There are successive levels of learning within Shinseido. The beginner will embark upon the learning of several methods that embody the principles of the system such as stepping and posture, how to use the hands and arms in a defensive manner, how to evade, and how to counter strike. In conjunction with these developmental exercises the student will learn the first form comprising a series of very effective self defence movements. The learning of this form will, among other things, increase the student's levels of confidence and self esteem. The student will learn how to use the movements of the form in a practical self defensive way with a practise partner. The movements during the early stages of learning are performed in succession one after the other and are precise and detailed. The new student will not be subjected to trauma, fear or hurt. Instead, s/he will take on new experiences and ever more difficult material as s/he grasps the principles and gains confidence.

Successive levels of attainment in the young members class

In addition to the coloured belt system, when each aspect of the syllabus has been learned a competency badge is awarded to each young member. The young student is eligible to enter for a grading examination when the required number of badges have been earned.

Shodan - 1st Dan Black Belt

Sho-dan means 'first step' and at this level the graduate is entitled to wear the black belt. There is nothing mysterious or wonderful about the black belt. It is simply the very first step on a life long ten rung ladder (there are ten black belt levels). The ninth and tenth degrees demand a total life long commitment to the art. However, the main requirements for the first 'shodan' level are patience and consistency. Hard working conscientious students could graduate to the black belt level in five years depending upon the starting age and aptitude.

Throughout training the student is taught the interplay between the soft circular internal style and the hard linear external style. The yin principle of circularity, softness, and yielding, is perfectly balanced with the (yang) linear, hard type of training. The remaining stages of learning culminate in learning additional forms and enable the practitioner to become a Shinseido Shorin Ryu teacher and ultimately a professor (master) in his or her own right.