Black Belt Testing - Shogo

In addition to the required training schedule, the candidate shall undertake a yearly project. To assist the candidate in selecting qualifying projects, guideline projects are indicated below. Projects shall be discussed with the candidate's Dojocho and the Shuyokan Dojocho prior to initiation.

Many Ryu within the Martial Arts Community use similar titles to those adopted by Shuyokan. These titles may be bestowed at different rank levels in different Ryu. The titles and ranks adopted by Shuyokan are not intended to conflict nor supersede titles and ranks used by other organizations or Shuyokai. Any titles and/or certificates associated with/or issued by Shuyokan prior to the implementation of Shuyokan Shogo Level Ranks shall be recognized and honored.

The projects indicated below are offered for guidance only. Specific projects shall be discussed with the Shuyokai Dojocho and approved by the Shuyokan Dojocho. For each year during the time in grade period, a minimum of one project shall be completed.

1. Plan, coordinate and execute a special seminar for the dojo focusing on Shuyokan Ryu techniques. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Seminar outline and class DVD.
2. Plan, coordinate and execute a community improvement project:
   1. Fund raiser for charity
   2. Senior citizen project
   3. Underprivileged children project
   4. Community cleanup
   Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Written summary of project and scrapbook of project activities.
3. Plan, coordinate and execute a martial arts seminar with the intent of enrolling new students. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Seminar outline and class DVD.
4. Outside training at another dojo with the intent of bringing lessons learned back to the home dojo. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Seminar outline and class DVD.
5. Study or attend a class in the martial healing arts. Plan, coordinate and execute a "lessons learned" seminar at home dojo. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Martial Arts Healing Manual and Seminar DVD.
6. Prepare an essay (2,000 word minimum) on Shuyokan martial arts techniques, tactics or philosophy. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Submit essay.
7. Establish a branch dojo of your home dojo. This project may take the place of three yearly projects. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Branch dojo scrapbook of pictures, and enrollment statistics.
8. Prepare an essay (2,000 word minimum) on Leadership in general and specifically leadership within the martial arts community. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Submit essay.
9. Plan, coordinate and execute a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) seminar at your home dojo. Shuyokan Hombu Dojo Documentation: Scrapbook of seminar pictures or DVD.
10. Become a community services volunteer (and complete 50 hours minimum per year). Suggestions include Hospital, Senior's Center, Children's Center or Schools. Shuyokan Hombu Documentation: Written documentation from supervisor and scrapbook of pictures.