Start Your Ninjutsu Black Belt Path
From 9th Kyu to Shodan. Step by step. From home, with my guidance.
START YOUR BLACK BELT PATH
For over 30 years, this Black Belt path has helped students around the world begin and continue authentic Ninjutsu training from home.
THE PROVEN PATH
Why This Black Belt Path Works
⚔ Clear step-by-step progression from beginner to Shodan
⚔ Designed for beginners and experienced martial artists alike
⚔ Train from home while following a proven structure
⚔ Build real skill through guided lessons and rank milestones
⚔ Continue with deeper phases when you're ready
Your Journey Starts at 9th Kyu
New to Martial Arts
Start knowing that you have a strategic, proven system of learning the Ninjutsu path step by step from the beginning.
Experienced Martial Artist
Add authentic Ninjutsu to your skills and earn rank in this very comprehensive art.
Already Training in Ninjutsu
Continue into deeper phases, refine your understanding, and keep progressing through the path.
YOUR PATH...
The Ninjutsu Black Belt Course
Learn Ninjutsu, "the art of the Ninja," that is no longer taught in Japan. Learn Ninpo Taijutsu as it was taught by Bujinkan Soke Hatsumi in the 1980s, and the more modern Budo Taijutsu, with step-by-step guidance.
Here is what you will learn, level by level, from beginner to Black Belt.
Easy to learn instruction! How not to get hit • Distancing the attack • Quick counters to any attack • Increasing your awareness • Conditioning your body • Personal power • Punching • Kicking • Exotic weapon training • Stealth • Postures • Grappling • Rolling • Meditation • Inner power • Sword • Shinobi Iri • Throws • Submission • Chokes • Spiritual refinement and much, much more!
LEVEL 1 | WHITE TO YELLOW BELT
9th Kyu
Building your foundation. Learn the proper Ninjutsu bowing-in procedures, how to tie your belt, how to warm up and stretch before training. You learn the basic standing postures of Seiza, Hira & Ichimonji no kamae. This lesson teaches you basic forward & backward rolls and breakfalls (how to go to the ground without getting hurt) as well as the basic punches and kicks of Ninjutsu. Covers how to be out of the way of attacks with proper evasion by using your body effectively.
You'll begin learning the Sanshin no kata, a set of 5 elemental movement forms which teach very important principles of movement and feeling. At 9th Kyu you'll learn the basic Chi or earth feeling form of the Sanshin.
Basic body conditioning, belt tying, bowing, movement basics, natural postures of Shizen, Seiza & Ichimonji, Earth Form, evasion, rolling, basic punching and kicking. 1 hour+
LEVEL 2 | YELLOW BELT
8th Kyu
The focus of this Yellow Belt level is taihenjutsu, or basic falling, leaping & evasion skills. The foundation for all of the more advanced techniques rests upon your ability to move fluidly and go to the ground without fear. You'll work more on your rolling & body movement skills and add the postures of Hoko, Doko & Jumonji no kamae. You'll learn Omote & Ura Gyaku (inside and outside wrist grabs & reversals), Tehodoki (basic wrist escapes) & basic Hanbo (3 ft staff) movements. Continuing the Sanshin no kata you'll learn the Sui or water feeling form.
You will be introduced to the Kihon Happo, the fundamental ways of moving upon which our art and most all of the martial arts are based. From this level on you will need a partner to work out with. Ichimonji no kata is the first movement drill you will learn from the Kihon Happo.
Wrist grabs, locks and escapes, cartwheels, Hanbo, Water form, being a training partner (Uke), blocks, escape from grabs, striking techniques. Jumonji, Hoko and Doko no kamae. 1 hour+
LEVEL 3 | YELLOW BELT
7th Kyu
Emphasis at this Yellow Belt level is on more flowing body movement with less effort. You need to be able to go to the ground effectively and take your partner off balance using your body movement rather than muscle. You will learn side rolls, more advanced back rolls, and standing, forward, backward & sideways breakfalls. The postures of Kosei, Hicho & Ihen no kamae are covered, as well as Shuto (cupped hand) strikes & backward and sideways kicks.
More punching drills, Kihon Happo & the Sanshin forms of Ka (fire) & Fu (wind), as well as the Gyaku Waza (wrist reversals) of Omote Oni Kudaki & Hon Gyaku. Basic tanto (knife) techniques are also covered.
Advanced rolling, breakfalls, kicks, Fire & Wind forms, beginning grappling, understanding knife attacks, posture flow drill, Oni Kudaki. 1 hour
LEVEL 4 | GREEN BELT
6th Kyu
At this Green Belt level you should be able to roll without using your hands, so that you can either pick up a weapon or take down an attacker as you are rolling. This lesson covers how to do this, as well as Shiho Tenchi Tobi (4-way leaping), Shiho Geri (4-way kicking) and Sokoyaku Ken (heel/sole foot dance). You'll learn the last of the Sanshin no kata, the Ku or void feeling form. From the Kihon Happo you'll practice Jumonji no kata & Musha Dori.
The Kusari Fundo, a weighted chain, is the weapon focus (we always use a rope version for safety with a partner). The importance of meditation & diet is briefly covered as well.
Leaping skills, thumb striking, Void form, medium-level grappling, Kusari Fundo, advanced 4-way kicking, meditation, diet, more Kihon Happo. 1 hour
LEVEL 5 | GREEN BELT
5th Kyu
The focus at this Green Belt level is learning the Kihon Happo with efficiency, and knowing the Japanese name for each technique. This level is a major step; accuracy and good body flow are a must. Advanced kicking & punching practiced while going to the ground, and Muto Dori Gata (empty-handed sword evasion forms). You will strike with Boshi Ken (thumb fist) & Shako Ken (claw fist) and kick with Kakushi Geri & Sampo Geri.
Continuing the Kihon Happo you will learn Hicho no kata (flying bird form) and Ganseki Nage (beginning throwing forms). Basic grappling forms are also covered, and the weapon focus is Shuriken (throwing stars).
Sword evasion, medium-level grappling, body grab escapes, Shuriken, beginning throws (Nage), kicking and punching while falling. 1 hour
LEVEL 6 | GREEN BELT
4th Kyu
At this Green Belt level you need to be proficient at taking your opponent off balance. This training also reviews how important balance is in your training and in your life. You'll also find jumping kicks, jumping & diving rolls, running up surfaces, wrist breaking techniques, leg sweeps & how to counter kicks.
The weapon focus for 4th Kyu is the Rokushaku Bo (6 ft staff); you will learn basic strikes & distancing for this weapon.
Jumping kicks, countering kicks, leg sweeps, wrist breaking, 6 ft Bo (basic and advanced), jumping and diving rolls, flying techniques. 1 hour
LEVEL 7 | GREEN BELT
3rd Kyu
Your attention should now be on your partner's body and the effects your movement and technique have on your partner. This last Green Belt level reviews the importance of this and introduces the sword: how to hold it, 10 different sword kamae (postures), and the basic movements and cuts from each.
Advanced Taisabaki (body evasion) is covered, with specific attention to distancing & timing, as well as advanced Ganseki Nage (throwing forms), power moves & damaging blows to crush your opponent.
10 sword kamae with movement and cutting, Ganseki throws, silent movement, using nature, fist and body harmony, power moves, damaging blows. 1 hour
LEVEL 8 | BROWN BELT
2nd Kyu
This Brown Belt level focuses on advanced falling, leaping and evasion skills: Kuten (front handspring), Noburi kata (climbing trees, buildings, poles) and Suwari gata (kneeling forms), with wrist grabs, reversals, throws and kicks from a kneeling position. You'll learn five new strikes: Shuki ken, Sakki ken, Shishin ken, Happa ken, and Tai ken, the use of the whole body as a fist. Koppo jutsu (bone attacks) and Shime waza go kata (the five strangle holds) are also taught.
Weapon focus is Shuko (hand claws) and Kenjutsu Shinobi Iai, the art of properly drawing a sword. Plus a short discussion on using dreams as insight into your life.
Chokes and strangles, knee and elbow strikes, bone attacks, climbing, sword drawing, fighting from sitting and kneeling, hand claws, dream work. 1 hour
LEVEL 9 | BROWN BELT
1st Kyu
This Brown Belt level covers stealth movement and Gotonpo (body concealment methods using nature to escape). Koshijutsu (organ and muscle attacks) is taught using points on the wrists, arms, shoulders, throat, face, back, chest, legs and more. Advanced throwing variations (henka) of Ura Gyaku, Omote Gyaku, Musha Dori and Ganseki Nage, plus Koshi nage (hip throws), Itami nage (pain throws) and a rare demonstration of Kuki nage, throwing without touching your opponent by using energy and intent only.
Weapon focus is the Kyoketsu Shoge (long rope with a ring on one end and a double-bladed dagger on the other) and how to use Metsubushi (blinding powder).
Stealth, Gotonpo, advanced throws, Koshijutsu, advanced grappling variations, the rare Shoge weapon, Metsubushi. 1 hour
LEVEL 10 | BLACK BELT
Shodan
Knife and gun disarms, how to deal with multiple attackers, Kihon Happo reversing and countering techniques, and natural taijutsu (body movement) with a gun. Breaking body balance, flowing from technique to technique, capturing the essence of the techniques, and getting your life to work for you.
If you have really been practicing, by this level your life should be very different than when you first started. You will be more confident, more relaxed, and generally a happier, more aware, more conscious human being.
Knife and gun disarms, multiple attackers, reversals and counters, natural gun shooting, breaking balance, flowing technique to technique, capturing the feeling, Randori. Now you are ready to really train! 1 hour
ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE?
The Accelerated Path 30 Day Yellow Belt Challenge
Earn your 9th Kyu Yellow Belt in 30 days! Actually it is very easy if you just follow the Strategic Daily Lesson Guide. Mark off the checklist, doing a little more study every day, and you can earn your first belt certification and be started on your Black Belt journey.
Are you in?
NO BS. NO HYPE.
We know what it takes to make you a Black Belt.
40 years of producing hundreds of Black Belts has taught us what works and what does not. All the training and tools you need...
Let's face the facts. Not everyone who starts a martial arts path ever reaches the coveted, prestigious Black Belt level. Statistically only 1 to 5% of students, at best, ever make it. Our numbers are closer to 27%, because we figured out what gets in the way and built a better system. Our numbers for students who begin testing with us are much higher (some buy the courses and never test).
Yeah, it should be hard work to get a Black Belt. But let's look at why it is so hard, and why students fall short.
Why Students Fall Short
1. The Learning Curve
Learning new things can be scary and difficult. Not everyone can easily duplicate what they see a teacher do once on someone else. It took me a long time to get the courage to let the teacher know I could not follow along. I was embarrassed to ask, in fear of looking bad. I am now sure it was very obvious to the sensei that I was not getting it. :) Making your body do things it has never done often takes time. We all want to jump past the very important fundamental foundations and do our own thing. Often the repetitions get boring, as does the art itself.
2. The Cost
Cost is a major factor in keeping this going month after month. A good dojo these days is $150 to $250 a month. If it takes you the average 3.5 years, you are spending at least $8,400 in training mat fees. Plus uniforms and training gear. Paying monthly is hard to maintain for years.
All of this is inexpensive next to a college degree, and you will work just as hard, I assure you. The reward of actually getting a Black Belt tied on you is worth at least 50x what you invest, for all the qualities it will give your body, mind and life. Black Belts excel in all areas of life. That is why they are so highly respected.
3. Rank
Most arts have a progression of rank promotions, often including stripes. These can be very intimidating, so students quit. Each promotion is in the $75 range, and around $200 for Black Belt. The average number of promotions is 10, so that is another $950.
All together, we are looking at about $10,000 to achieve, plus a lot of dedication and hard work.
4. Life
Life changes and gets in the way. Meet a new girlfriend, take a vacation, summer surf's up. "I'll get back to it later." The car breaks down and you have to work overtime. A new baby shows up.
Dojo time gets put on hold because it does not fit the budget, the time, or both.
Our Art Is Unique. So Is Our Training.
We bring the art to you, to study in your own way, with our guidance.
We want you to have the opportunity to train in one of our dojos, or, where there is no dojo near you, a proven way to study the arts that will cost you maybe 10% of normal. You train in a strategic system where you can ask all the questions you need. (Our system is so refined after 40 years that we don't get many, because you can learn even in slow motion or rewind, practicing over and over until you get it.)
Rank certification in our main Black Belt program is INCLUDED. Use your smartphone video to demonstrate what you know at each level test (private Zoom sessions also available), and of course we also have dojo and seminar testing. No intimidation or fear of not passing: we give feedback to pass, and your certification is sent to you. All part of your Black Belt package!
Our unique art is a way of life. You will learn "Ancient Ways for Modern Times" like body conditioning, mental training, meditation, stealth, all levels of self-defense, AND we excitingly train with swords, sticks and exotic weapons. The art never gets boring.
Check out the path below. Choose the option that gives you the best opportunity to get your Black Belt with us.
SEE THE PACKAGESCHOOSE YOUR PATH
Get Started Today!
Everyone's journey is different. Choose the right training for you:
Black Belt — pay rank as you test • Black Belt package, rank included • Black Belt Instructor package, rank included
NEED A PAYMENT PLAN? We got you. Use the Afterpay or Klarna options in the checkout.
BLACK BELT ONLINE NINJA DOJO WITH BINDER AND ALL RANKING
$1497
★ MOST COMPLETE ★ Lifetime, Immediate Full Access
ENROLL NOW!100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
Here Is Your 100% Money-Back Guarantee
I want you to get started on your Ninjutsu martial arts path and have your life changed, as thousands of others have done all over the world. That's why I am willing to send you the course risk free.
Buy the course now and try it out for 30 days. If for ANY reason you are not happy with it, return it in resalable condition for a full refund. No hassles. We want you to be happy, and to help you achieve your dream of becoming a world-recognized Ninjutsu Black Belt. I really doubt that you will return it, because it is very, very rare that this ever happens. People all over the world are successfully studying with this course. You have my personal satisfaction guarantee or your money back. Just ask and I'll refund your money.
Doshi Richard Van Donk, Soke
WHERE HIGH-RANKING TEACHERS BEGAN
They Started With This Course
"The Black Belt Course demystifies Ninjutsu / Budo Taijutsu. It has been an invaluable resource and has enabled me to realize my goals of black belt and beyond."
Shihan Charles Benham
"The Black Belt Study Course has been an amazing stepping stone for my progression in this wonderful art of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu / Ninjutsu. Just look at my results! Thanks Shihan Van Donk."
Shihan Dan Ordoins
15th Degree Black Belt, Sacramento, CA, USA | www.BujinkanLife.com
"The Black Belt Home Study Course was my entry point into the world of the Bujinkan and Ninjutsu. It was then, and remains today, a well-thought-out curriculum that pieces together what may seem an incomprehensible labyrinth but is in fact an easy-to-follow path."
Shihan James Clum
10th Degree Black Belt, Azusa, CA, USA
"Ninjutsu Black Belt Course has benefited my physical and spiritual path. It was the most exciting experience in my life. Shihan Van Donk promoted positive energy that enhanced my personality and let me grow as a better human being."
Shihan Luis Bernal
10th Degree Black Belt, El Salvador
"Thank you for your Black Belt Course! I have been utilizing it for years, both as a student and as a teacher. It is clear, and it makes it easy for me to teach my students, and they all love it!"
Shihan Pierre Benoit
9th Degree Black Belt, Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada
"I am truly grateful for all the advice and encouragement I have received from Shihan Richard Van Donk throughout my training, and I would recommend beginners to advanced students seek out his advice in improving your skills."
Shidoshi Alfred Reid
9th Degree Black Belt, Ireland
THE #1 COURSE FOR LEARNING NINJUTSU / NINPO TAIJUTSU
Let me ask you this. What is the most important thing in a fight?
Some would say winning. I say not getting hit! And especially, not getting hurt is winning. Staying as safe as possible while not getting injured, and being able to protect others without looking like a fool, is much more important. We all want to win and no one wants to lose. AND YES, fight to WIN.
Proper defense strategy, awareness, confidence and skill set are all important. Ninjutsu adds hidden, secret methods that other arts do not. We love to do the unseen and unexpected; in fact we pride ourselves on it. Not only is it fun, IT WORKS!
In this super-proven (since 1990) Ninjutsu Bujinkan Black Belt Course, we start off by building your awareness, so you have the right mindset, know the proper defensive strategies, develop the confidence, and know how to Ninja your attacker.
⚔ We teach you the art of distancing and how not to get hit.
⚔ We teach you easy 1-2-3 counters to take your opponent down into submission fast.
⚔ We teach you how to condition your body, no matter what shape you are in now.
Then, level by level, technique by technique, we step it up, so that in a short time you are handling yourself in a fight with confidence, and learning cool exotic weapons in the process. One day you will be handling multiple attackers with weapons. Our training is fun and realistic. Be a part of ancient traditions, and grow with it into the future.
BTW, we have training available for you all the way up to Master levels (see the Ninjutsu Masters Course), and IBDA has been worldwide since the mid-1980s. It is a complete system you can trust to be there for you and your children or students. We also have a complete Shidoshi Teachers Training. So get started on your journey. It will be an exciting and rewarding one.
You Now Get BOTH: The Complete Course Online in the Ninja Dojo (for Life) AND the Physical Binder Manual Mailed to You!
When you enroll in a Bushindo University course, you get the ONLINE DOJO TRAINING, with all the video lessons and manual PDFs viewable on any computer and on the phone/tablet app, PLUS the PHYSICAL COURSE BINDER mailed to you (no disks are sent), so you can hold it in your hands, read it, make notes, and add related studies to it.
Your huge advantage: Doshi (and Shihan instructors) can add new lesson footage directly to your online course in minutes. You will always have the latest training. Plus you can ask questions on any lesson in the study portal. This is not possible with DVDs.
FYI, our online programs at Bushindo University have always been up to date, including PDFs of the manuals, and have had more in them thanks to the remastering. Online training still costs the University as much to run as the printed material. Most everyone loves to hold the manuals in their hands, including me. SO NOW YOU GET BOTH. More training will always be added online, as it is easier to add!
Inside the Shodan Training Manual
A 316-page, step-by-step Ninjutsu training manual:
⚔ How to Train
⚔ How to Rank Test
⚔ History of the Art
⚔ Main Instructor Bios
⚔ Ninjutsu Training Concepts
⚔ Ninpo Philosophy
⚔ Pressure Point Diagrams
⚔ Main Posture Posters
⚔ Spiritual Practices and Meditations
⚔ 9th Kyu to Shodan Techniques
⚔ Terminology Glossary
All the techniques from beginner 9th Kyu to Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) are written out step by step, with detailed how-to pictures of the techniques in the video lessons, in a specially designed binder you can take anywhere. A true distance-learning Ninjutsu home study course.
Dojo student? See the dojo study versions of the individual 3 Shodan manuals in the store.
FREE BONUS: Japanese Phrases Online Audio
$19.95 value
We are learning a Japanese art with lots of terminology in its original language. Naming a technique is easy; pronouncing it right... I don't know about you, but I need some help here. DAISHIHAN Linda Van Donk, after hearing some rather interesting training terminology (can't write it here), scripted out all the important Japanese words we use in training up to Shodan and recorded them for the students (many thanks to her!). Each phrase is said in Japanese and then in English, with a slight pause so you can repeat it out loud. What a difference it makes.
FREE BONUS: Ranking Registration
$125 value
To receive IBDA-certified rank, you must be a registered student AND have a current membership. Testing with IBDA is NOT required to get this Shodan course; everyone is welcome to learn. For long-distance students without a dojo nearby, we want to give you the opportunity to be recognized for your hard work, and we offer video testing with a taijutsu review on what to improve. Your Black Belt Course includes a FREE enrollment certificate, registered in the name of the person purchasing the course (non-transferable). If you buy a course from eBay or at a garage sale, you must register that course.
So get started right now on your Ninjutsu journey with us! Years of training for one small investment.
See you on the mat!
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGEFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BLACK BELT COURSE
Learn what it takes to become a Black Belt in Ninjutsu / Ninpo Taijutsu, even in your own home, at your own pace!
This revolutionary Ninjutsu / Ninpo Taijutsu Shodan Course, pioneered since 1990 by Doshi Richard Van Donk, Bujinkan 15th Dan Senior DaiShihan (ShinGiTaiIchi Award), is used by high-ranking Bujinkan instructors and beginning students alike, with great success in over 75 countries worldwide.
Seven years, 1,000s of hours of research, lots of blood, sweat and tears, and almost ¼ million miles of travel in about 50 trips to Japan to personally train with Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi and other Shihan teachers went into this very comprehensive step-by-step Black Belt curriculum. Then another 20 years to refine it. There is none like it anywhere else in the world. The elite World Grandmaster Council (WHFSC) gave us its top International Videos Award in 1999. Find out why for yourself!
Why a distance learning course?
Simply put, authentic Ninjutsu is hard to find in many parts of the world. There are not qualified instructors on every corner. The Ninjutsu / Ninpo Taijutsu Shodan Course gives people who are not fortunate enough to have a teacher near them the opportunity to study this art step by step, a way to get feedback on their training and, if desired, a certified ranking. From the reports of our video students, this is a dream come true. It even helps those who have a Ninjutsu dojo nearby to practice at home; our students who train at the dojo and at home with the course advance at least twice as quickly. It also creates a standard for growth, and gives a new Black Belt a method for becoming an instructor.
Who will benefit by studying the course?
People who want a life change, new martial art students, families or buddies who want a hobby together, those who train but want more information or to learn faster, those without instructors, instructors who want a curriculum for students, and Black Belts in other arts and schools who want to add to their system, knowledge or credibility. Our success tells us this course will give you the edge you need to become a better martial artist.
How do I get started?
Simply enroll in the course and register as a Ninjutsu student. Get a black uniform with a white belt, through us or your local martial arts shop. You do not need tabi shoes (some do, some don't). Over time you will need to get or make a few wooden weapons, such as a knife, 3 ft staff, 6 ft staff and a wooden sword. Study each move in the lessons over and over until you can do it easily. Most students take about 3 months at each Kyu level, achieving Black Belt in 2½ years of dedicated study. If you are athletic or already have martial arts experience you may go faster, keeping in mind that the basics are the foundation you build your Black Belt and above on. This course was carefully crafted over 7 years to give you a natural progression. These are REAL ranks, and must be earned with very hard work and perseverance.
How do I test for rank?
Testing is simple. Test at an IBDA dojo, seminar or Tai Kai. Or, if that is a challenge, submit a video and get written strategic feedback. Once you are a registered student, we provide a list of techniques to demonstrate on film. An upper-level Black Belt instructor carefully reviews and grades your skills and gives you feedback to improve where needed. You can do this for 9th Kyu to 1st Kyu. The Black Belt test must be done in person, at a semi-annual camp, seminar, Tai Kai, dojo, or private appointment with one of our many IBDA instructors. This is a real Black Belt, and we want your day to be special! More info: IBDA ranking and testing.
Can I study the course with a friend?
It is fun to have someone to share this art with; you will inspire each other's growth. So we designed a plan where you and a friend can share your training at a reduced price. It is all described in the Shodan training manual.
Can I really learn virtually instead of with an instructor?
YES. We have proven this over 30+ years with thousands of students all over the world. Every major university offers online and distance learning. Forget the dissenters: we have a PROVEN feedback system that works, and when you get a buddy you are training hands-on with expert step-by-step instruction.
Having an instructor helps, and we encourage it, but instructors are often hard to find. So why wait? First, the virtual system is your instructor, teaching you step by step in your home or dojo. Slow-motion the instructor and practice the move until you learn it. No intimidation of a class. Go at your own speed, when you have the time. Second, we encourage you to find training partners or an IBDA Bujinkan school near you when you're ready to take your training to a new level. Our written feedback system produces results: people who have taken this course are now very respected instructors.
EVERY BLACK BELT STARTED AS A WHITE BELT
Start Your Ninjutsu Black Belt Path Today
Step by step, level by level, with my guidance and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGEWant to train with me directly in all the arts: Ninjutsu, sword, Eskrima and the inner arts? Explore the Empowered Warrior Dojo →