Richard is one of the highest ranking Bujinkan Ninjutsu Shidoshi (Instructors) outside of Japan (9th Dan in Ninpo Taijutsu / 15th dan in Budo Taijutsu from Grandmaster/ Soke Masaaki Hatsumi) and an internationally acclaimed Eskrima Grandmaster (personal student and inheriting Grandmaster of the late DeCuerdas Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio). Also has been awarded blackbelt levels or above in Karate, Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Muso Tenshin Ryu Iaijutsu (yondan), Aikido, and Enshin Ryu Iaido and BattoJutsu (from Grandmaster Kenshinsai Machida). In 1996 and in 1997 the World Head of Family Sokeship Council awarded Master Van Donk with its most prestigious award of Grandmaster of the Year for his contributions to martial arts. He has been inducted into many Master and Grandmaster councils.

Master Richard Van Donk is a personal student of Ninjutsu Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda city, Japan and has traveled to train with him at least twice a year since 1985 when he received his (Nidan) 2nd degree Blackbelt and Shidoshi-ho (Junior teaching license) directly from Soke Hatsumi.At this time Soke Hatsumi also made him a personal student in a special ceremony at Shihan Ishizuka’s dojo.In early 1987 Richard passed his 5th degree test in Japan in front of a panel of Japanese Shihan. At that time Richard was told he was only the 9th non-Japanese person to be awarded this rank in the art’s almost 2,000 year history.

In 1991 Richard was honored with the Golden Dragon Award for his contributions to the Bujinkan. Soke Hatsumi awarded Shihan Van Donk his 10th degree Blackbelt Menkyo license on Dec. 2, 1995 (Soke Hatsumi’s Birthday) and his 11th dan on Takamatsu’s Birthday March 2000. Soke Hatsumi awarded Richard the rank of Junidan** (12th Degree blackbelt) on March 28th, 2001. Soke Hatsumi awarded Richard the rank of Ju-sandan*** (13th Degree blackbelt) on December 2nd, 2002 (Soke Hatsumi’s Birthday), Soke Hatsumi awarded Richard the rank of Ju-Yondan**** (14th Degree blackbelt) on April 2nd, 2004 (Takamatsu Resurrection) and his Menkyo Kaiden Ju-Godan***** (15th Degree blackbelt) on Dec 2nd, 2004 (Hatsumi’s Birthday). Beyond rank is the Shin Gi Tai Ichi Award given to him. DaiShihan Van Donk has been responsible for pioneering the current ranking structures used by many Bujinkan instructors throughout the world now training with Soke Masaaki Hatsumi in Japan. He continues to lead the IBDA and IBDA Master Council long after Hatsumi-Sensei’s retirement. 

Shidoshi-ho

(junior licensed teacher) was granted in 1986.
Personal Student of Soke Hatsumi
in a private ceremony at Shihan Ishizuka’s dojo in Kashiwa. In attendance was Soke, Shihan Ishizuka, and Shihan Nagato.
Shidoshi (fully licensed teacher)
after completion of the Sakki test at Kobiyashi’s Dojo in 1987 becoming one of the first foreigners to pass this once coveted tests.
American Bujinkan Dojo Designation 1987
Mission with Soke Hatsumi to spread the Bujinkan Arts.

Fighting Spirit Award  1988

Quest Co. Ltd., Soke Hatsumi and Richard  Van Donk contractual agreement for Video creation. Granting Richard Van Donk through American Bujinjan Dojo Association North America / worldwide distribution of Soke’s Dvds. 

Golden Dragon Medal
In 1991 Master Van Donk was among the first to be given this award from Soke Hatsumi for his worldwide pioneering efforts.
International Bujinkan Dojo Association Designation to Shihan Richard Van Donk by Soke Hatsumi.
1991 Texas Tai Kai host

Shin Gi Tai Award
in 2014 (Unification of Mind/Heart, Skill, and Body)
Yushu Shihan Award
(extraordinary Shihan).

DaiShihan Title – Great Master or Grand Master
Doshi Richard Van Donk continues to expand on the IBDAs teachings worldwide.