For martial arts students, few achievements are as rewarding as being invited to test for the next belt level. Each rank has specific criteria that must be met - or preferably exceeded - to advance successfully. At Bushi Martial Arts Academy, we follow a 10 rank system leading to black belt. The ranking progression is as follows:

10 White belt 0 Black belt half rank

9 White belt 1 stripe 1 1st degree black belt

8 White belt 2 stripes 2 2nd degree black belt

7 Yellow belt 3 3rd degree black belt

6 Orange belt 4 4th degree black belt

5 Green belt 5 5th degree black belt

4 Blue belt 6 6th degree black belt

3 Brown belt 7 7th degree black belt

2 Brown belt 1 stripe 8 8th degree black belt

1 Brown belt 2 stripes 9 9th degree black belt

10 10th degree black belt

Tournamensts are entirely optional, but we strongly encourage students to join the competition team due to its many benefits. Team membership is free and includes additional training opportunities to further enhance skills. While competing requires specialized gear and weapons, we provide most of these at no extra cost. Competitive members participate in sparring, forms, weapons, and jiu-Jitsu applications (self-defense). From Timmins to Toronto and Hearst to Ottawa, our team competes in yearly events facing tough competition as we strive for podium finishes!

Throughout the year, we offer added training opportunities to enrich our students' martial arts journey. These include special seminars featuring Master instructors from around the world and our Spring and Fall tranining camps with Kyoshi Mike Sywyk. These events allow students to learn from internationally renowned instructors. While out-of-town seminars are optional, in-club seminars with guest instructors are considered mandatory for all members. The Spring and Fall training camps are particularly valuable, as they provided Bushi Martial Arts students the opportunity to train directly with Renshi Conrad's instructor.

Gassukus are traditional events held twice a year within the Eastern Martial Arts Coalition. These offer students the chance to train with other EMAC instructors and explore other forms of martial arts like kung fu, Kenpo, Win Tsun, and Iaido. Training stations are tailored to age and skill level, ensuring a rewarding experience for all. These gatherings also include a friendly tournament to foster unity and healthy competition among federations and invited clubs.  While out-of-town gasshukus are optional, participation in local events is mandatory for all members. 

Pine, Paulownia, concrete, bricks, bottles, coconuts, angel stone - we've literally tried our hands at all of it. Before you say it...we know that these things don't hit back. The objective is for our martial artists to test and exhibit their self-confidence, inner strength and conditioning. A stack of bricks is not very menacing. A person with a fist or an elbow that can break through them, however, is. This is our most cherished event. Every student leaves this exhibit successsful, proud and astonished at the extent of their inner strength.