Rank questions

I think the two are indeed different, but there's never been a public clarification of whether it is a "1 to 1" correlation. For the kyu grades, I would say probably not, as the Bujinkan dojo only has 9 kyu levels, whereas To-Shin Do has 15 or 16, I think. (white, 3 yellow, 3 blue, 3 green, 3 brown) Anyone from the SKH Quest Center shed some light?

Please bear in mind that there are no standardized requirements for Bujinkan rank licenses - Dr. Hatsumi has created none for 9th Kyu and none for 9th Dan. To-Shin Do practitioner licenses, on the other hand, are awarded based on demonstrating proficiency in very specific sets of skill, knowledge, and results-producing challenges. Therefore, it is not at all possible to compare Bujinkan licenses with To-Shin Do licenses.

Our dojo in Dayton does issue Bujinkan licenses for those who wish to train in our Bujinkan-style classes. I still run those classes as a kind of reference experience for those few who would like to see how I got to where I am today. Those classes, however, are very small - mere dozens of students, compared to the hundreds who prefer the more Western self-protection and self-discovery approach of our To-Shin Do classes.

- Stephen K. Hayes