Blue Lotus Ranking Structure

 

The Blue Lotus Clan is divided into 5 groups, or classes.  In order to enter each class, the member must meet certain requirements to even be eligible to be inducted.  Within each class, except Oshiego, there are several different ranks.  Members will increase in rank within their existing Class until they reach the top most level.  At that point, if the requirements are met, they may be promoted into the next subsequent Class.

Oshiego Warrior Class Shidoshi Class Shihan Class Soke (Grand Master)

 

Oshiego Class

 

Oshiego

The Oshiego Class is composed of members still considered students within the Clan.  They have been accepted as members, and serve within the Order of the Blue Lotus subguild.

 

In order to enter this Class, new recruits must be assigned to a Wake, and answer to their Wake Commander for training Assignments.

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Warrior Class (Ninja)

The Warrior Class is composed of the Ninja within the Blue Lotus Clan who have proved their skill in the Art of Ninjitsu as well in their preferred style of combat.  They have shown their willingness to support and be a part of the Blue Lotus Clan, and have completed the Sacred Test of the Shodan.

 

Members of the Warrior Class answer to their Wake Commander and assist them in the operation of their Wake.  Training younger Oshiego is the primary focus of the Warrior Class.  These members have authority over the Oshiego of the clan, and are considered the ENLISTED element within the Clan Ranking Structure.

 

Shodan (1st Dan)

 

Nidan (2nd Dan)

 

Sandan (3rd Dan)

 

Yondan (4th Dan)

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Shidoshi Class

The Shidoshi Class is comprised of those members, who during the course of their service as a Warrior, have exemplified themselves through Service to the Clan and Service to their fellow members.  These members have proven themselves to be an invaluable part of the Clan and have gained the Elder Council’s trust in representing the Blue Lotus with pride and honor.

 

These members are considered the leadership element within the Clan, and serve as Wake (Division) Commanders.  They have direct authority over all other junior members and are considered OFFICERS of the Blue Lotus.

 

Shidoshi serving in the position of Wake Commander are considered members of the Elder Council, and help make decisions for the Clan as a whole.

 

Shidoshi – Godan

(5th Dan)

 

Shidoshi – Rokudan

(6th Dan)

 

Shidoshi – Nanadan

(7th Dan)

 

Shidoshi – Hachidan

(8th Dan)

 

Shidoshi – Kudan

(9th Dan)

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Shihan Class

The Shihan Class are comprised of members who have shown a high capacity for leadership within the Clan and directly represent the Soke when he is not present.  This is not a level of responsibility granted easily, but instead is only awarded to those members who truly understand the objectives and goals of the Clan.  Outside of serving as the Clan Soke, this class represents the highest level of achievement possible within the Blue Lotus, and is approved to stand in for the Soke if he is indisposed.

 

Normally, each Shihan member is assigned duties afforded them by the Soke, and acts in his behalf within those specific assignments.

 

Each is a member of the Elder Council and has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the whole Clan when consulting with the Soke or Elder Council isn’t possible.  These members are considered the SENIOR OFFICERS within the Clan Ranking Structure.

 

Shihan – Judan

(10th Dan)

 

Shihan – Chigyo

(11th Dan)

 

Shihan Suigyo

(12th Dan)

 

Shihan – Kagyo

(13th Dan)

 

Shihan – Fugyo

(14th Dan)

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The Rank of Soke

 

Soke – Grand Master

(15th Dan)

The senior most member of the Blue Lotus Clan is awarded the rank of Soke in recognition of his or her achievement in becoming the highest level of authority within the Clan.  The Soke, or Grand Master, is ultimate person responsible for the actions and operation of the Blue Lotus Clan.  He is the leader of the Elder Council and reserves the right to make decisions without consulting the same when the need arises.  His direct approval is required to promote into or demote out of the Shidoshi or Shihan Classes.

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Soke Retirement

 

Soke – Retired

(15th Dan)

Once a member of the Clan has achieved the rank of Soke, they will be referred to with this title for the rest of their lives.  When a serving Soke steps down from their position, they wear a special badge indicating previous service as the highest ranking member of the Clan. 

 

They no longer directly represent the Clan as a leader, but may still take part in Elder Council discussions without the ability to cast a vote.  Their primary responsibility is to advise the current Soke during the performance of his duties.

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Special thanks to Tony "Belanna" Fretwell for designing the rank art based on existing Bujinkan ranks. You da man, T.

Anyone wishing to find out about real life current day warriors practicing the Art of Ninjitsu, here's a link.