DSI Ranks and Requirements

The following lists the basic requirements for attaining rank in the art of Torite-jutsu

Please remember that, except in unusual circumstances, the first three black belt ranks are considered to be "introductory" in nature. As such, the student is taught beginning level techniques and theory and is expected to expand upon them as they rise through the individual ranks. Within the DSI ranking structure, the instructor certification licenses are the benchmark of advanced ability and knowledge.

Consideration will be given to those that have prior training and experience at the time of testing.

COMING SOON

RANK REQUIREMENTS Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Programs
TO EARN YOUR DSI BLACK BELT!

Shodan Rank Requirements
First Degree Black Belt

The following are the basic requirements for attaining Shodan or First Degree Black Belt.

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be at least a Shodan (1st degree black) in another art (not self promoted)
Must be a member of the Dragon Society for a minimum of 1 year.
Must demonstrate the 50 Torite-jutsu core techniques as on the DSI 50 Techniques DVD (right & left side).
Must demonstrate at least 4 "players to the game" as applied to the individual techniques.
Breakdown (bunkai or analysis) one kata or form from the applicant's own system, showing at least one breakdown for each kata move.

Nidan Rank Requirements

Second Degree Black Belt

The following are the basic requirements for attaining Nidan or Second Degree Black Belt.

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must be at least a Nidan (2nd degree black) in another art (notself promoted).Must be a member of the Dragon Society for a minimum of 2 years.
Must demonstrate the 50 Torite-jutsu core techniques - 2 variations for each as on the DSI 50 Techniques DVD (right & left side).
Should show distinct improvement of form and technique from Shodan testing.
Must demonstrate at least 6 "players to the game" as applied tothe individual techniques.
Should be able to explain the points used in the techniques as well as the basic theory and principles behind the techniques and variations (from a MWM & TCM perspective).
Breakdown (bunkai or analysis) one kata or form from the applicant's own system, showing at least two breakdowns for each kata move. This should be a different kata than the one used when testing for Shodan.

Sandan Rank Requirements

Third Degree Black Belt

The following are the basic requirements for attaining Sandan or Third Degree Black Belt.

Must be at least 24 years of age.
Must be at least a Sandan (3rd degree black) in another art (not self promoted).
Must be a member of the Dragon Society for a minimum of 3 years.
Must demonstrate the 50 Torite-jutsu core techniques - 3 variations for each as on the DSI 50 Techniques DVD (right & left side).
Should show distinct improvement of form and technique from Nidan testing.
Must demonstrate at least 10 "players to the game" as applied to the individual techniques.
Should be able to explain the points used in the techniques as well as the advanced theory and principles behind the techniques and variations (from a MWM & TCM perspective).
At this point, the applicant should be able to demonstrate advanced level of movement in regards to flow" in the techniques.
Applicant should be able to field questions in regards to theory and principle from the testing board.
Breakdown (bunkai or analysis) one kata or form from the applicant's own system, showing at least three breakdowns for each kata move. This should be a different kata than the one used when testing for Shodan or Nidan.

All applicants and DSI members should be aware of the following:

All compliance with the list of requirements is the digression of Professors Muncy and Moneymaker. If you have a valid reason to waive any of the requirements, please contact one or both of them.
All black belt rankings in Torite-jutsu are separate from Instructor Certifications.
If you wish to also test for an instructor ranking, you must make separate arrangements with Professors Muncy and Moneymaker.
All test fees and membership dues must be paid in full and be current prior to testing.
Anyone wishing to test for Yondan (4th degree black) or higher should contact either Mr. Muncy or Mr. Moneymaker directly to discuss requirements and/or arrangements.

While Professors Muncy and Moneymaker are the only people who can bestow an Instructor Certification ranking, any certified DSI yudansha (black belt) holding a minimum of an "Instructor" certification can promote individuals in Torite-jutsu to within one rank of themself. Professors Muncy and Moneymaker's signature will be on each certificate issued. Therefore, it is not necessary to have Professors Muncy and Moneymaker test you directly.

When you decide you are ready to test, it is suggested that you find an Certified Instructor in your area and contact them. Currently, we have qualified individuals in Virginia, Texas, Arizona, New Zealand and Australia. It is recommended that you have a video tape of yourself performing the requirements necessary for the rank you wish to test for that you can send to them for review before making arrangements to get with them in person.

Getting the approval for testing does NOT guarantee that you will pass the test. It is simply an indication that given a review of your skills that you have the possibility of passing. All test fees are nonrefundable. If there is any doubt in your mind as to whether or not you are ready to test, then you are probably not ready.

DSI Instructor Certifications

This is a specialized field of study and utilizes the sciences and concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it applies to life-protection techniques. Only dan gradings will be issued. Black Belt rank and Instructor Certifications are separate acknowledgments. A person may attain, for example, the rank of 5th degree black belt yet posses only an Associate Instructor certification or none at all.

In order to receive rank and/or instructor certification in this field, one must posses the minimum of 1st Degree Black Belt or equivalent, a specified level of understanding and an applied expertise of TCM in accordance with DSI standards. Additionally, one must actively participate in DSI seminars, support and promote DSI and its philosophies, be a current member and study directly under a DSI senior, or higher, level instructor. A Board of Examiners will review each eligible applicant, alleviating any political or impartial bias. Following is the list of instructor certification titles and a brief narrative.

Associate Instructor

Basic understanding and applied knowledge of TCM and related sciencesActive member of DSI for a minimum of 2 years
Actively assists and/or conducts classes/seminars on this field
Minimum 21 years of age
Minimum rank of 1st Black or equivalent (must not be self-promoted or affiliated)
Trains directly under a Senior level instructor or higher
Minimum 5 years martial arts training
Must be sponsored by a DSI Senior level instructor or higher other than personal instructor
Complete any written, oral and/or physical demonstration, etc. as specified by DSI

Instructor

Complete understanding and application of TCM and related science
Active member of DSI for a minimum of 2 years Actively assists and/or conducts classes and/or seminars on this field
Minimum 25 years of age
Minimum rank of 3rd Black or equivalent (must not be self-promoted or affiliated)
Trains directly under a Senior level instructor or higher
Minimum 10 years martial arts training
Must be sponsored by a DSI Senior level instructor or higher other than personal instructor
Complete any written, oral and/or physical demonstrations, etc. as specified by DSI

Senior Instructor

Advanced understanding and application of TCM and related sciences
Active member of DSI for a minimum of 3-5 years
Actively assists and/or conducts classes and/or seminars on this field
Contributes to the growth of DSI, attends DSI national conventions
Minimum 30 years of age
Minimum rank of 4th Black or equivalent (must not be self-promoted or affiliated)
Minimum 15 years martial arts training
Ability to apply to other systems
Trains directly under a Master level instructor or higher
Must be sponsored by a DSI Master level instructor or higher other than personal instructor
Complete any written, oral and/or physical demonstrations, etc. as specified by DSI

Master Instructor

Advanced understanding and application of TCM and related sciences
Active member of DSI for a minimum of 5 years
Actively assists and/or conducts classes and/or seminars on this field
Contributes to the growth of DSI, attends DSI national conventions
Minimum 35 years of age
Minimum rank of 5th Black or equivalent (must not be self-promoted or affiliated)
Minimum 15-20 years martial arts training
Ability to apply to other systems
Trains directly under a Professor level instructor or higher
Must be sponsored by a DSI Professor level instructor or higher other than personal instructor
Complete any written, oral and/or physical demonstrations, etc. as specified by DSI

Professor

Superior understanding and application of TCM and related sciences
Active member of DSI for a minimum of 5 years or more
Actively assists and/or conducts classes and/or seminars on this field
Contributes to the growth of DSI, attends DSI national conventions
Minimum 40 years of age
Minimum rank of 7th Black or equivalent (must not be self-promoted or affiliated)
Minimum 20-25 years martial arts training
Ability to apply to other systems
Trains directly under a Professor level instructor or higher
Must be sponsored by a DSI Professor level instructor or higher other than their personal instructor
Complete any written, oral and/or physical demonstrations, etc. as specified by DSI
Authored papers, magazine articles, produced video tapes, etc.

The more advanced instructor will be required to posses the ability to better define the intricate sciences, principles and concepts of TCM as they relate to the martial arts. These principles will include, but are not limited to;

Yin & Yang - Law of Complimentary Opposites
Meridians and Related Channel Systems
Acu-Points Functions and Indications
Five Element Theory - Laws of Nature
Organ/Bowel System and Inter-Connective Relationships
Qi/Energy Flow
Quadrant Theory
Mechanics - Muscle (tendons) and Bone (cartilage and ligaments) alignment
Western Anatomy and Physiology
Inherent Natures - Physiological and Psychological responses (imbalances) to external stimuli
Energy (Qi) Transference

These sciences are presented as basic models and guidelines. Just as Torite-jutsu is a specialized field of study all to itself, so are each of the above topics. The complete lists of requirements will be available in the very near future. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to any of the information, please feel free to contact Mr. Moneymaker.