Goshinkan-Ryu
Certification & Rank Standards
Every rank represents dedication, skill, integrity, and leadership. Our certification system preserves the standards established by Goshinkan's Founder and ensures consistent recognition across all affiliated dojos.
Why We Use Belts
Explain that belts are not simply rewards.
They represent:
technical ability
knowledge
character
attitude
safety
time and dedication
leadership
Progression Achievement
⚪White Belt
🟡Yellow Belt
🟠Orange Belt
🟢Green Belt
🔵Blue Belt
🟣Purple Belt
🟤Brown Belt
🟤⭐Second Brown Belt
⚫Black Belt🥋Dan Grades
👨🏫Teaching Licences
📜Menkyo Licences
How Promotions Work
There is no automatic promotion.
Attendance alone does not earn rank.
Students must demonstrate the curriculum.
Character matters.
Respect matters.
Safety matters.
Every grading is approved by Goshinkan standards.
Who Can Award Rank
All Goshinkan-Ryu rank promotions are governed by the Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu system and the Alberta Ju-Jitsu Association. Promotions are issued only by licensed authorized instructors in accordance with Goshinkan standards under the Direction of Shihan K.D. Lintott. Black Belt promotions, instructor certifications, Menkyo licences, and organizational appointments are only done by Shihan Lintott. All promotions to Master-level ranks (5th Dan and above) require the joint approval of Shihan C.D. Bissett and Shihan Kevin D. Lintott.
Instructor Certification
Within Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu, achieving the rank of Black Belt is a significant milestone; however, it does not automatically qualify an individual to become an instructor. Technical proficiency is only one component of effective teaching. The ability to educate, inspire, mentor, and safely develop students requires additional knowledge, experience, and demonstrated leadership.
Instructor certification is awarded only to individuals who consistently demonstrate the values and standards expected of a Goshinkan instructor. Certification is based on an ongoing evaluation of the candidate's technical ability, teaching skills, professionalism, and commitment to the organization.
Instructor Certification Requirements
Candidates may be evaluated in the following areas:
Technical proficiency and continued development of Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu.
Demonstrated ability to safely instruct students of all ages and experience levels.
Teaching evaluations conducted by senior instructors.
Communication and presentation skills.
Leadership, professionalism, and positive role modelling.
Ethics, integrity, and adherence to the Goshinkan Code of Conduct.
Mentorship of junior students and assistant instructors.
Knowledge and consistent application of the official Goshinkan curriculum.
Commitment to continuing education and instructor development.
Appropriate risk management and student safety practices.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, where required by the organization or provincial regulations.
Compliance with all organizational policies, licensing requirements, and administrative responsibilities.
Assistant Instructor Development
Prospective instructors are encouraged to progress through an Assistant Instructor phase before receiving an independent teaching licence. During this period, candidates work under the guidance of a licensed Goshinkan instructor to develop lesson planning, class management, student evaluation, instructional techniques, and leadership skills.
This mentorship process ensures consistency in teaching methods and preserves the technical standards and traditions of Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu across all affiliated dojos.
Instructor Licensing
Instructor certification and instructor licensing are separate from martial arts rank. Teaching authority is granted only after successful completion of the required evaluations and approval by Goshinkan Headquarters.
Instructor licences may specify the level of instruction authorized, including assistant instructor, instructor, senior instructor, Sensei, or other organizational appointments. Licences remain subject to ongoing review and may be suspended, revoked, or renewed in accordance with Goshinkan policies and standards.
The purpose of the Goshinkan Instructor Certification Program is to ensure that every student receives safe, consistent, and high-quality instruction while preserving the integrity, reputation, and traditions of Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu for future generations.
Our Approach
Founded on the principles of respect, discipline, and excellence, Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu provides a structured pathway for students of all ages to develop practical self-defence skills, confidence, and leadership. Through consistent standards, experienced instruction, and a commitment to lifelong learning, we continue to preserve the traditions and values of Goshinkan for future generations.
Black Belt Promotion Authority
Promotion to Black Belt is one of the most significant milestones in Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu and reflects years of dedication, technical proficiency, character, and commitment to the values of the organization.
To support the grading process, the Founder may invite senior Black Belts or licensed instructors to participate in a Black Belt examination. Their role is to observe, assess, provide professional feedback, and offer recommendations based on the candidate's performance and readiness for promotion.
Participation on a grading panel does not constitute authority to award or approve Black Belt rank.
The evaluation, approval, and awarding of all Black Belt ranks remain the sole responsibility of Shihan Kevin D. Lintott, Founder of Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu, or a formally designated successor. All recommendations are carefully considered; however, the final decision regarding promotion rests exclusively with the Founder.
This policy ensures consistent grading standards, preserves the integrity of the Goshinkan ranking system, and guarantees that every Black Belt awarded by the organization represents the same level of technical ability, character, and leadership, regardless of where the examination is conducted.
Trademarks
The names Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu, Goshinkan Ju-Jitsu, Goshin Martial Arts, associated logos, crests, curriculum, and other intellectual property are valuable assets of the Goshinkan organization and are protected by applicable trademark, copyright, and intellectual property laws. The use of these names, logos, certificates, instructional materials, or branding is permitted only with the authorization of Shihan Kevin D. Lintott, Founder of Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu, or Goshinkan Headquarters, or under the terms of an approved licence agreement. These protections preserve the integrity, reputation, and consistent standards of Goshinkan-Ryu Ju-Jitsu while ensuring that students, instructors, and the public can confidently identify official Goshinkan programs, certified instructors, and affiliated dojos.
If you wish to verify the authenticity of a dojo, instructor, rank, certificate, or licence, or to report the unauthorized use of Goshinkan trademarks or intellectual property, please contact Shihan Kevin D. Lintott or Goshinkan Headquarters.