Unlock the Next Level of Your Training – Second Degree Black Belt
You’ve earned your Shodan, or maybe you want to deep dive into the schools of Ninjutsu. Now it’s time to step into the next stage of mastery. This Second-Degree Black Belt Course is a complete distance-learning program designed to take you from Shodan (1st Degree) to Nidan (2nd Degree) under the direct guidance of Dai Shihan Mark Roemke, 15th Dan Bujinkan practitioner, founder of Santa Cruz Bujinkan Dojo, and lifelong martial artist teaching under Ninjutsu Grandmaster Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.
Whether you train solo or with a partner, this program immerses you in the authentic warrior traditions of Ninjutsu, bringing advanced weapon systems, unarmed applications, and scroll-based waza directly into your home dojo.
BONUS GIFTS – Limited Time Offer
When you purchase the Second Degree Black Belt course, you will receive:
- 6 Months FREE Access to my Weekly Live Zoom Classes
- Enter Code: FREE6 at checkout to unlock the offer
- 2 classes per week – Tuesdays 5:30 pm (PST) & Fridays 3 pm (PST)
- Unlimited access to all class recordings
- Invite to a Private Virtual Seminar – Just for my Second Degree Students
- Date to be determined at a later time (I’ll email you)
What You’ll Master in The Second Degree Black Belt (Nidan) Course
- Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu: Advanced kata from the Jewel Tiger School — Koku, Danshi, Saka Nagare, Tei Ken, and more.
- Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu: Battlefield-tested half-staff strategies — Tsuki Otoshi, Kasumi Gake, Saka Otoshi.
- Bikenjutsu: Advanced sword work — Shiho Giri, Happo Giri, Tsuki no Wa.
- Rokushakubo & Kusarifundo: Mastery of the six-foot staff and weighted chain for modern defense.
- Knife Defense & Knife vs Knife: Real-world tactics for survival against edged weapons.
- Shuriken & Tactical Movement: Precision throwing, footwork, escapes, and takedowns.
- Terminology & History: Deep dive into philosophy, lineage, and strategy of the ninja arts.
Who This Is For
This program exposes you to the Gyokko Ryu and Kukishinden Ryu scrolls and their waza, preserving authentic teachings passed down from Grandmaster Hatsumi while giving you modern application for today’s world.
- Shodan (1st Degree Black Belts) ready to advance to Nidan
- Dedicated martial artists seeking to integrate weapons and unarmed systems
- Students of the Bujinkan system committed to authentic lineage and practice
Train with a Dai Shihan Roemke
Dai Shihan Roemke is a 15th Dan practitioner, licensed directly under Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, with decades of experience across Ninjutsu, sword arts, Kenpo, Eskrima, Tai Chi, Jujutsu, and military combat tactics. He has taught thousands of students worldwide, authored training manuals, and produced over 30 instructional programs.
What’s Included
- 9 In-Depth Training Videos (follow along at your own pace)
- PDF Training Manual: Shodan to Nidan
- Step-by-Step Curriculum: Each video builds toward your advancement goals.
- 100% Train-at-Home Format: Solo or partner drills, adaptable to your training space.
- Optional: Ability to Earn Official Bujinkan Rank with Dai Shihan Roemke
(See section below: “How to Officially Earn Rank in the Bujinkan” for details.)
Course Breakdown (9 Videos)
Shodan – Level 1 covers techniques from Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu including Koku (Empty Space), Renyo (Tumbling the Opponent Like a Wheel), Da Shin (Shaking Fist), and Hanetsurube (Water Bucket Balance).
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, it introduces Katate Uchi (One-Hand Strike).
In Bikenjutsu, students learn Tsuke Komi (Attach and Push In).
From Rokushakubo (Six-Foot Staff Art), it teaches Goho (Five Methods).
This level also includes unarmed defense against a knife: defense against thrusts, inside slashes, and outside slashes.
♦ Shodan – Level 2
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Danshu (Bouncing Hand), Danshi (Bouncing Finger), and Hosen (Bee Sting).
It introduces Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Ichimonji no Kata with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students learn Tsuki Otoshi (Strike and Drop).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Tsuki Kake (Thrust and Trap).
From Rokushakubo, it covers Ura Goho (Inner Five Methods).
Knife training includes Tanto vs Tanto, with defenses against high thrusts and low thrusts.
♦ Shodan – Level 3
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Saka Nagare (Flowing Against the Current), Keo (Flapping Wings of a Bird), and Shunu (Swift Like a Falcon).
It adds Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Jumonji no Kata with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students learn Uchi Waza (Striking Technique).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Kiriage (Rising Cut).
From Rokushakubo, it covers Sashi Ai (Meeting Thrusts).
Training with the Kusarifundo includes defense against a grab, Katate Mune Dori, and Ryomune Dori.
♦ Shodan – Level 4
Covers Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Hanebi (Leaping Flames from a Fire), Horaku (Destructive Fall), and Fumo (Great Wind).
It includes Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Hicho no Kata with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students learn Nagare Dori (Flow Capture).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Kirisage (Dropping Cut).
From Rokushakubo, it teaches Funa Bari (Boat Brace).
Additional training includes Kusarifundo vs Punch, Kubinage (Neck Throw), and Wrap Wrist & Choke.
♦ Shodan – Level 5
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Keto (Knocking Down a Gate), Ujaku (Black Magpie), and Shun Soku (Footwork Swift Like a Falcon).
It adds Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Omote Gyaku with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students train in Kasumi Gake (Mist Trap).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Kasugaidome (Bind and Stop).
From Rokushakubo, it covers Tsuru no Issoku (One Step of the Crane).
Kusarifundo applications include defense vs a kick, plus avoid the kick & choke from behind.
♦ Shodan – Level 6
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Yubi Kudaki (Break the Finger), Seito (Moving Like a Darting Fish), and Ichi Geki (One Shot).
It expands Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Omote Gyaku Ken Sabaki with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students train in Iki Chigai (In Passing).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Kocho Gaeshi (Small Butterfly Counter).
From Rokushakubo, it teaches Ura Issoku (Hidden Pair).
Additional training includes Hira Shuriken vs Two Punches with counter, throw, and escape.
♦ Shodan – Level 7
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Ketsu Myaku (Choking the Vein), Ko Rai (To Down a Tiger), and Kaisoku (Superior Footwork).
It adds Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Ura Gyaku with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students train in Kao Kudaki (Face Crush).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Shiho Giri (Cutting in Four Directions).
From Rokushakubo, it covers Suso Otoshi (Hem Drop).
Additional training includes Hira Shuriken vs Grab and Punch, applying trap, counter, and takedown.
♦ Shodan – Level 8
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Sakketsu (Killer Squeeze), Shien (Giant Monkey), and Ko Ryaku (Scoop Away).
It adds Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Musha Dori with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students train in Atte Gaeshi (Striking Counter).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Happo Giri (Cutting in Eight Directions).
From Rokushakubo, it covers Ura Suso Otoshi (Inner Hem Drop).
Additional training includes a Vertical Stick Swing Defense: move, strike to face, stomp hands, and follow up.
♦ Shodan – Level 9
Includes Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu techniques: Tei Ken (Kick Like a Horse), Iaifu (Match His Energy and Surround Him), and Chingan (Sinking Wild Goose).
It expands Kihon Happo with Weapons, practicing Gansekinage with all weapons.
From Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu, students train in Saka Otoshi (Reverse Drop).
In Bikenjutsu, the focus is Saka Otoshi (Reverse Drop) and Tsuki no Wa (Full Moon).
From Rokushakubo, it covers Ippon Sugi (Solitary Cedar).
Additional training includes a Horizontal Stick Swing Defense: move in, bear hug, trap legs, and takedown.
Recommended Training Gear
To get the most out of your Second-Degree Black Belt Course, we suggest having the following gear available. These tools will allow you to train authentically and practice each weapon system taught in the program.
Core Gear (you may improvise as needed)
- Hanbo (Half-Staff, ~3 ft.) – Essential for Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu.
- Rokushakubo (Six-Foot Staff) – Required for long-range kata and partner drills.
- Bokken or Katana (Wooden or Steel Sword) – For Bikenjutsu training and paired drills.
- Kusarifundo (Weighted Chain) – Recommended for entangling and striking drills.
- Shuriken (Throwing Spikes or Stars) – For distance training, tactical throwing, and footwork integration.
- Training Knife (Wooden or Rubber) – Safe practice for knife defense and knife vs knife scenarios.
Additional Equipment
- Training Mat / Open Floor Space – Protects joints and allows full movement.
- Partner (Optional) – Not required, but valuable for realistic applications.
- Protective Gear (Gloves, Goggles, Forearm Guards) – Enhances safety during partner drills.
⚔️ Note: You do not need all weapons on day one. Start with what you have, and add gear as you progress through the course.
How to Officially Earn Rank in the Bujinkan
Training through this Second-Degree Black Belt Course gives you the knowledge, skills, and waza to progress from Shodan to Nidan. However, official rank in the Bujinkan is recognized only through testing and certification under the authority of a licensed Shidoshi or Dai Shihan. 
To officially earn rank, you will need:
- Bujinkan Membership – To be recognized internationally, you must maintain an active membership with the Bujinkan organization in Japan.
- Consistent Practice – Complete the training curriculum, demonstrate understanding of the kata, weapons, and unarmed applications.
- Video Testing Submission – To earn rank at each level, you must purchase an Earn Rank Package and submit your test directly to Dai Shihan Roemke. Your submission should demonstrate your ability to perform the required techniques with accuracy and understanding. For students training at a distance, this is done through video demonstrations of kata and drills for evaluation.
- Evaluation by Dai Shihan Mark Roemke – Rank advancement is awarded only after personal review by Dai Shihan Roemke, who is licensed by Bujinkan Grandmaster Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.
Upon successful testing, you will receive official certification from the Bujinkan, issued through Dai Shihan Roemke.
Rank testing is only necessary for those who desire to Earn Rank Certificates. Training for fun is always welcome!
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
We stand behind the quality of this training. Every lesson in the Second-Degree Black Belt Course has been carefully designed by Dai Shihan Mark Roemke to guide you step by step toward your Nidan.
If you commit to the training and for any reason feel the course isn’t right for you, let us know within 30 days and we’ll refund your purchase in full — no questions asked.
You’ve worked hard to earn your black belt. Advancing to Nidan should feel exciting, challenging, and rewarding — and we guarantee this course will deliver that.
Train with confidence, knowing your investment is fully protected.
