Instructor’s Certification Program

There are six levels of study up to and including shodan/instructor certification for the Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei-kai (OKDR). The following information indicates the general areas of study, the minimum number of required classes at each level, and the associated fees for tuition, tests, and equipment.  Each level has a specific syllabus with complete curriculum requirements listed.

This course of study is designed for two audiences:

  • School owners who wish to offer a complete internationally sanctioned Kobudo and curriculum to their students.
  • Senior-level students (shodan or higher) who wish to either teach Kobudo with their Sensei’s permission or who wish to study a complimentary art.

There are two programs that are available: Green Belt Program or the Black Belt Program. (A breakout of the costs for each program is delineated at the end of the curriculum description.)

Green Belt Program

Includes a minimum of 32 classes, purchase of organization patch, OKDR annual membership, and test fees. The program fee is $475.00 (Four hundred seventy-five dollars.) There is no additional fee if it takes a student more than 32 classes to reach a green belt.  This program is designed for a student who is unsure of their desire to progress through the entire black belt curriculum.  Study through a green belt will provide sufficient exposure to the art and allow the student to make up his or her mind.

Black Belt Program

Includes a minimum of 132 classes, purchase of organization patch, OKDR annual memberships (2 years assumed), and test fees. The program fee is $1,670.00. (One thousand six hundred forty-five dollars.)  There is no additional fee if it takes a student more than 132 classes to reach a black belt.

Curriculum

  • Basic Kobudo stances and terminology.
  • Kobudo and Bo basics stretching, striking, and blocking.
  • Minimum of 12 classes and appropriate  proficiency results in promotion to:
  • Previous curriculum.
  • Bo hojo undo  (basic drills).
  • Bo waza (beginning interactive bo vs. bo technique).
  • Minimum of 20 classes and appropriate  proficiency results in promotion to:
  • Previous curriculum.
  • Bo hojo undo waza (Bo vs. bo application of the hojo undo).
  • Bo kata Sushi no Kun.
  • Sai hojo undo.
  • Sai waza (Sai vs. bo interactive techniques).
  • Minimum of 30 classes and appropriate proficiency results in promotion to:
  • Previous curriculum.
  • Sai kata Ni Cho Sai (Sai Dai Ichi).
  • Tonfa hojo undo.
  • Tonfa waza (Tonfa vs. bo interactive technique).
  • Minimum of 30 classes and appropriate proficiency results in promotion to:
  • Previous curriculum.
  • Bo kata Sushi no Koun bunkai.
  • Nunchuku hojo undo.
  • Minimum of 40 classes and appropriate proficiency results in promotion to:
  • Candidates for Shodan are expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency with the four weapons that are studied to this level.
  • Candidates may be asked to demonstrate any or all of the curriculum studied to date.

NOTE:  Promotion to each level listed below requires ALL of the following: minimum number of classes, a minimum amount of time at your belt level and continually developing proficiency with the weapon(s) studied.

NOTE #2: All Classes must be under a certified OKDR Black belt.  Some exceptions may apply.

Students in the Black Belt program who demonstrate proficiency in the base curriculum will also begin to learn sai, tonfa, and nunchaku kata once they reach the green belt level. These katas are not required curriculum until Nidan (2nd level black belt.)  Once the Shodan level is achieved students will have the continuing opportunity to progress through the yudansha (black belt) ranks adding the study of the other weapons offered through OKDR.

The tuition and fees for the green belt program are payable in one lump sum and in advance.  The tuition and fees for the black belt program are payable in two equal installments, the first being due at the start of the program, the second upon achieving the green belt level.

Students are expected to provide their own uniforms (blacktop, white pants) and their own weapons.  The purchase of uniforms or weapons can be arranged through Authentic Ancient Arts if so desired.

Program fee breakdown

  • Tuition.  Green Belt:$575  Black Belt:$1845.
  • Test fees.  Yellow $45; green $65; brown $85; brown/black stripe $125;
    shodan $425 (includes each rank being registered in Okinawa.)
  • Organization Patch.  $25
  • OKDR annual membership. $40.00 per year

Refund Policy

  • Tuition.  Refunds for tuition will be prorated based on the number of classes attended and minus a $30.00 handling charge.
  • Test fees.  A full refund is available for any tests not taken by the student.

Notes

  • Organization patch.  There is no refund for the organization patch.
  • OKDR annual fee.  Students who enroll in the black belt program and drop out before the second year begins are entitled to a full refund for the membership fee of the year they are not enrolled.
  • Equipment or uniforms purchased through Eastwind. There is no refund for the equipment of uniforms.

Contact Mike Sywyk only serious inquiries please. 613-282-6295 or e-mail [email protected]