending a DVD for the records might be a good way too. It can’t do any harm, eh?

• Being able to give 5th dan tests should be considered a privilege and an honour! The test is the most important step in our Bujinkan training, when we become a personal student of Sōke. It should be treated with a special dignity… not just as a tool for marketing a seminar or individual. We should make a special effort to prove to Sōke that his trust in us was justified!