All students testing for Shuyokan Kyu levels and Dan grade promotions must meet minimum time in grade and minimum class training hours. Minimum class hours are based on 75% of total maximum training hours equal to 10 class hours per month. Training for Shodan generally takes as long as 3 years but in some cases can be completed in as little as 2 years. Colored belts are awarded to youth students only 9th Kyu to 4th Kyu. Time in grade may be waived by the Soke of Shuyokan based on prior martial arts training and / or current Kyu level or Dan grade. There is no formal testing after 3rd Dan. Promotions to 4th Dan and higher will be based on the students contributions to the martial arts, teaching ability, continued training in Shuyokan Ryu and a formal recommendation by the Soke of Shuyokan Ryu Honbu Dojo.

Each Kyu exam or Kyu registration is $40.00. Each Dan grading, promotion and / or Dan rank registration Shodan and higher, is $200.00.

Students should be ready to test at any time as all 9th — 4th Kyu exams are unannounced. Shuyokan Brown Belt and Black Belt testing is scheduled once a year by the Shuyokan Soke.