Rank in Miyama Ryu is not an entitlement; it is an acknowledgement from instructor to student. It can not be bought regardless of dojo dues paid. The Ryu establishes technical guidelines for the instructors to determine how to acknowledge the student's technical ability, effort and maturity level.
These promotion requirements are guidelines for instructors, and subject to the instructor's evaluation of the student. They signify the minimum requirements, which must be met for any student to hold the particular rank. The student may request but has no right to be graded.
The Miyama Ryu uses the Kyu grading system for the Mudansha (non Black Belt ranks) include white (7 th kyu), orange (6th kyu), yellow (5th Kyu), green (4th Kyu) and brown (3,2,1st Kyu) and the Menkyo ranking system for the Yudansha (Black Belt Ranks).
The Menkyo ranking system was a classical ranking system for Japanese Koryu. For a complete listing of test requirements link to our Miyama Ryu Promotion Requirements.
The Miyama Ryu uses five (5) ranks from this classical era, rather than the more modern "Dan" system.
The first graded rank of Miyama Ryu. The bearer wears a black belt and is recognized as having practiced the basics of the system. The minimum time required to reach this level is two and a half active years in the Ryu. This rank is equivalent to the 1st and 2nd degree belts of Judo.
The bearer wears a black belt and is recognized as an experienced fighter and assistant instructor. The minimum time required to reach this level is four years after Okuiri or six and a half years in the Ryu. This rank is equivalent to 3rd and 4th degree belts of Judo.
The bearer wears a black and white belt (with black ends). He is considered a skilled technician and seasoned warrior. This is the teacher's rank and the Menkyos are addressed as Sensei (teacher).
The minimum time required to reach this level is five years after Mokuroku or eleven and a half years active in the Ryu. This rank is equivalent to 5th, 6th and 7th degree of Judo. This rank can only be awarded by a Dai-Shihan.
The bearer wears a red and white belt (with red on top). He is considered a master technician and seasoned warrior. He is also considered a seasoned teacher and capable leader within the Ryu. Kaidens are addressed as Shihan. The minimum time required to reach this level is seven years since the rank of Menkyo or eighteen and a half years active in the Ryu. This rank is equivalent to the 8th degree black belt in Judo. This rank can only be awarded by a Dai-Shihan.
These are the Headmasters of the Ryu. The bearer wears a red belt with a gold stripe running through. The original Dai-Shihans were appointed by the Shinan (Founder) to be the senior administrative ranks in the Ryu. They are the living tradition of the Ryu.
Their charge from Shinan is to keep the Miyama Ryu alive. In keeping with this tradition any future Dai-Shihan will be appointed by unanimous agreement of the other Dai-Shihan. This rank is equivalent to 9th degree black belt in Judo.
The two Dai-Shihans active in Miyama ryu appointed by Shinan Pereira are Dr. William Duke and D'Arcy Rahming.
The "Founder", Antonio Pereira was the First Headmaster of the Ryu. The Shinan wore a red and black belt with red on top and gold ends. This title is a part of Miyama Ryu history and no future Miyama Ryu practitioner can hold this title. Shinan was the only 10th degree Black Belt of Miyama Ryu.
Shinan awarded this title to his son, Antonio Pereira Jr.
For purposes of grading or organization a Dai-Shihan may form a local or regional Executive Board comprised of his choosing. This board will act in an advisory capacity and has no decision making capacity except that given by the Dai-Shihan who formed it. Each Dai Shihan is his own authority on all matters concerning the Ryu except changes to the core curriculum and appointment of other Dai-Shihans. In these cases the Dai-Shihans in conjunction with the Chairman of the International Executive Board will make the decisions.
An approved instructor is an instructor operating under the auspices of a Dai-Shihan. An approved instructor can be any rank provided a Dai-Shihan has given permission for the classes. Approved Instructors certification should be renewed each year by a Dai-Shihan.
Mudansha - NONE. Arrangement shall be made through a Dai-Shihan.
Okuiri - Up to and including Nikyu (2nd kyu).
Mokuroku - Up to and including Ikkyu (1st kyu).
Menkyo - Up to and including Ikkyu (1st kyu). Additionally a Menkyo may be authorized by a Dai-Shihan to grade up to and including Okuiri. The promotion must be submitted to a Dai-Shihan for signature.
Kaiden - Up to and including Ikkyu. Additionally, a Kaiden may be authorized by a Dai-Shihan to grade up to and including Mokuroku. The promotion must be submitted to a Dai-Shihan for signature.
All grades above Mokuroku must be made in person by a Dai-Shihan. All certificates of the grades (Okuiri through Kaiden) must be signed by a Dai-Shihan or the rank is not a valid Miyama Ryu Rank
In the event of the retirement or death of a Dai-Shihan another Dai-Shihan can be appointed if the remaining Dai-Shihans are in agreement; until this decision is made the Chairman of the International Executive Committee will immediately occupy this position.
Procedures approved by Dai-Shihan D'Arcy Rahming and Dai-Shihan William Duke March 2004