Anyone with a open mind and good attitude may apply--
you can be any rank, any style, any school.
Prior martial arts experience is not necessary.

The testing requirements of the Missouri Budo Taijutsu Dojo are strict. The standards of performance, understanding and ability are the very highest. Our unique and extensive curriculum is designed to represent all the traditional material of our styles, as well as a realistic and effective approach to modern day fighting that is supported by actual combative situations.

Each student must posses an appropriate level of maturity, and technical and tactical knowledge, as well as display realistic combat ability appropriate for their rank.

There are 10 kyu levels and 9 dan levels in the Missouri Budo Taijutsu System. Kyu levels represent students in training, and they wear belts of a white, green or brown color, and they are allowed to wear the dojo mon on their gi. Dan levels represent 'practitioners' who have achieved a certain level of mastery, and they wear black belts.

All Certified Instructors (dojo-cho) are able to test students through the kyu levels. After that, three sandan (third level) ranked instructors or one yondan (fourth level) are required to test students for their shodan (first level black belt). A panel of two yondan or one godan can test students for nidan (second level). Beyond this point, only Harding Sensei will administer tests for sandan and above.

Caution is advised when seeking a dojo, because unfortunately there are dojos that have no standards or sense of realism. You should thoroughly investigate any dojo you are considering joining, because there is a wide range of quality. Look for realism (effectiveness and honesty), authenticity (tradition and lineage), and instructor quality (experience, integrity and communication). Just because a dojo exists does not mean it is of any value.