While students are constantly critiqued and advised, there is no stress placed on achieving a particular skill level. Each student is simply asked to do the best that they can do on any given day. Shiohira Sensei is authorized to bestow ranks up to advanced black belt levels. The ranks are determined in semi-annual tests at the dojo. These tests are chosen off a list, and comprise a few specific techniques of both throwing and taking falls with a partner.
Testing is optional but encouraged.