The Institute provides two important services for martial artist:
- New Dan Ranking
- Existing Dan Recognition/Validation Service
1. New Dan Rankings
Membership and ranking within The International Budo Institute is independent of all other schools and styles. As a learning institute the internal ranking of Instructors and students is independent and follows the guidlines solely of The Institute. In this respect, students wishing to pass exams for Dan equivalence may do so within the structure of The Institute regardless of their dan ranking or status elsewhere.
Thus, a student may be 2nd Dan within his own style of Karate, Judo, Jujutsu or Aikido and endeavour to obtain a 3rd Dan ranking within the Institute. The 3rd Dan ranking in no way affects his/her ranking within their primary school and is separate of it.
As well, Instructors of The International Budo Institute are ranked based on their previous diverse martial arts experience across all martial art forms. Also, responsibility and roles within The Institute are taken into consideration for the awarding of any title or Dan rank. Thus, any member wishing to obtain a teaching certificate or position within the Institute will be judged on his/her overall martial arts knowledge from all their Budo studies not just within a single system or ryu (school).
2. Existing Dan Recognition / Validation Service
Students may request an equivalency diploma for an existing Dan rank that they hold within their own martial art. For instance, a 3rd dan practitioner in Judo may request a 3rd Dan equivalency in The Institute based on their existing 3rd Dan diploma from Judo. Evidence of the existing Dan degree will be required. This service is important for many martial artists who wish to keep a Dan rank independent of their existing school. Others, may find this service important if their original school or instructor is no longer available.
