Here is something I love about the Bujinkan:

Last night after class we were all lined up to bow out. Our sensei, Dale, had a few announcements and whatnot. Finally he said there were a few promotions. “Issac, sho-dan.” This means that Issac has just been promoted to black belt. Just like that! No long formal test. Yay! We all applauded.

Then I was finally delivered of my white belt and given the rank of 9th kyu, which is the first of nine green belt ranks. Woo hoo! I bowed and smiled.

Then Brian and Nick were both promoted to san-dan, which is the third black belt. CONGRATULATIONS BRIAN AND NICK! Heh. It was a nice way to end class.

I just love how in our dojo these rewards come when the time is right and without fanfare or pressure.

Because there is a test for fifth black belt, and it has more fanfare and pressure than any other. You are tested by Hatsumi (or in his presence), the grandmaster of the Bujinkan, in Japan. You must kneel facing away from sensei, and you must roll out of the way as he brings the shinai down toward your head.

In Tokyo we watched more than thirty people take this test and only five passed.